James Drury (New York, April 18, 1934 – Houston, April 6, 2020) was an American actor, known internationally for his leading role in the Western television series *The Virginian*. In the long-running series, which aired from 1962 to 1971, he played the mysterious and upstanding foreman of the Shiloh Ranch for nine seasons, whose name is never revealed. Although his image is inextricably linked to this character, his career also includes roles in notable films, often in the Western genre, such as Sam Peckinpah's *Ride the High Country* (1962), and appearances in numerous other television series. For decades, Drury continued to be an icon of the genre, participating in themed festivals and events. For his contribution to Western culture, he received significant accolades, including the Golden Boot Award in 1993 and his 1991 induction into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.