Secrets Of TV’s The Rifleman: More Than Just Guns And Good Times

Doc Burrage (Jack Kruschen)

Jack Kruschen played the doctor in two episodes of The Rifleman: “Trail of Hate” (episode 77) and “Baranca” (episode 82). He also played Clyde Bailey in “The Retired Gun” (episode 17) and Sammy in “One Went to Denver” (episode 25). The Canadian actor started his career in theater before transitioning to movies and television. He was in show biz for over 50 years, appearing in more than 200 roles. He occasionally played a villain but more often than not was cast in ethnic roles, often portraying angry or emotional Italian or Jewish characters. In 1960 he was nominated for an Academy Award for The Apartment.