NathanThe Real Milly Scott
Joan Taylor was the actress for Milly Scott. She was the “new storekeeper” plus a love interest for McCain. The producers felt that after raising such a wonderful boy, it was time for McCain to settle down. So they introduced Milly Scott’s character. She was uber popular with the fans as a headstrong jean wearing woman in business.
An Early Emmy Nominee
Johnny Crawford’s big highlight of his careers as a child actor would have to be getting an Emmy nomination at 13-years-old for his role of Mark McCain on The Rifleman! He did not win as Gunsmoke’s Dennis Weaver won. However, thinking about how young he was, it was such an accomplishment at such a tender age.
Chuck Connors Dies
On November 10, 1992, died from complications of pneumonia and lung cancer. He was an intense chain-smoker who had to have 3 packs every day until he began to get a little sick in his 50’s. He started smoking in 1940 and took him over 30 years to finally quit. But by then it was already too late.
Johnny Loves Chuck Very Much
Chuck and Johnny became very close over the years. Johnny even gave a eulogy at Connors’ funeral. “Chuck was a great guy, a lot of fun, great sense of humor, bigger than life, and he absolutely loved people. He was very gregarious and friendly, and not at all bashful. It was a good experience for me to spend time with Chuck and learn how he dealt with people. I learned a great deal from him about acting, and he was a tremendous influence on me. He was just my hero” said Johnny Crawford.