Chuck Connors will always be remembered as Lucas McCain, the tough but loving rancher from The Rifleman. But off-screen, his life was far more complicated—and fascinating—than many fans ever knew.

Born in 1921, Connors first made a name for himself in sports. In fact, he was such a talented baseball player that the Brooklyn Dodgers signed him in 1940. His Major League career was short-lived, but it opened a surprising new door: Hollywood. By the early 1950s, Connors had landed roles in films like Pat and Mike (1952), and his acting career took off.

His big break came in 1958 with The Rifleman. Connors threw himself into the role, learning horseback riding, performing stunts, and bringing real heart to his character. His chemistry with young co-star Johnny Crawford, who played his son, made the show a beloved classic.

But while Connors played the perfect father on screen, his real life wasn’t as picture-perfect. He went through multiple marriages and had a reputation for infidelity. He also often dated much younger women. On top of that, Connors was a rare outspoken conservative in a very liberal Hollywood, proudly supporting politicians like Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan.

After The Rifleman ended, Connors struggled to break free from the character that made him famous. He continued acting in various TV shows and movies, but Lucas McCain remained his most iconic role. In 1991, he even reprised the character one last time in a made-for-TV movie.

Sadly, Connors’ life was cut short when he died of lung cancer in 1992 at the age of 71. Today, fans remember him not just as The Rifleman but as a larger-than-life figure who lived boldly, both on and off the screen.