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Known as the "fastest gun in all the West" and the epitome of "tall, dark and handsome," Don Durant gained fame for his leading role in the CBS western series Johnny Ringo (1959). Born Donald Allison Durae on November 20, 1932, in Long Beach, California, he spent part of his youth in Riverside and on a large cattle ranch in Elko, Nevada. His entry into show business began with hosting his own radio program on KPRO in Riverside while still in high school. He served in both the US Naval Reserve and the army, briefly holding positions in both military branches simultaneously.
By 1953, Don was touring in plays and singing at the Sands and Sahara in Las Vegas. In 1954, he signed with CBS as a bit player and singer, appearing on programs such as The Jack Benny Program (1950), The Red Skelton Hour (1951), Shower of Stars (1954), General Electric Theater (1953), You Are There (1953), and You Bet Your Life (1950), many of which were performed live. He also studied acting under coach Estelle Harmon.
Don toured as lead vocalist with Tommy Dorsey and Frankie Carle. In 1955, he began a significant collaboration with Ray Anthony, one of the last big-band leaders. He was a regular featured singer on the live 1956-57 ABC series The Ray Anthony Show (1956) and released an album on Capitol Records with Anthony. Additionally, he recorded his own songs, "Seal Rock" and "Love Me Baby," on Fabor Records. During this time, he headlined at the Hollywood Bowl and the famous Mocambo nightclub.
His first starring film role came in the 1957 drive-in movie She Gods of Shark Reef (1958), produced and directed by the renowned Roger Corman. That same year, while filming a commercial in Monterey, California, for the new 1958 Fords, he met Trudy Wroe, a petite blonde actress known for her role on the television series Big Town (1950). They shot a horseback sequence together and soon began dating.
Following appearances on shows such as Wagon Train (1957), Sergeant Preston of the Yukon (1955), Climax! (1954), Studio 57 (1954), Suspicion (1957), Perry Mason (1957), Trackdown (1957), Richard Diamond, Private Detective (1956), Maverick (1957), and Wanted: Dead or Alive (1958), Don filmed a pilot with Jane Russell titled "MacCreedy's Woman." Dick Powell saw his performance and cast him as the gunslinger-turned-sheriff Johnny Ringo in a pilot aired on Zane Grey Theatre (1956). The series was picked up and began production in early 1959 at Four Star studios with Aaron Spelling. Mark Goddard, Karen Sharpe (later married to producer Stanley Kramer), and Terence de Marney joined the cast. Don and Trudy married on February 28 of that year.
Johnny Ringo was canceled after one season due to sponsorship issues but has aired continuously in syndication since 1964 alongside other Four Star westerns. It was the only prime-time network western to feature a theme song solely composed and performed by the star, released by RCA. The show also licensed more toys than any other adult TV Western. Don later signed with Revue Studios and guest-starred on The Twilight Zone (1959), The Virginian (1962), Wagon Train (1957), Wide Country (1962), Arrest and Trial (1963), and Laramie (1959), among others.
Frustrated by the roles he was offered and after a summer hosting Youth Panorama, Don left show business in late 1964 to pursue a more stable career in real estate and financial management. He led the Beverly Hills office of Fred Sands Realty before founding his own company. He served for many years as president of the Southern California Mobile Home Park Owners' Association and developed a condominium complex in Palm Desert. He and Trudy resided in Encino until 1998, when they moved to Dana Point.
Don was an avid sportsman, deep-sea fisherman, golfer, and active in Republican politics. He and Trudy traveled extensively in later years. Occasionally, he attended autograph shows and conventions, delighting fans by carrying his iconic LeMat pistol from the series. A true cowboy, expert shooter, and skilled horseman, Don's genuine nature shone through in his portrayal of Johnny Ringo, lending authenticity that set him apart. Known for his kindness, warmth, and honesty, he will be deeply missed by family, friends, and fans.
He is survived by his wife Trudy; daughter Heidi and her husband Chris Albus of Raton, New Mexico; son Jeffrey and wife Shelly, along with their children Daniella and Toren of San Diego.
