Rayford Barnes was a prolific actor who appeared in many western films and TV shows, such as The Wild Bunch, Hondo, and The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp. He was known for his rugged looks and tough demeanor, often playing villains or outlaws. He died on November 11, 2000, at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances. But what was the cause of his death? And how did he live his life off-screen? In this article, we will explore the life and death of Rayford Barnes, and pay tribute to his contributions to the genre of westerns.
Early Life and Career
Rayford Barnes was born on October 23, 1920, in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in Whitesboro, Texas, and attended the University of Texas. He acted in plays at the university and at little theaters in Dallas and San Antonio. He also worked as a disc jockey at radio stations KTSA and WOAI. He had a younger brother, Lou Dupont, who was also an entertainer and a ventriloquist. During World War II, Barnes served 4.5 years in the Navy, working as a navigator.
After his military service, Barnes moved to Oakland, California, and performed at the Pasadena Community Playhouse. He gained membership in Actors Equity in 1950, and began to act on stage in Repertory Theater productions, such as Three’s a Family and Hasty Heart. He also worked off-stage, creating staging and scenes for other plays.
Barnes made his film debut in 1952, in the war drama Thunderbirds. He soon found his niche in westerns, appearing in films such as Hondo, The Burning Hills, Fort Massacre, The Wild Bunch, The Hunting Party, and Cahill U.S. Marshal. He often played antagonists, such as Ike Clanton in The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, or Buck in The Wild Bunch. He also appeared in some comedies, such as Bowery to Bagdad.
TV Appearances and Later Years
Barnes was also a frequent guest star on TV shows, especially westerns. He appeared on dozens of series, such as Father Knows Best, Bat Masterson, Highway Patrol, Racket Squad, The Untouchables, Cheyenne, Maverick, Have Gun – Will Travel, Cannon, The Twilight Zone, The Big Valley, Daniel Boone, The High Chaparral, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, Rawhide, Wonder Woman, Little House on the Prairie, Fantasy Island, The Dukes of Hazzard, and Walker, Texas Ranger. His final role was on the NBC medical drama ER in 1996.
Barnes lived in Manhattan Beach, California, with his long-time companion, Debbie. He often spoke about his movie making experiences with John Wayne, for whom he had great admiration. He also had a close relationship with his aunt, Binnie Barnes, who was a famous actress in the 1930s and 1940s.
Rayford Barnes Cause of Death
According to Wikipedia, Barnes died in Santa Monica or Manhattan Beach, California, on November 11, 2000, at age 80. However, the exact cause of his death is not disclosed. According to IMDb, he died of an undisclosed illness. According to Wikispro, he died of a non-communicable disease. Whatever the cause, his death was a loss for the fans of westerns and the film industry.
Rayford Barnes was a versatile and talented actor who left a mark on the genre of westerns. He played many memorable characters, both good and bad, and brought them to life with his charisma and skill. He was a veteran of both the stage and the screen, and a respected colleague and friend to many. He will be remembered as one of the stars of the golden age of westerns. Rest in peace, Rayford Barnes.
