James Drury Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

James Drury Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

James Drury is an American actor recognized for his long-running portrayal of the title role in the television Western The Virginian.

Introduction

Born on April 18, 1934, the actor known professionally as James Drury built his reputation as one of the enduring faces of the Western genre, most notably starring as the ranch foreman in the television series The Virginian. At the time of his death in April 2020, his estimated net worth stood at approximately $1.5 million, according to Celebrity NetWorth.  Drury’s personal life included three marriages and a blended family of children and step-children, reflecting a rich narrative punctuated by early promise, hard work, and long-standing public affection.

Quick Facts

A Journey from East-Coast Upbringing to Western Legend

James Drury was born in New York City to James Child Drury Sr., a marketing professor at NYU, and Beatrice (née Crawford).  His earliest years were split between Manhattan and a ranch in Oregon owned by his mother, blending academic early life with ranch-experience and an early exposure to the West. At age 10 he survived polio, a challenge that shaped his determination. 

He discovered acting early, performing in a touring company at age 12.  He studied drama at New York University, followed by additional studies at UCLA. In 1954 he signed a contract with MGM, and over the next few years appeared in bit parts in films such as Love Me Tender (1956) and Bernardine (1957). 

The turning point came in 1962 when Drury landed the lead role in The Virginian, a bold 90-minute weekly Western series on NBC that ran for nine seasons.  In that era, proving himself worthy of such a role required a screen test, three auditions, and a rapid weight loss of 30 pounds in 30 days. 

Defining moments in James Drury’s journey include:

• Signing his first studio contract with MGM and transitioning into film in the mid-1950s.

• Taking the pivotal role of the ranch foreman in The Virginian in 1962, which became his signature.

• Performing 54 USO shows in Vietnam in April 1966 with his band, the Wilshire Boulevard Buffalo Hunters.

• Being inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. 

The Core Pillars of Wealth

The financial achievements of James Drury were modest by typical Hollywood standards, yet meaningful in the context of a stage-and-screen career built over decades.

The core pillars of James Drury’s wealth include:

• Television earnings from his leading role in The Virginian and subsequent Western roles.

• Film appearances in feature films and guest television spots throughout the 1950s-1970s.

• Live appearances & licensing from Western-genre conventions, autograph shows and festivals (as referenced by his active schedule later in life). 

Breakdown & Analysis

It’s worth noting that public records do not show extensive investment portfolios or major brand-endowment deals for Drury. His net worth estimate of around $1.5 million appears reliable within the available sources.

Relationships & Family Life

James Drury’s personal life carried the same narrative richness and steady devotion seen in his on-screen persona.

Drury married three times:

• Married Cristall Orton on February 7, 1957; they had two sons (Timothy and James III) and divorced November 23, 1964. 

• Married Phyllis Jacqueline Mitchell on April 27, 1968; that marriage ended January 30, 1979. 

• Married Carl Ann Head on July 30, 1979; that marriage remained until her death in August 2019. 

Key insights into James Drury’s relationships and personal life:

• His son, Timothy Drury, became a professional musician—keyboardist, guitarist and vocalist—who toured with bands including the Eagles and Whitesnake. 

• Drury had three step-children: a stepdaughter Rhonda Brown and two stepsons Frederick Drury and Gary Schero. 

• His marriage to Carl Ann lasted over four decades and provided stability in his personal life as he navigated career transitions.

• Though Drury’s younger years included multiple marriages, his later years were characterized by a settled family support network and robust participation in Western heritage events.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond his acting career, James Drury lived a lifestyle that combined genuine Western authenticity with a measured public persona.

Beyond career success, James Drury led a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Active participation in Western-heritage festivals, conventions, and autograph shows well into later years. 

• A lifelong affinity for ranching and outdoor pursuits, rooted in his upbringing on his mother’s Oregon ranch and his early cowboy interests. 

• No widely publicised luxury-car collections or mega-mansion assets—his net worth and lifestyle suggest a comfortable but modest living compared to contemporary stars.

• Philanthropic gestures and public appearances centred on the values of the American West rather than high-profile charity endorsements.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

James Drury’s legacy rests on a blend of star power and understated professionalism—a profile distinct from flashier celebrity narratives.

He remains best remembered for his defining performance in The Virginian, where his stoic but steady portrayal of a ranch foreman resonated with a generation of viewers. Critics have noted that Drury embodied the classical Western hero—honourable, stable, and quietly compelling. 

In the decades since the show’s airing, his image has become part of the fabric of American television Western mythos. His participation in conventions, fan gatherings and Western heritage events helped reinforce his status as a living bridge between classic-era Hollywood and modern fandom.

Unlike many stars of his era, Drury did not pivot into blockbuster film franchises or global brand work; instead, he maintained a consistent niche presence. This path may have limited astronomical wealth, but it contributed to a grounded, widely-respected legacy.

Conclusion

James Drury’s story is one of early ambition, Western-genre authority, and enduring fan appeal. Born April 18, 1934, he built a career culminating in his signature role as The Virginian. With an estimated net worth of approximately $1.5 million, he exemplified a middle-tier Hollywood actor who chose character and consistency over flash and flamboyance. His personal life featured three marriages and a blended family, including a son who carved out his own career in music. Drury’s birthday, April 18, remains marked by fans who recall his calm, dependable screen presence. His legacy endures as a symbol of the classic television Western—and of the kind of steady work and professional integrity that carved out a durable niche in entertainment history.