When people think of Burt Reynolds and Western TV shows, they generally think “Gunsmoke” but the movie icon actually had a major role in Riverboat about two years earlier. Burt Reynolds is basically the definition of a Hollywood icon. Even if you’ve never seen him in action, you know he was a star.

Reynolds began acting in the late 1950s, with small one-episode roles, but it wasn’t long before he was getting major parts in both movies and on television. From The Twilight Zone to The Last Movie Star, Reynolds’ career is one we look back on fondly, and it arguably began with this underrated Western series.

Burt Reynolds’ First Major Television Role Was In Riverboat

Before he appeared in Gunsmoke, Burt Reynolds had a starring role in the Western TV series Riverboat as Ben Frazer, the pilot of the Enterprise, the titular riverboat which sails up and down the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio Rivers. Ben is also Captain Grey Holden’s (Darren McGavin) friend and confidante.

Ben was an orphan who’d spent his entire life on the river and knew the waterways better than anyone. This was the fifth role of Reynolds’ fledgling career and far and away his most substantial role. It wasn’t meant to last, however, and after 20 episodes, Ben was written off and replaced by Noah Beery, Jr. as Bill Blake.

Riverboat Is An Underrated Western From The ’50s

Riverboat is unusual in the Western genre for being a series that takes place before the American Civil War. Look at any of the most popular Western TV shows of all time, they almost all take place after that conflict. Riverboat is instead set in the lead-up, even encountering a young Abraham Lincoln at one point.

The series follows the crew of the Enterprise, led by Captain Holden, as they sail all over the American West and Midwest, encountering figures and notorious events of history. Riverboat was plagued by frequent cast changes and only lasted two seasons, but in retrospect, it has a deadpan, surprising sense of humor and an eclectic group of characters.

Most People Think Of Gunsmoke As Reynolds’ First Western Role

Cr: CBS

When it comes to Burt Reynolds and Western roles, most people probably first think of his recurring role in Gunsmoke from 1962 to 1965. There’s no denying that Gunsmoke is a more popular and, admittedly, better TV show. Reynolds appeared in the series for 50 episodes as Quint Asper.

Quint is a blacksmith and part-time deputy marshal, and he’s also half-Comanche, raised as a member of a local tribe. He’s integrated into the town with help from Matt Dillon (James Arness). With a prominent role in one of TV’s biggest shows, it’s obvious why this one is more remembered; just don’t forget about Riverboat.

Release Date

1959 – 1961-00-00

Directors

William Witney, Jules Munshin, Hollingsworth Morse, Sidney Lanfield, John Rich, Felix E. Feist, Allen H. Miner, Darren McGavin, David Lowell Rich, Douglas Heyes, John Brahm

Writers

George Tibbles

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  Barbara Stuart

  Nanette Burns

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