Chuck Connors, renowned for his role as Lucas McCain in “The Rifleman,” had a remarkable journey from an accomplished athlete to a versatile actor. Born in 1921, he initially excelled in baseball, catching the eye of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1940. Despite a brief MLB stint, Connors found his way to acting in the early ’50s, marked by his breakthrough in the 1952 film “Pat and Mike.”

His pinnacle came with “The Rifleman” in 1958, portraying McCain, a New Mexico rancher. Connors embraced the role physically and mentally, mastering skills like horseback riding and stunt work.