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The Rifleman's Chuck Connors gave Chicago a shoutout in 1961
The Rifleman took aim at Chicago with some very kind words!
Even an Old West cowboy needed a change of scenery sometimes!
Chuck Connors was best known for his role as Lucas McCain on The Rifleman. As a hardworking rancher with a strong moral compass, McCain was the perfect picture of a classic Western hero. But off-screen, Connors was quite a bit more of a city boy than his TV counterpart.
According to a 1961 interview with the Chicago Tribune, Connors had a special place in his heart for the Windy City.
"Chicago means a lot of things to a lot of people. I'm one of them," Connors said. "If someone asked me to pick the one city away from home that I've enjoyed visiting most in my lifetime, I'd have to make it Chicago."
And his affection for the city wasn't just about sightseeing. Before becoming a television star, Connors was a professional athlete who played both baseball and basketball. In fact, one of his biggest sports memories took place right in Chicago.
"Without a moment's hesitation I can recall that it was in Chicago Stadium that I had the biggest thrill of my sports career," Connors said. "I was playing in the world's professional basketball championship in 1944."
Beyond the sports memories, Connors appreciated the people who called Chicago home. But there was another reason the city held a special place in his heart: the food!
"Food and Chicago seem to go hand in hand," Connors said. "In fact, I can remember visiting Chicago in 1947 when I was playing with the Boston Celtics against the Chicago Stags. It was a rough game. It was easy to work up an appetite after that one, and it was after the game I got my first introduction to bear steak. It's hard to choose from so many fine eateries. Fattening, too."
It sounds like Chicago made quite an impression on Connors, both on and off the court! And while the city's food scene has changed over the decades, its reputation for good food certainly hasn't.
At the time of the interview, Connors said his busy schedule starring in The Rifleman had kept him from returning to Chicago as often as he would have liked. Still, he hadn't forgotten the warm reception he received whenever he visited.
"I know that in my case, as the star of The Rifleman, I find one of the greatest rewards is the reaction of the public all over the country," Connors said. "It's a fine feeling to have someone shake your hand and compliment your show."
And Chicago was clearly one place where the Western star felt especially welcome.
"That's why Chicago often seems like home to me," Connors said. "And, as I said before, it made me think of an evening in 1944, when I met some very nice people. They still seem to be around."
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