Randy Boone, actor and musician, dead at 83

Randy Boone, best known for his role as Randy Benton on NBC’s western series , has died at the age of 83.

His wife, Lana, confirmed to that he passed away on August 28. She did not provide further details.

Born January 17, 1942, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Boone gained recognition in 1964 when he joined during its second season. Over the course of two years, he appeared in 46 episodes alongside James Drury and Doug McClure, often performing his own songs and riding his personal horse, Clyde, which he allowed the studio to use.

Before his time on , Boone played Vern Hodges, a folk-singing student in the short-lived series . His music remained a constant throughout his acting career, and during his western roles he often sang original material. He later released recordings, including