Doug McClure (May 11, 1935- February 5, 1995) was an American actor best known for his work in television and film. He gained widespread fame for his role as Trampas in the long-running western series The Virginian.
In his personal life, McClure was married five times and had two daughters, Tane McClure and Valerie McClure. His final wife, Diane Furnberg, remained by his side until his passing.
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Who was Doug McClure?
Doug McClure was a talented American actor best known for his work in television and film. He gained widespread fame for playing Trampas in the long-running western series The Virginian.
His charming personality and strong screen presence made him a fan favorite, and he became one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood during the 1960s and 1970s.
His acting career spanned several decades, featuring roles in various westerns, action films, and science fiction movies. Apart from The Virginian, he starred in TV series like Barbary Coast and Out of This World.
He also appeared in adventure films such as The Land That Time Forgot and At the Earth’s Core, which showcased his versatility as an actor.
McClure’s performances were often praised for their energy and charisma. He had a natural ability to bring characters to life. His work in westerns made him an iconic figure in the genre, and he became a familiar presence on television screens across America.
Beyond acting, McClure was known for his friendly and down-to-earth personality. He built strong relationships with his co-stars and left a lasting impression on those who worked with him.
His contributions to television earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a recognition of his impact on the entertainment industry.
Even after his passing, Doug McClure remains a respected figure in Hollywood. His legacy continues through the classic films and television shows that still entertain audiences today.
His dedication to his craft and his memorable performances have ensured that his name will be remembered for years to come.
Early Life of Doug McClure
Doug McClure was born on May 11, 1935, in Glendale, California, USA. His full name was Douglas Osborne McClure. He was an American citizen and became one of Hollywood’s well-known actors.
His ethnicity was Irish and English, as his ancestors came from both backgrounds. He had a strong American identity and grew up in a typical California household.
His father, Donald Reed McClure, worked as an aviation inspector. His job involved checking aircraft for safety and performance. Doug’s mother, Clara Elsie Clapp, was a homemaker. She took care of the household and raised Doug and his brother.
His family valued hard work and discipline. His older brother, Donald McClure Jr., played an important role in his life. They had a close bond while growing up. McClure was raised in a Christian household.
Though he did not publicly speak much about his religious beliefs, his upbringing followed Christian values. His family encouraged kindness, honesty, and perseverance.
For his education, Doug attended Glendale High School. He was active in school activities, especially in sports and drama. He had a natural talent for acting, which became clear during his teenage years.
After high school, he enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). At UCLA, he studied drama and further developed his passion for acting. He worked hard to improve his skills and soon started getting small roles in Hollywood.
Doug McClure Age
Doug McClure was 59 years old at the time of his death. He was born on May 11, 1935, and passed away on February 5, 1995.
When did Doug McClure Died?
Doug McClure passed away on February 5, 1995, in Sherman Oaks, California, USA. His death was a great loss to his fans and the entertainment industry.
Doug McClure Death Cause
Doug McClure passed away on February 5, 1995, at the age of 59 due to lung cancer. He had been diagnosed with the disease in 1994, and despite undergoing treatment, his condition worsened over time.
McClure was a long-time smoker, which likely contributed to the development of his illness. As the cancer progressed, it spread to other parts of his body, making recovery impossible.
In his final months, he spent time with his loved ones, including his wife Diane Furnberg, who cared for him until his last moments. McClure remained strong and positive despite his illness, but he ultimately succumbed to complications from the disease at his home in Sherman Oaks, California.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Doug McClure began his acting career in the late 1950s. He started with small roles in television shows and films. His early work included appearances in TV series like Death Valley Days, Maverick, and The Rifleman. These were popular Western shows at the time.
His rugged looks and natural acting skills helped him gain recognition. Some of Hollywood producers noticed his talent, and he soon started getting bigger roles. In 1960, he landed a leading role in the detective drama Checkmate.
He played Jed Sills, a private investigator who solved complex cases. This show helped him establish himself as a talented TV actor. His real breakthrough came in 1962 when he was cast as Trampas in The Virginian. This role made him a household name.
The show was one of the longest-running Western TV series, airing for nine seasons from 1962 to 1971. His character, Trampas, was a fun-loving but tough cowboy. Fans loved his charm and humor, which made him one of the most popular actors of the time.
Success in Films and Television
While working on The Virginian, McClure also appeared in movies. He starred in Western and adventure films, which suited his image. Some of his well-known films include The Unforgiven, Beau Geste, and The King’s Pirate.
In the 1970s, he acted in a series of sci-fi and fantasy movies, including The Land That Time Forgot and At the Earth’s Core. These films gained a cult following over time.
After The Virginian ended, he continued working in television. He appeared in guest roles on popular shows like Magnum, P.I., Airwolf, and Murder, She Wrote. In the late 1980s, he played Mayor Kyle Applegate in the comedy series Out of This World.
Legacy in Hollywood
Doug McClure became a beloved Western actor. He was often typecast in cowboy and action roles, but he embraced them. His contribution to Western TV shows and films remains significant. Many remember him as a charming and talented performer. His work continues to inspire actors in the industry.
Doug McClure’s Movies and TV Shows
Doug McClure had a successful career in Hollywood, starring in numerous movies and television shows. Some of his famous TV Shows are listed below:
- The Virginian
- Overland Trail
- Checkmate
- The Men from Shiloh
- Roots
- Out of This World
- Search
- Barbary Coast
Some of Doug McClure Popular Movies are listed below:
- Shenandoah
- The Land That Time Forgot
- The People That Time Forgot
- At the Earth’s Core
- Warlords of Atlantis
- Cannonball Run II
- Tapeheads
- Maverick
Doug McClure became a Hollywood icon, especially in Western films and TV series. His natural charm, rugged good looks, and strong screen presence made him a fan favorite. Even after his passing in 1995, his work continues to entertain audiences worldwide.
Doug McClure Net Worth at His Death Time
Doug McClure had an estimated net worth of $15 million at the time of his death in 1995. His wealth came from a successful acting career that spanned over four decades. He earned money from TV shows, films, and guest appearances.
His most famous role in The Virginian brought him long-term financial success. He also starred in movies like The Land That Time Forgot and At the Earth’s Core, which became cult classics. His work in television continued into the 1980s and 1990s, adding to his earnings.
Despite his illness in his later years, he remained active in Hollywood. His legacy as a Western actor continues to be remembered. His contributions to the entertainment industry made him both famous and financially successful.
How Did Doug McClure Make Money?
Doug McClure made money primarily through his acting career. He earned income from television shows, films, and guest appearances. His most significant role was Trampas in The Virginian, which aired for nine seasons from 1962 to 1971. As one of the main characters, he received a steady salary for nearly a decade.
He also acted in several Hollywood films which contributed to his earnings, especially as some became cult classics. Apart from acting, McClure occasionally did endorsements and promotional work.
His long-running career ensured he remained a recognizable figure in Hollywood. Over time, his consistent work in television and film built his $15 million net worth before his passing in 1995.
Doug McClure’s Wives and Marriages
Doug McClure was married five times in his lifetime. His personal life often attracted public attention, but most of his marriages ended in divorce.
Despite this, he remained close to some of his former wives and maintained a strong bond with his daughters. His final marriage lasted until his passing in 1995.
His first marriage was to Faye Brash in 1957. The couple was together for four years before divorcing in 1961. During their marriage, they welcomed a daughter, Tane McClure, who later pursued a career in acting and singing. Doug and Faye’s relationship did not last, but their daughter carried on his legacy in the entertainment industry.
In 1965, Doug McClure married Helen Crane, his second wife. During their marriage, they had a daughter, Valerie McClure. However, their relationship lasted only about three years, ending in divorce in 1968.
Doug did not share many details about their relationship, and like his first marriage, this one also did not stand the test of time.
After his split from Helen, Doug continued to focus on his acting career while maintaining his role as a father to Valerie. Despite their separation, Doug remained an important figure in his daughter’s life.
His third marriage was to BarBara Luna, a well-known actress. They got married in 1969, and their relationship was highly publicized due to their involvement in Hollywood.
BarBara was famous for her roles in television series like Star Trek and Hawaii Five-O. However, their marriage lasted only three years, ending in 1972.
Doug later married Diane Soldani in 1976. Unlike his previous relationships, this marriage was more private. Their marriage lasted only a few years before they divorced.
His final and longest-lasting marriage was to Diane Furnberg. They married in 1979, and she remained with him until his death in 1995.
Diane was a strong source of support during Doug’s battle with lung cancer. She stood by his side throughout his illness and shows her deep love and commitment.
Despite multiple marriages, Doug McClure always maintained a warm and charismatic personality. He shared close relationships with his family and ex-wives. His final marriage with Diane Furnberg was the most enduring and proved to be a strong bond in his later years.
Doug McClure Children
Doug McClure had two daughters. His first daughter is Tane McClure, from his first marriage to Faye Brash. She was born in 1958 and grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry, as her father was a well-known Hollywood actor.
Tane shared a strong bond with Doug and later followed in his footsteps by pursuing a career in acting and singing. She became an actress, singer, and voice-over artist. Tane appeared in several films and TV shows, including a small role in Legally Blonde alongside Reese Witherspoon.
She also acted in Cruel Intentions and many independent films. In addition to acting, Tane pursued a career in music, releasing songs and working as a vocalist. Her career allowed her to honor her father’s legacy while making a name for herself in the entertainment industry.
Doug McClure’s second daughter, Valerie McClure, was born to him and his second wife, Diane Soldani. Unlike her sister Tane, Valerie grew up in the entertainment world but chose not to pursue a career in acting or music. She decided for a more private life and stays out of the public spotlight.
However, Valerie’s personal or professional life information is not widely known. She has largely kept a low profile and has not pursued any public career like her father or her sister.
Despite her decision to remain private, Valerie is still a part of the McClure family legacy. Her father’s fame and her connection to him have kept her in the public’s interest, even though she maintains her privacy.
Throughout his life, Doug remained a dedicated father, and his daughters continued to admire and respect him. After his passing in 1995, Tane and Valerie continued to share memories of her father, keeping his legacy alive.
Why was Doug McClure Married So Many Times?
Doug McClure married five times throughout his life. His multiple marriages were likely influenced by his fast-paced Hollywood lifestyle, demanding career, and personal relationships.
As a well-known actor, he spent much of his time working on television and film sets, which may have made it difficult to maintain long-term relationships.
His rising fame in the 1960s and 1970s brought attention and pressure that could have affected his personal life. McClure was known for his charismatic personality and charm, which made him popular among fans and colleagues.
His good looks and friendly nature may have led to intense relationships, but they did not always last. Despite his multiple marriages, McClure remained a warm and friendly person.
He shared good relationships with some of his ex-wives and remained dedicated to his two daughters, Tane McClure and Valerie McClure. His final marriage to Diane Furnberg lasted until his death in 1995, showing that he eventually found lasting companionship.
Doug McClure Height and Weight
Doug McClure was known for his tall and strong physique. He had a commanding presence on screen, which suited his roles in Westerns and action films. He stood at 6 feet 1 inch which is equal to 185 centimeters or 1.85 meters tall.
His height made him look imposing and fit the cowboy roles he often played. His weight was around 86 kilograms which is equal to 190 lbs . He maintained a well-built and athletic body throughout his acting career.
Over the years, his appearance changed slightly. In his later years, he gained some weight but remained fit for his roles.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, Doug McClure left behind a legacy of talent, hard work, and perseverance. Despite personal challenges and health struggles, he remained dedicated to his craft and brought joy to millions through his performances.
His unforgettable roles in television and film continue to inspire new generations of actors and fans. Though he is no longer here, his impact on Hollywood and the entertainment world lives on.
His story reminds us that success comes from passion and dedication, and his memory remains a testament to the power of perseverance.
We hope you enjoyed learning about him. Let us know your views in the comment section.
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