More of Brothers in the Saddle! Bobby Crawford! & Johnny Crawford (1946-2021) R.I.P. From Sept 2018

Johnny Crawford (1946-2021) had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease when we shot this episode in 2018 but he still came to tape an interview with his actor/producer brother Robert Crawford for A WORD ON WESTERNS. Johnny was very aware of what was going on but the focus that day was on the amazing career of Johnny's older brother Robert who shared some wonderful behind-the-scenes stories of making the western classic, BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (1969) and other films with director George Roy Hill. As a young actor, Robert was an award winning performer and had been a co-star of LARAMIE, with Robert Fuller and John Smith. He talks about his lucky break in reuniting with his PLAYHOUSE 90 director, George Roy Hill. Under Hill's direction, Robert received an Emmy nomination. The acclaimed director was getting ready to film what was to become a box office smash, BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID. Hill was so impressed with an 8mm film that Robert had made, the director asked him to document the making of the film. The result was a one hour Prime Time network special that won an Emmy. More excitement with Hill followed as Robert's journey took him to the Academy Awards where, as one of the producers of THE STING, he took home an Oscar for Best Picture. Even though he stayed fairly quiet during this interview, Johnny could still twirl his lasso...and did! Plus, at the end of the interview, there's a short video from Johnny's 2019 birthday party. We think you will enjoy the Crawford's together and hearing Robert's own exciting journey as an award winning producer. They were brothers of the saddle! Johnny has been a dear friend for over 40 years and it is heartbreaking to see how Alzheimer's disease has ravaged the memories of someone with whom many of us have grown up. He had recently moved into a small care facility that is very near to his loving wife, Charlotte, where he passed away with Charlotte by his side, April 29, 2021. We were blessed to be able to have both Johnny and Bobby join us for this special taping at The Autry. They had a good time and so did the audience. Johnny's family and friends have all been there for him, sadly watching as Alzheimer's disease slowly took away his memory and speaking abilities. He's gone now, but so many of his fans and friends have been there for him. His family is eternally grateful. #western #westernfilm #family #retro #brother #rip #oscarwinners #emmywinner #documentary #roping #cowboys #cowboystar #awordonwesterns #johnnycrawford #rifleman #therifleman #tvwestern #interview #podcast #robword #robertcrawford #laramie