Who’s Still Alive From ‘The High Chaparral’?

High Chaparral TV Western composite — Everett Collection

The High Chaparral was an American Western action-adventure TV series that aired on NBC from 1967 to 1971. Set in the 1870s, the show focused on more mature themes than predecessors like Bonanza, such as father-son dynamics and other complex relationships involving the Cannon family, owners of the Arizona-based High Chapparal Ranch. Run by Big John Cannon (Leif Erickson), his son Billy Blue (Mark Slade) and brother Buck (Cameron Mitchell), the family’s world is secure — that is, until Big John’s wife passes away unexpectedly. He ends up marrying Victoria (Linda Cristal), the daughter of a neighboring rancher, and this now-hybrid family must face the challenges of managing their new dynamic, along with the dangers of trying to survive in the West.

THE HIGH CHAPARRAL, top, from left: Leif Erickson, Cameron Mitchell, bottom, from left: Mark Slade, Linda Cristal, Henry Darrow, 1968, 1967-1971.

Gene Trindl/Guide/Courtesy Everett Collection

While never a ratings hit on the level of Bonanza or Gunsmoke, The High Chaparral was held in high regard for its storyline depth, grit, and — above all — its talented cast. While most of them are sadly no longer with us, let’s take a look and see who is still alive and well!

Mark Slade (85)

Billy Blue Cannon

Mark Slade in High Chaparral now and then composite

Via X; Paul Wilson/TV Guide/Courtesy Everett Collection

Following his years representing the younger generation of Cannons as Big John’s son, Mark Slade continued his acting career after the series wrapped. Most notably, he took on the role of Taylor Reed in 1973’s Salty, then took the character from the big screen to TV by headlining the 1974-75 syndicated TV series of the same name.

Continuing to act into the ’90s (racking up over 300 stage, screen and TV roles in the process), Slade also began focusing his energies on creating illustrations and comic strips, many of which have appeared in major publications all over the world – for instance, his long-running Howard and Friends comic strip, created in collaboration with Barney Miller star Danny Arnold, became a long-running hit. Also a prolific writer and novelist, you can check out a sampling of his more visual work at his website.

Rudy Ramos (74)

Wind

Rudy Ramos attends the 29th RNCI Red Nation Awards Ceremony at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on November 17, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.

JC Olivera/Getty Images

While only appearing on seven episodes of The High Chaparral, Rudy Ramos definitely made his mark as the enigmatic loner known as “Wind.” Part Native American, part white, his character emerges as somewhat of a lost soul who is caught poaching cattle and eventually saved from a hanging by Big John, setting the seeds for an unlikely friendship.

Raised in Lawton, OK, Ramos’ unique blend of Mexican and Native American roots has helped him land opportunities to give life to many memorable characters over the years. With a career that spans six decades, he’s appeared in everything from films like Colors, Quicksilver and Beverly Hills Cop II to TV series like Hawaii Five-O and Hunter.

Remarkably, Ramos is not only actively working today, but also enjoying one of his highest-profile gigs yet – a recurring role as Felix Long on the megahit series Yellowstone.

The High Chaparral currently airs on H&I and INSP, which are free over-the-air channels.

Who's Still Alive From the TV Western 'Laramie'?

Only a few stars from the beloved Western series are still with us.

Remind