Rawhide debuted on CBS in January 1959 and quickly became a hit, thanks to its strong ensemble cast, authentic locations, gripping action, and storylines that championed virtues like leadership, honesty, and justice. While a relatively green Clint Eastwood — playing impulsive cowpoke Rowdy Yates — would later become a movie legend, ruggedly magnetic Eric Fleming was the show’s true centerpiece.

And he came by it honestly. Born Edward Heddy Jr. in Southern California on the Fourth of July, 1925, Fleming knew hardship and resilience firsthand, just like his trail boss character, Gil Favor.