logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Paul Fix — Life and Death of Beloved 'The Rifleman' Actor

Afouda Bamidele
Sep 28, 2020
06:40 P.M.

Paul Fix was famous for his role in the western series, “The Rifleman." During his 56-year-career, the actor lived life to the fullest with several roles. He also had a lovely family and fans that loved him until his passing.

Advertisement

Paul Fix was a popular name in the mid-’90s who took the world of western television by storm, appearing in hundreds of films and shows that were the foundation of Hollywood.

He was most popular for his stellar performance as Marshal Micah Torrance on the 1958 hit series, “The Rifleman.” Away from the spotlight, he lived a full life with a family that loved him.

Paul Fix in the Walt Disney Television movie "Suddenly Single" on October 19, 1971. | Photo: Getty Images

Paul Fix in the Walt Disney Television movie "Suddenly Single" on October 19, 1971. | Photo: Getty Images

Advertisement

BIO- EARLY LIFE, AGE, EDUCATION

Fix was born on March 13, 1901, in New York to Wilhelm Fix, a brew-master and his wife Louise C. Walz. His parents were German immigrants who came to America in the 1870s.

He had five siblings consisting of two girls and three boys. The actor had a happy childhood as his family lives on a 200-acre property on which the brewery his father worked was built.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck when his parents passed away within two years of each other, leaving Fix an orphan. He was sent to live with his married sisters in Yonkers and Zanesville, Ohio.

Advertisement
Advertisement

LIFE BEFORE ACTING

When Fix was 17, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy and served during World War I in Rhode Island, Newport, South Carolina, and Charleston. That was where he got his first taste of acting when he was selected to play a female role in the Navy Relief show, “HMS Pinafore,” because of his young look.

The production earned critical acclaim and ran for several weeks in Boston and Providence. He was later assigned to the U.S.S. Mount Vernon as a seaman and was onboard when the troopship was torpedoed by a German boat in France.

Luckily, the shop didn’t sink and they all survived. Fix served for a few more years before in September 1919. He returned to Zanesville and later on moved to California.

Advertisement
Paul Fix and Ellen Corby during season of "The Guns of Will Sonnett" on August 2, 1968. | Photo: Getty Images.

Paul Fix and Ellen Corby during season of "The Guns of Will Sonnett" on August 2, 1968. | Photo: Getty Images.

EARLY CAREER

Once he moved to Hollywood, Fix was not sure what to do with his life, but he soon became friends with Clark Gable, who shared an interest in local plays and writing.

Advertisement

The duo was soon discovered by stage actress Pauline Fredrick who hired them to be part of her touring troupe. He appeared in several plays before his first acting role in 1920.

His credited role didn’t come until eight years later in the movie, “The First Kiss” which starred Gary Cooper and Fay Wray. He acted in several movies before his breakthrough role in “The Rifleman.”

George Takei, James Doohan, and Paul Fix  in Season 1, Episode 3 of "Star Trek" episode, "Where No Man Has Gone Before." Original air date, September 22, 1966. Image is a frame grab.

George Takei, James Doohan, and Paul Fix in Season 1, Episode 3 of "Star Trek" episode, "Where No Man Has Gone Before." Original air date, September 22, 1966. Image is a frame grab.

Advertisement

“THE RIFLEMAN”

The western series aired on ABC and told the story of the father-son duo of Lucas McCain and Mark McCain as they navigate their life after the death of wife, Margaret.

In the sitcom, Fix played the role of Micah Torrance the Marshal of North Fork, New Mexico, and an ally of Lucas. Unknown to fans of the show, Fix acted alongside members of his extended family in three different episodes.

His in-laws Harry Carey Jr. and Olive Carey were on the show. Harry married his daughter while Olive was Harry’s mother. His stellar performance cemented him as a Western icon and almost 20 years after the show ended, Fix was still receiving fan mails.

Advertisement
Paul Fix in an episode of "The Six Million Dollar Man" on January 18, 1974. | Photo: Getty Images.

Paul Fix in an episode of "The Six Million Dollar Man" on January 18, 1974. | Photo: Getty Images.

PERSONAL LIFE, MORE CREDITS, AND DEATH

Fix met his first wife Frances Taddy Harvey while he was staying with his sister in Zanesville and the duo tied the knot in 1922 and three years later their daughter Marilyn was born. They welcomed three more children.

Advertisement

Fix’s other movie credits include “Three Lost Girls,” “The High and The Mighty,” “Giant,” “To Kill A Mockingbird,” "Star Trek," and “Wanda Nevada.” He also wrote scripts for three movies.

Paul Fix and William Shatner on Season 1, Episode 3 of "Star Trek" on September 22, 1966. | Photo: Getty Images

Paul Fix and William Shatner on Season 1, Episode 3 of "Star Trek" on September 22, 1966. | Photo: Getty Images

Fix passed away on October 14, 1983, at 82 from Kidney failure and was buried at Woodland Cemetery in Santa Monica. He was survived by his daughter, three grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren who attested to his impactful life.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Robin Williams Wanted His Children to Be Proud of Him — Meet His 3 Kids Who He Cherished

March 09, 2022

Sam Elliott & Katharine Ross Only Have 1 Child Who Had Rough Relationship with Mom — Meet Cleo

March 21, 2022

Harry Morgan Wanted to Be Remembered as a 'Pleasant Person' after 'M*A*S*H' Made Him a 'Better Human'

April 04, 2022

The Life of Twins Lindsay & Sidney Greenbush 41 Years after Playing Carrie in 'Little House on the Prairie'

April 07, 2022

James Arness’ 1st Wife Left Behind the Glitz After Their Split - His 2nd Wife Stayed by His Side Until the End

March 01, 2022

Joanne Woodward ‘Doesn’t Even Remember’ the Love of Her Life Paul Newman after His Death due to Her Health State

April 03, 2022

Scott Baio Became a Father at 46 & Thought His Life 'Would End Completely' When His 1st Child Was Born

April 12, 2022

Doug Davidson Wed ‘Y&R’ Co-star 38 Years Ago & They Have 2 Kids - Meet the Actor’s Family

February 25, 2022

James Garner Became 'Greatest Father' after Adopting Wife's Child despite Being Unloved by His Stepmom

April 18, 2022

Barbara Hale Was Close with Raymond Burr's Partner after Star's Death - He Kept Their Relationship a Secret for 35 Years

March 15, 2022

Martin Milner’s Passion Was His Family - His Wife of 58 Years & 4 Kids Traveled with Him on ‘Route 66'

February 19, 2022

Mariska Hargitay Has 5 Siblings — Jayne Mansfield & Mickey Harigtay's Kids Including Their Namesakes

March 11, 2022

Who Is Pierce Brosnan Married To? Meet the James Bond Star’s ‘Luscious Love’ Keely Shaye Smith

May 16, 2022

Roger Moore Found 'The One' after Marriages to 3 Formidable Women: A Gay Icon, Skater & an Actress

April 08, 2022