Cast and Crew of Lonesome Dove

Lonesome Dove

The epic film as big as the west.

"Lonesome Dove" is a compelling tale that captures the spirit of adventure and camaraderie between two iconic characters, Augustus "Gus" McCrae and Woodrow F. Call, portrayed masterfully by Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones, respectively. These longtime friends and former Texas Rangers find themselves yearning for one final escapade before they retire their spurs for good. Their bond is forged by years of shared experiences and a deep understanding of the rugged landscape they navigate, making their journey as much about their friendship as it is about the cattle drive itself.

The narrative begins with Gus and Call plotting an ambitious cattle drive, fueled by their thirst for adventure and a sense of nostalgia for their younger days. Their daring plan involves stealing over a thousand head of cattle from rustlers south of the Mexican border, a risky venture that sets the stage for the thrilling journey ahead. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, they recruit an eclectic crew of hands, each bringing their unique skills and personalities along for the ride. The diverse group forms a tapestry of characters that adds depth and complexity to their undertaking, illustrating the various motivations and dreams that propel them forward.

As they embark on this treacherous 3,000-mile trek to the lush grasslands of Montana, the tale unfolds against the backdrop of the vast and often unforgiving American frontier. Along the way, the challenges they face—ranging from brutal weather conditions to encounters with hostile forces—serve as a test of their resolve and the strength of their friendship. "Lonesome Dove" is not only a story of adventure but also a poignant reflection on the bonds between men and the life lessons learned on the open range. Through breathtaking cinematography and powerful performances, the film captures the essence of the West and the enduring spirit of those who dare to chase their dreams.

Lonesome Dove ran for 1 season.

Main Cast of Lonesome Dove

Robert Duvall as Augustus "Gus" McCrae

Robert Duvall

as Augustus "Gus" McCrae (4 episodes)
Robert Duvall's portrayal of Augustus "Gus" McCrae in the television miniseries "Lonesome Dove" is often hailed as a defining moment in his illustrious career, perfectly encapsulating his range and depth as an actor. Duvall brings a rugged charm and a philosophical gravitas to the character, imbuing Gus with a captivating blend of humor, wisdom, and an underlying melancholy. His performance is a masterclass in subtlety; with a twinkle in his eye and a wry smile, Duvall conveys Gus's love for his friends, his passion for adventure, and his ruminations on life and morality in the changing American West. The chemistry between Duvall's Gus and Tommy Lee Jones's Woodrow F. Call is electric, grounding the sweeping epic in a believable and heartfelt friendship that anchors the entire narrative. Duvall's Gus is a man of contradictions—a tough former Texas Ranger who is also a romantic at heart, a lover of poetry and culture, and a man who faces his own mortality with both defiance and acceptance. His portrayal earned Duvall a well-deserved Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie, cementing his Gus McCrae as an iconic figure in television history and a testament to Duvall's extraordinary talent.
Tommy Lee Jones as Woodrow F. Call

Tommy Lee Jones

as Woodrow F. Call (4 episodes)
Tommy Lee Jones delivered a memorable performance as Woodrow F. Call in the television miniseries "Lonesome Dove," a role that showcased his exceptional acting prowess and depth. Jones embodied the stoic, taciturn, and principled former Texas Ranger with a quiet intensity that made his portrayal both commanding and nuanced. His Call is a man of action, often more comfortable with his horses and the open range than with the complexities of human emotion, yet Jones deftly conveyed the underlying heartache and unspoken yearning that belied his character's gruff exterior. The chemistry between Jones and co-star Robert Duvall, who played Call's best friend Gus McCrae, was a cornerstone of the series, with their contrasting personalities creating a captivating dynamic that explored the themes of loyalty, camaraderie, and the passage of time. Jones's portrayal of Call—a man torn between his sense of duty and his own unfulfilled desires—resonated with audiences, earning him widespread acclaim and solidifying his performance as one of the most iconic in the Western genre.
Diane Lane as Lorena Wood Parker

Diane Lane

as Lorena Wood Parker (4 episodes)
Diane Lane delivered a memorable performance as Lorena Wood Parker in the iconic television miniseries "Lonesome Dove," a role that showcased her depth and versatility as an actress. Lane portrayed Lorena with a nuanced blend of strength and vulnerability, capturing the essence of a woman who is both hardened by life's hardships and yearning for genuine love and connection. Her character's journey from a backbiting dance hall girl to a woman who finds redemption and a sense of home is portrayed with a delicate balance of grit and tenderness. Lane's performance is a standout, as she brings a captivating presence to the screen, sharing compelling chemistry with co-stars Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones. Her ability to convey Lorena's complex emotions—ranging from sardonic wit to profound sorrow—enriches the narrative and adds layers to the tapestry of characters that make "Lonesome Dove" a timeless classic of Western television.
Robert Urich as Jake Spoon

Robert Urich

as Jake Spoon (4 episodes)
Robert Urich delivered a memorable performance as Jake Spoon in the iconic television miniseries "Lonesome Dove," based on Larry McMurtry's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Urich's portrayal of the charming, wayward cowboy captured the complexities of a man torn between his loyalty to his old friends and his own restless spirit. Jake Spoon is a character that embodies the archetype of the rugged, wandering gunslinger, yet Urich infused him with a subtle vulnerability and a sense of tragic inevitability. His performance was highlighted by an easygoing charisma and a deep, underlying sadness, as Jake's journey from the wilds of Texas to the unforgiving frontier of Montana unfolds. Urich's chemistry with co-stars Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duvall was palpable, and his nuanced depiction of Jake's internal struggles and moments of moral clarity elevated the character beyond the stereotypical cowboy. His portrayal of Jake Spoon's ultimate redemption arc remains one of the most poignant elements of the beloved Western epic, securing Urich's place in the pantheon of great television performances.
D. B. Sweeney as Dish Boggett

D. B. Sweeney

as Dish Boggett (4 episodes)
D.B. Sweeney delivered a memorable performance as the affable and intrepid Dish Boggett in the epic television miniseries "Lonesome Dove." Based on Larry McMurtry's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the series brought to life the rich tapestry of the American West, and Sweeney's portrayal of Dish was a standout among a cast of acclaimed actors. Dish, the cheerful and loyal sidekick to the more stoic and taciturn Gus McCrae (Robert Duvall), provided a vibrant contrast to the often somber narrative. Sweeney imbued the character with a contagious optimism and an endearing naivety, which endeared him to audiences. His youthful exuberance and unwavering dedication to his friend Gus highlighted the themes of camaraderie and loyalty that are central to the story. Sweeney's performance was both charismatic and nuanced, capturing the character's growth from an inexperienced young cowboy to a seasoned hand capable of facing the harsh realities of the frontier. His scenes were often infused with a light-hearted charm that balanced the more dramatic elements of the series, making Dish Boggett one of the most beloved characters in the "Lonesome Dove" saga.
Danny Glover as Joshua Deets

Danny Glover

as Joshua Deets (4 episodes)
Danny Glover delivered a memorable performance as Joshua Deets in the television miniseries "Lonesome Dove," a role that showcased his depth and versatility as an actor. Glover brought a quiet strength and dignity to the character of Deets, a former slave turned cowboy who is deeply loyal to his friends and the code of the West. His portrayal of Deets is marked by a nuanced blend of stoicism and vulnerability, as he grapples with the racial prejudices of the time while maintaining his integrity and sense of self. Glover's performance is a standout in the ensemble cast, as he embodies the heart and soul of a man seeking his place in a world that often judges him by the color of his skin rather than the content of his character. His interactions with the other characters, particularly his friendship with Augustus McCrae (Robert Duvall) and Woodrow F. Call (Tommy Lee Jones), are touching and highlight the themes of camaraderie and redemption that are central to the narrative. Glover's Deets is a character that resonates with audiences long after the credits roll, a testament to his skill in bringing complexity and warmth to the role.
Glenne Headly as Elmira Boot Johnson

Glenne Headly

as Elmira Boot Johnson (4 episodes)

Glenne Aimee Headly (born March 13, 1955 -June 8, 2017) was an American actress of film, stage and television. Descr...

Steve Buscemi as Luke

Steve Buscemi

as Luke (4 episodes)

An American actor, writer and director. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Dorothy, who worked as a hostes...

Anjelica Huston as Clara Forsythe Allen

Anjelica Huston

as Clara Forsythe Allen (4 episodes)

Anjelica Huston (born July 8, 1951) is an American actress, director, producer, author, and former fashion model. She...

Barry Corbin as Roscoe Brown

Barry Corbin

as Roscoe Brown (4 episodes)

Barry Corbin is an American film and television actor. His most well-known role came in the television series Norther...

William Sanderson as Lippy Jones

William Sanderson

as Lippy Jones (4 episodes)

William Sanderson (born January 10, 1944) is an American character actor.

Travis Swords

as Allan O'Brien (4 episodes)

James McMurtry

as Jimmy Rainey (4 episodes)

Secondary Cast of Lonesome Dove

Margo Martindale as Buffalo Heiffer

Margo Martindale

as Buffalo Heiffer (1 episode)

Margo Martindale (born July 18, 1951) is an American film, stage, and television actress. In 2011, she won an Emmy Aw...

Helena Humann

as Peach Johnson (1 episode)

John Quijada

as Pedro Flores (1 episode)

Max Evers

as Charlie Barnes (1 episode)

Wallace Merck

as Fowler (1 episode)

David Ode

as Dog Face (1 episode)

Gene Sovo

as Ermoke (1 episode)

Vern Porter

as Dr. Arandel (1 episode)

Michael Pritchard

as First Cowboy (1 episode)

Dave Powell

as Second Cowboy (1 episode)

Adam Taylor

as Deputy #1 (1 episode)

Eddie Komalestewa

as Young Brave (1 episode)

John Barks

as First Trapper (as John Bark) (1 episode)

Richard Slaughter

as Second Trapper (1 episode)

Ed Geldart

as Undertaker (1 episode)

David Little

as Sheriff (1 episode)

Bud Shrake

as Sodbuster (1 episode)

Crew of Lonesome Dove

Discover the backstage crew of Lonesome Dove →