Who Is Still Alive From the Classic TV Western ‘Daniel Boone’?
Fess Parker became television’s favorite frontiersman in the 1950s when he played Davy Crockett for Disney. Less than a decade later, he put on another coonskin cap to star as the title character in Daniel Boone. The NBC series followed Boone, his family, and his friends as they built a life in Boonesborough, Kentucky, during the years surrounding the American Revolution.
Daniel Boone premiered on September 24, 1964, and ran for six seasons and 165 episodes. While the show took plenty of liberties with history, viewers loved its exciting adventures, memorable theme song, and close-knit group of characters. More than 60 years after the series began, three members of its principal cast are still alive. Let’s find out what they have been up to in recent years and remember the co-stars who have since passed away.
Darby Hinton (69), Israel Boone
20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection; Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images for ABA
Darby Hinton played Daniel and Rebecca’s young son, Israel Boone, throughout all six seasons. Hinton was around 7 years old when Daniel Boone premiered, but he was already an experienced child actor. His career began when he was just 6 months old, followed by appearances on shows such as Mister Ed, Wagon Train and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. After growing up on the series, Hinton continued acting in films and television. He later played Ian Griffith on Days of Our Lives and appeared as David G. Burnet in the 2015 miniseries Texas Rising. In recent years, he has continued appearing in Western films and wrote the photo-filled book Growing Up Israel about his years as a child actor. In January 2026, Hinton looked back on his time with Fess Parker and shared stories from the set during an episode of the Classic Conversations podcast. He celebrates his 69th birthday on August 19, 2026.
Veronica Cartwright (77), Jemima Boone
Everett Collection; Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for ReedPop
Veronica Cartwright portrayed Daniel and Rebecca’s daughter, Jemima, during the first two seasons. Her character disappeared from the series without an explanation, as Cartwright moved on to other roles. She had already appeared in Leave It to Beaver, The Twilight Zone, The Children’s Hour and Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds before joining Daniel Boone. As an adult, Cartwright became especially well known for her work in science-fiction and horror films. She appeared in Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Alien, The Right Stuff and The Witches of Eastwick. She also earned three Emmy nominations for her guest roles on ER and The X-Files. Cartwright is still acting. More recently, she played Beverly in the 2024 Netflix comedy A Man on the Inside and appeared in the 2025 thriller The Ruse.
Rosey Grier (94), Gabe Cooper
20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection; Greg Doherty/Getty Images for The Salvation Army
Rosey Grier joined Daniel Boone during its final season as Gabe Cooper. Before becoming an actor, he was a successful professional football player for the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams. Grier was part of the Rams’ famous defensive line known as the Fearsome Foursome. After retiring from football, Grier acted in dozens of television shows and films. He also became an ordained minister, motivational speaker and author. His many interests even inspired the 1973 book Rosey Grier’s Needlepoint for Men. Grier turned 94 on July 14, 2026, and the Los Angeles Rams celebrated the milestone by sharing a birthday tribute and highlights from his football career. And yes, he is related to Pam Greir. They are cousins.
In Memoriam
Everett Collection
Fess Parker (Daniel Boone) died of natural causes on March 18, 2010, at the age of 85.
Patricia Blair (Rebecca Boone) died of breast cancer on September 9, 2013, at the age of 80.
Ed Ames (Mingo) died from Alzheimer’s disease on May 21, 2023, at the age of 95.
Dal McKennon (Cincinnatus) died of age-related causes on July 14 2009, just five days before his 90th birthday.
Albert Salmi (Yadkin) died by suicide at the age of 62 on April 22, 1990, after police determined that he shot and killed his estranged wife, Roberta.
Jimmy Dean (Delo Jones/Jeremiah/Josh Clements) died of natural causes on June 13, 2010, at the age of 81.
Robert Logan (Jericho Jones) died of natural causes on May 6, 2024, a few weeks before his 83rd birthday.
Don Pedro Colley (Gideon) died from cancer on October 11 2017, at the age of 79.
Where to Watch Daniel Boone
You can stream it on Philo or catch it on INSP.
Remind 
TV Westerns of the 50's & 60's
September 2021
’50s and ’60s TV Westerns roundup, celebrating the shows and stars of their golden age.
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