Wyatt Earp Just Wasn't A Cowboy

Below is an article published in the Desert Sun on May 11, 1957. The article was written by actor Hugh O'Brian, who played Wyatt Earp on television. His article in the Desert Sun was a publicity piece to generate viewership for his television show The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1955–1961). In his article, Hugh O'Brian talks about the clothing that his television character Wyatt Earp supposedly wore as a deputy.

Wyatt Earp Just Wasn't A Cowboy

Editor’s Note: Aline Mosby is on vacation; in her absence, Hugh "Wyatt Earp” O'Brian answered a recent United Press column in which former cowboy star Guinn "Big Boy” Williams blasted Hugh’s fancy western attire for television. 

Story by HUGH O'BRIAN (Written for The United Press) 

HOLLYWOOD — It was interesting to read Guinn "Big Boy'' Williams' comments on the clothes I wear as TV's Wyatt Earp. He said if any real cowboys saw me in my usual Wyatt Earp get-up, they would split their sides laughing. It wouldn't concern me, because on my Wyatt Earp show, 1 don't play a cowboy. 

By definition, a cowboy or "cowman,” as he was called, was a man who traveled the trail driving a herd of cattle to a particular destination. These men would have indeed looked silly dressed as Wyatt Earp. Even the cows would have had to laugh at this one. 

Wyatt Earp was not a cowboy. 

He lived in town and was more like the city policeman of today. He wore the typical garb of a marshal of that time —the vest, black coat, and matching hat, and striped pants. If he did happen to be out on the trail doing a job, he would dress like the typical cowboy we know. 

In fact, when Wyatt first accepted his job as marshal, he had only his "trail'' clothes. The townspeople offered to chip in and buy him his first "town” wardrobe so that he could dress in keeping with the new job. 

If Mr. Williams would care to check the authenticity of the styles depicted on our show, he has but to check any public library or costume corporation. Our technical adviser on the show is Stuart N. Lake, who spent four years with Earp before he died. He is considered a supreme authority on this period and works on all phases of our show. His is the only authorized biography of Earp ever published. 

Our script supervisor is Frederick Hazlitt Brennan, the father of all westerns. He did the first 10 scripts of our shows and supervises all of them to make sure the writers conform to the character of Earp, as well as his manner and dress.

-- end of article. 

Actor Hugh O'Brian was born Hugh Charles Krampe on April 19, 1925. He died at the age of 91 on September 5, 2016. He was best known for his starring roles in the ABC Western television series The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1955–1961).