Ron Hayes was an American television actor who appeared in many popular shows in the 1950s and 1960s, such as Bat Masterson, The Rifleman, Bonanza, and Gunsmoke. He was also an activist in the environmental movement and worked for the establishment of the first Earth Day in 1970. He died on October 1, 2004, at the age of 75. What was the cause of his death and what legacy did he leave behind?
A Career in Television
Ron Hayes was born on February 26, 1929, in San Francisco, California. He graduated from Stanford University with a degree in foreign relations and served as a Marine lieutenant in the Korean War. After the war, he settled in San Jose, California, and worked as a radio announcer and disc jockey.
He moved to Los Angeles in 1955 to pursue a career in acting. He landed his first television role in the western series Cheyenne in 1957. He went on to play various characters in many other westerns, such as Tombstone Territory, The Virginian, and The High Chaparral. He also portrayed Wyatt Earp in several episodes of Bat Masterson and Lincoln Vail in the adventure series The Everglades.
Hayes was known for his versatility and ability to play different types of roles. He could be a hero, a villain, or a comic relief. He also had a knack for accents and dialects. He co-starred in the ABC comedy The Rounders in 1966, playing a cowboy who was always getting into trouble with his friend and partner.
A Passion for the Environment
Hayes was not only an actor but also an environmentalist. He was a member of the Sierra Club and a founder of the ecological interest group Wilderness World. He worked for the establishment of the first Earth Day, observed on April 22, 1970. He also hosted a television show called Coors Western Outdoorsman, which featured wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation.
Hayes was passionate about preserving the natural beauty and resources of the planet. He once said, “I love this earth. I feel that man is raping it and that we’ve got to do something about it.” He advocated for renewable energy sources, recycling, and organic farming. He also opposed nuclear power plants, oil drilling, and deforestation.
A Tragic End
Hayes died on October 1, 2004, of complications of a subdural hematoma as the result of a fall near his residence in Malibu, California. He was survived by his three children from his first marriage to Joan Sturgess. He had been married three more times to Betty Endicott, Caroline Muir, and Carol Capek, but all ended in divorce.
Hayes was remembered by his fans and colleagues as a talented actor and a dedicated environmentalist. He left behind a legacy of entertaining performances and inspiring activism. He once said, “I want to be remembered as someone who tried to make this world a better place.”
