He was almost right there with Buster Keaton and Jackie Chan. He was also known for doing his own stunts in fight scenes.
All of that caught up with himand with us. The Rockford Files ended earlier than it needed to because he had knee surgery that he probably wouldn't have needed if he had done less stunts.

Thanks for the post, I was coming to look and see if he did any of his own riding stunts having just seen him Support Your Local Gunfighter and Support Your Local Sheriff with a friend who is a big western fan who has those films. I was sorry to learn he passed away a short while ago. A fine actor, he is obviously still missed by his many fans but he will be remembered.

I didn't know that! Thanks for the link.

Wow I didn't know that. Although I can't say I'm surprised. He did virtually all the driving on Rockford Files as well. Aside from the really dangerous stunt driving of course. I think he was one of those guys that was good at everything he tries. Some people are just talented that way.
I'd bet most western stars, not to mention studios, were more than happy to let the stunt riders take the bumps and knocks

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