John Russell carved a memorable niche in the landscape of classic Western television, particularly for his portrayal of the steadfast Marshal Dan Troop in Lawman. However, before embodying the epitome of law and order, Russell showcased his versatility in a range of roles, including a stint as a compelling villain. This exploration into John Russell’s early career highlights his journey from portraying morally ambiguous characters to becoming a celebrated symbol of justice on the small screen.
Following his role in Soldier of Fortune, Russell immersed himself in diverse projects, making guest appearances in popular series like Maverick, Cheyenne, and Sugarfoot. Notably, 1957 saw him step into the shoes of a clear-cut antagonist in Hellbound. In this film, John Russell was billed first, playing opposite June Blair and Stuart Whitman. His character met a fittingly grim demise in a shipyard, a hideout from the pursuing law. Interestingly, Hellbound offered Russell a chance to explore a different side of romance on screen, granting him a couple of kisses, a departure from the stoic demeanor that would later define his Lawman persona.
The world of television beckoned again, and on January 12, 1958, Russell appeared in the Maverick episode “Rage for Vengeance.” Here, he played a cattleman, embodying a figure of authority and conflict as he clashed with “sodbusters” in Montana. This role further demonstrated his capacity to portray strong, assertive characters, a trait that would resonate in his subsequent, more iconic role.
A pivotal moment in shaping Russell’s trajectory towards Lawman came with his guest appearance in the Cheyenne episode “The Empty Gun.” In this episode, Russell portrayed Matt Reardon, a reformed gunfighter grappling with his past. Reardon, bearing a striking resemblance to the future Dan Troop in appearance and mannerisms, is a man burdened by his violent history. He seeks Cheyenne’s help to deliver money to his former lover, the widow of a man he killed in a gunfight. The depth of the character is revealed as Reardon is portrayed as a reluctant gunfighter, forced into violence and deeply remorseful. In a poignant climax, Reardon allows himself to be mortally wounded in a confrontation with the son of the man he killed, concealing the truth from the boy to spare him the burden of knowing he caused another’s death.
According to Everett Aaker’s Television Western Players of the Fifties, it was this compelling performance in “The Empty Gun” that directly inspired Warner Bros. to envision a series with John Russell as “the embodiment of law and order.” The parallels between Matt Reardon and Dan Troop are undeniable, making this narrative highly plausible. Adding to the significance, “The Empty Gun” script was later recycled and reimagined as the Lawman episode “The Payment,” with Russell taking on the Cheyenne-esque protector role, further highlighting the thematic and character connections. Before fully stepping into the boots of Marshal Troop, Russell made one last guest appearance in the Maverick episode “Lonesome Reunion,” a role that presented him in a less heroic light, showcasing the breadth of his acting capabilities.
The series that would solidify his legacy, Lawman, premiered shortly after. Peter Brown, his co-star in Lawman, fondly remembered John Russell’s profound impact. At both the 1998 Charlotte and Knoxville Film Festivals, Brown’s praise for Russell was effusive. He described Russell as being “about as good as it got” and recounted how Russell mentored him, guiding him in the nuances of screen acting. This on-screen mentorship mirrored the dynamic within Lawman, where Marshal Dan Troop served as a guide to his younger deputy, a testament to the authentic connection Russell fostered both on and off camera.
John Russell’s journey to becoming Marshal Dan Troop was paved with diverse roles that showcased his acting range. From playing villains in films like Hellbound to morally complex characters in episodes of Maverick and Cheyenne, these experiences honed his skills and ultimately led him to embody one of television’s most iconic lawmen, forever etching his name in the annals of Western television history.
