Loved for playing Mark McCain on *The Rifleman*, Johnny Crawford died at the age of 75. 2019 saw a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s illness. Paul Petersen had launched a GoFundMe effort to help the family with their financial difficulties.

Crawford started acting at the age of twelve, playing Lucas McCain, the son of Chuck Connors, in the renowned series that was set in the untamed terrain of the New Mexico Territory. Produced by Sam Peckinpah, *The Rifleman* won hearts in syndication for decades after captivating viewers throughout its five-season run.

In thinking back on the show’s timeless appeal, Crawford frequently talked about how his character and Connors’ had a nice father-son relationship. He talked about how Connors had influenced and been a special mentor to him both on and off screen in a moving interview.

John Ernest Crawford, who was born in Los Angeles on March 26, 1946, got his start in the entertainment industry early on when he was one of the first Mouseketeers on *The Mickey Mouse Club**. Even at a young age, his camera experiences gave him confidence that would influence his future work in television and movies.

Following his time on *The Rifleman*, Crawford’s career took off, landing him prominent parts in *El Dorado* with John Wayne and on well-known TV series like *Hawaii Five-O* and *Little House on the Prairie*. Hits like “Cindy’s Birthday,” proved his musical prowess as well.

A monument to his continuing brilliance and charisma, Crawford founded the Johnny Crawford Orchestra in the 1990s out of his love of music. Standing ovations and roaring acclaim for their performances at Art Directors Guild Awards galas demonstrated Crawford’s enduring influence on the entertainment business.