Secrets Of TV’s The Rifleman: More Than Just Guns And Good Times

The Art Of The Deal

When Chuck Connors was first offered the lead of Lucas McCain in the show, he turned down the part based on the low salary he was offered. The show’s producers immediately considered actors James Whitmore and John Anderson for the role, thinking they would accept their wage offer.

Whitmore, who later won two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe, was the first choice. Anderson later guest-starred on the show. But then The Rifleman’s producers made an amazing discovery about Connors…