The Maverick television series (1957–1962) brought a fresh and witty take to the Western genre, thanks to the charm and charisma of James Garner as Bret Maverick and Jack Kelly as his brother Bart.
Born as James Scott Bumgarner in Norman, Oklahoma, on April 7, 1928, Garner was one of the few actors who successfully transitioned from movie stardom to television fame, solidifying his place in the hearts of audiences across generations.
His early life bore witness to hardships, including the tragic death of his mother when he was just four and the subsequent harsh treatment by his stepmother. Nonetheless, these trials did not deter him. Rather, they endowed him with resilience that was reflected later in his roles.
As Bart Maverick, Kelly added to the fun as both were dapper gamblers and card-sharks who wandered throughout the West and got involved in all kinds of tongue-in-cheek mischief.
Unlike the typical gun-slinging heroes of the time, the Maverick men relied on wit, poker skills, and clever schemes to navigate the Old West.
A rare behind-the-scenes photo showing them with legendary actor Gary Cooper—though he never appeared on the show—symbolizes a bridging of eras in Western storytelling, from the stoic grandeur of Cooper to the sly sophistication of Maverick.
Decades later, the 1994 Maverick film honored that legacy.
James Garner returned in the role of Marshal Zane Cooper, only to reveal himself as Bret’s father, a clever twist for longtime fans.
The movie, with Mel Gibson taking on the Maverick mantle, paid homage to the original series’ humor and spirit.
Together, Garner, Kelly, and Cooper represent a golden age of Westerns—one of character, charm, and timeless storytelling.
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Maverick was one of the more interesting Westerns. I’m going to have look up the movie “Maverick” since Mel Gibson is cast as Maverick Jr. 🙂
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Loved it
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Years ago, I was hitchhiking south out of Salmon, Idaho and this guy picked me up. He was a Christian, so we had a good talk about the things of God. We drove to his place and we walked into the kitchen. I met his wife and we sat down had some coffee and cake.
Some minutes later, this big guy walked into their kitchen. He was around 6’4″ and was wearing a broad-brimmed cowboy hat. He talked with the couple for several minutes and then left in his vehicle.
The guy that picked me up said that the big guy with the cowboy hat was a stunt actor. He was in the film MAVERICK starring Mel Gibson.
I stayed a little while longer and then hit the road heading south.
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Nice story
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I never saw it. I can catch a rerun. I will look for it. OT, it is Clint Eastwood’s 95 birthday.
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Yes, I actually celebrated Eastwood’s birthday. I have interviewed him once & met him another time some years later. He’s a favorite.
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The days of actors doing a good job and not relaying on violence. Maverick, Rawhide, Wanted Dead or Alive, The Rifleman and a few others, all good quality stuff. Of course, I was a kid, so what did I know.
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We knew that we liked them!
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use to like him until i found out he was a democrap, and he voted for Obama, i have a hard time watching him now, to bad talented man
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