#16: Chuck Connors

Chuck Connors lived a life as rugged as the roles he played. Before Hollywood, he excelled as a pro baseball and basketball player and even worked as a real cowboy. His big break came with The Rifleman, where he became a household name.

He carried his tough yet charismatic persona into films like Pancho Villa, Once Upon a Time in Texas, and The Big Country. His athleticism and natural confidence made him a perfect fit for Westerns. Whether on the court, field, or frontier, Connors brought the same determination and presence that made him an enduring star.