Randy Boone, known for 'The Virginian' and 'It's a Man's World,' dies at 83

Randy Boone, the actor and singer who became a familiar face on American television in the 1960s, has died at the age of 83. His death was confirmed on August 28, 2025. Boone was best known for his role as Randy Benton in The Virginian and for his work on NBC’s short-lived series It’s a Man’s World.

Boone came to fame during the rise of television westerns, a genre that defined much of his career. He brought music into his acting, often performing with his guitar on screen. For many fans, his image as a young cowboy-singer became a symbol of the period.

Away from acting, Boone also pursued music and appeared in other western projects. His career slowed after the 1970s, but he remained linked with the golden age of television westerns.

Randy Boone's career in television and music

Randy Boone started in television by appearing on It’s a Man’s World in the early sixties. It lasted only one season, but it was his introduction into the industry. He soon became a regular at NBC in The Virginian.

On The Virginian, Boone was Randy Benton, a ranch hand who plays guitar. He was featured in 70 episodes as he was one of the longest supporting actors of the show. The position provided him with the opportunity to practice his passion in music and acting since he frequently sang and played guitar during the performance.

Randy Boone went on with television after leaving The Virginian. He appeared in the CBS Western Cimarron Strip with Stuart Whitman. Boone also published songs related to his work on television but his acting career was his primary interest in the period.

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Personal life and legacy

Mike Barnes

@MikeBarnes4

#RIP Randy Boone, the singing and guitar-playing ranch hand Randy Benton on ‘The Virginian.’ He wrote many of the songs he performed on the show, saying he wanted to “feel like I’m putting something special into the work.”

Randy Boone was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He entered television as a folk singer. His music history generally influenced the parts that he was cast in.

Towards the end of the 1980s, Boone left acting. He quit Hollywood and became a construction worker. His work on television was also remembered by the representatives of the western genre, despite the quiet life he led later on.

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The association between music and western drama on TV was close to Randy Boone's career in 1960s. As an actor and a singer, he was successful, and the character of Randy Benton in The Virginian became his most memorable role. His death at 83 closes a chapter for fans of classic television westerns. Boone will be remembered for his performances that still hold part in the history of television.

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