Have Gun – Will Travel” was one of the most popular Western television shows of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Airing on CBS from 1957 to 1963, the show featured a unique mix of action, drama, and intelligence, distinguishing itself from other Westerns of the time. At the heart of the series was a strong cast, led by the unforgettable Richard Boone.
Let’s take a closer look at the main cast members who made this show a lasting part of television history.
1. Richard Boone as Paladin
Richard Boone played the iconic lead character, Paladin, a sophisticated gunslinger and gentleman-for-hire. He dressed in black, lived in luxury in San Francisco, and used his skills to help those in need—for a price.
About Richard Boone:
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Born in 1917, Boone was a classically trained actor.
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Before “Have Gun – Will Travel,” he appeared in films and TV shows such as Medic and Dragnet.
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His deep voice, commanding presence, and serious acting chops made Paladin a beloved character.
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Boone later went on to direct and produce television shows and movies.
2. Kam Tong as Hey Boy
Kam Tong played Hey Boy, Paladin’s loyal hotel employee at the Carlton Hotel in San Francisco. He often delivered messages and travel assignments to Paladin.
About Kam Tong:
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A Chinese-American actor, Kam Tong appeared in numerous film and television roles.
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He brought charm and warmth to the show, even though his role was sometimes limited due to the time’s racial attitudes.
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He later starred in the show Mr. Garlund and appeared in The Manchurian Candidate (1962).
3. Lisa Lu as Hey Girl (Season 4)
When Kam Tong temporarily left the series, Lisa Lu stepped in as Hey Girl, a female version of his character.
About Lisa Lu:
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Lisa Lu is a respected Chinese-American actress known for both her Hollywood and Chinese cinema work.
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She brought a gentle presence to the show and continued to work in film and television for decades.
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Notable later roles include The Joy Luck Club and Crazy Rich Asians.
4. Supporting and Guest Stars
“Have Gun – Will Travel” featured many guest stars who would later become big names in Hollywood. These included:
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Charles Bronson
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Angie Dickinson
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James Coburn
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DeForest Kelley
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Lee Van Cleef
The show’s strong writing and popularity attracted top acting talent of the era.
5. Writers and Behind-the-Scenes Talent
Interestingly, the show also helped launch the careers of Gene Roddenberry (creator of Star Trek), who wrote several episodes. The writing team was known for including deep moral questions and philosophical themes—unusual for a Western.
Legacy of the Cast and Show
The cast of “Have Gun – Will Travel” helped create a series that stood out for its intelligence, depth, and style. Unlike other Westerns that focused solely on gunfights, this show emphasized ethics, negotiation, and clever problem-solving.
Even decades after it ended, the show remains a favorite for classic TV fans, largely due to the strong performances by its talented cast.
Conclusion
“Have Gun – Will Travel” wasn’t just another cowboy show—it was a thoughtful, well-acted series that left a lasting impact on American television. Thanks to Richard Boone’s unforgettable performance and a talented supporting cast, the show remains one of the most respected Westerns of its time.
