Often seen traveling across the hills, plains, and valleys of the Wild West, this cherished TV cowboy was a staple of American television for over half a decade – and his program began as a spinoff of an already-popular show.
Ty Hardin, who is most recognized for playing Bronco Layne on the Warner Brothers series titled Bronco, sadly passed away on August 3rd, 2017 at the age of 87 at his home in Huntington Beach, California. His wife of seven years, Carolyn, confirmed his passing, but revealed that a cause of death had not yet been established.
Hardin notched his big break after the original lead in ABC’s Cheyenne walked out amid contract disagreements and he was immediately cast as the replacement, donning the role of Bronco Layne – the country cousin of the show’s main character. During his time on Cheyenne, Hardin made such an impression on viewers that Warner Brothers brought the character back for his very own series.
From 1958 to 1962, Bronco aired for a total of four seasons and 68 episodes, earning Hardin his biggest and most-recognizable role of his career. In the years that followed Bronco’s success, the beloved actor also partook in a variety of films and other TV shows like Battle of the Bulge, Riptide, and PT 109 – among others. His final role was in 2011’s comedy, The Back-Up Bride, in which he played Colonel Sanders.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Hardin’s family during this very difficult time.
Watch some of the great archived footage from this legendary television show in the clip below.