Hugh O'Brian

Biography

Hugh O'Brian (born Hugh Charles Krampe) was a prominent American actor and humanitarian best known for starring as the legendary frontier lawman in the ABC Western television series The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp from 1955 to 1961 and the NBC action television series Search (1972–1973), as well as films, including the Agatha Christie adaptation Ten Little Indians (1965) and a notable supporting role in John Wayne's last film, The Shootist (1976). Known for his athletic, square-jawed build and quick-draw skills, he became one of television's definitive early Western heroes. Beyond acting, he left a massive global legacy as the founder of the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Foundation (HOBY), a nonprofit organization that has trained over 500,000 high school scholars in leadership and service.