Richard Boone found answers in Hawaii

Have Gun — Will Travel...to Honolulu!

For an actor at the beginning of their career, there are only two places to be. The two entertainment industry coastal poles are, of course, New York and Los Angeles. People pack their bags with nothing but the dream in their hearts and head to the big city to try to make it happen.

But actors towards the end of their careers seem to want to be anywhere else at all. For someone who's already been up the mountain of success, the desperate hustle and bustle of the big city just isn't necessary. You don't need to be out amongst the hopeful if you're already a known commodity.

One such recognizable star was Richard Boone. After Have Gun, Will Travel made him a millionaire, Boone didn't have to stick around in the world of agents and auditions. His performance as Paladin helped codify the archetype of the gentleman gunfighter, and he was rewarded handsomely for his efforts. But rather than seek the benefits of his fame in Los Angeles, Boone moved to Hawaii in 1964.

Seven years later, the actor reflected on his time on the islands.

"I got what I was seeking in Hawaii. Now it's time to move on."

At the time of his 1971 interview with the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Boone was on his way back to the States. 

"I still love Hawaii and I'll always go back there," said Boone. "I went there first in 1943 and fell in love with the place. I've kept my house on the Kona coast on the Big Island and I'll return whenever I can." 

Boone loved Hawaii so much that he even starred in a movie called Kona Coast in 1968. Boone played a character he described as close to himself and hoped to turn the movie into a series. 

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5 Comments

LoveMETV22 5 months ago
It seems several celebrities over the years had/have called Hawaii their second,third....home.
Guess Richard Boone had the right idea.
Snickers LoveMETV22 5 months ago
Glad he found what he was looking for. I feel the same way about my new home in Alaska. Came for a visit and fell in love with the amazing scenery and the friendly people.
Runeshaper 5 months ago
I went to Hawaii for my honeymoon and it was gorgeous. I'm glad Richard Boone enjoyed his time there (-:
daDoctah 5 months ago
Never watched HGWT, but by the time Boone turned up in "Hec Ramsey" (taking the fourth slot on the Sunday Mystery Movies alongside McCloud, Columbo, and McMillan and Wife) my only reaction was "does anybody actually *set out* to be that ugly?
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