The Cast of Lonesome Dove: Then and Now

Back in 1989, Lonesome Dove redefined what television could achieve. Adapted from Larry McMurtry's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this epic Western miniseries captivated audiences with its tale of friendship, loss, and the dying frontier. I still remember watching it for the first time—the performances grabbed you and wouldn't let go.

The cast made all the difference. From established stars to character actors, everyone delivered career-defining work that still resonates today. Lonesome Dove proved Westerns weren't dead; they just needed the right story and perfect casting.

The Legendary Stars

Robert Duvall as Augustus "Gus" McCrae

Then (1989): At 58, Duvall was already a Hollywood legend with The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now behind him. His portrayal of the wise-cracking, life-loving Gus McCrae became the heart and soul of Lonesome Dove. With his natural charm and profound depth, Duvall made Gus both hilarious and heartbreaking.

Now (2025): At 94, Duvall remains remarkably active. His recent work includes The Pale Blue Eye (2022) alongside Christian Bale. Duvall won an Oscar for Tender Mercies (1983)—for more on that film's cast legacy, see our Tender Mercies then and now retrospective.

Duvall has often said Gus McCrae is his favourite character, high praise from someone who's created so many iconic roles. In 2011, Texas made him an honorary Texas Ranger, fitting recognition for his Western performances.

Tommy Lee Jones as Woodrow F. Call

Then (1989): Jones was 43 and building his reputation as Hollywood's go-to stern authority figure. Having made his mark in Coal Miner's Daughter (1980), he brought Call to life with a quiet intensity that perfectly balanced Duvall's exuberant Gus.

Now (2025): At 78, Jones has had one of the most distinguished careers in Hollywood. From his Oscar-winning turn in The Fugitive (1993) to memorable roles in No Country for Old Men (2007) and Lincoln (2012), he's remained consistently excellent. For a comprehensive look at his career achievements, check out our ranking of Tommy Lee Jones' top 15 movies.

Jones also proved himself as a director with The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (2005), showing the same attention to detail that made Call such a compelling character.

Danny Glover as Joshua Deets

Then (1989): At 43, Glover was fresh off The Color Purple (1985) and building his action credentials with Lethal Weapon. His portrayal of the loyal tracker and former slave Joshua Deets added profound emotional weight to the story, representing both dignity and the complex racial dynamics of the Old West.

Now (2025): At 79, Glover has become a true Hollywood elder statesman. Beyond acting in films like Dreamgirls (2006) and 2012 (2009), he's dedicated much of his later career to humanitarian causes and activism. His work extends far beyond entertainment, making him one of the most respected figures in the industry.

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Diane Lane as Lorena Wood

Then (1989): Lane was just 24 but already a seasoned performer thanks to The Outsiders (1983). Her portrayal of Lorena, a prostitute seeking escape and redemption, balanced vulnerability with fierce determination.

Now (2025): At 60, Lane has enjoyed one of the most consistent careers in Hollywood. Her Oscar-nominated performance in Unfaithful (2002) marked a career high, and she's remained busy with films like Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) and Man of Steel (2013). She continues to choose diverse roles that showcase her range and depth.

The Supporting Ensemble

Barry Corbin as Roscoe Brown

Then (1989): At 48, Corbin had already made his mark in Urban Cowboy (1980) and WarGames (1983). As July Johnson's bumbling deputy Roscoe Brown, he provided both comic relief and heartbreaking humanity to the story.

Now (2025): At 84, Corbin remains busy despite health challenges. He battled oral cancer in 2022 but recovered and continued working on Yellowstone and Tulsa King. His distinctive Texas drawl and five-decade career have made him a character actor legend.

Notable later roles include Northern Exposure (1990-1995), which earned him Emmy nominations, and No Country for Old Men (2007). Despite losing his hair to alopecia areata in the 1990s, he's never stopped working.

Steve Buscemi as Luke

Then (1989): At 31, Buscemi was still largely unknown, playing the scruffy outlaw Luke. This was before his breakout role in Reservoir Dogs (1992) made him a household name.

Now (2025): At 67, Buscemi has become one of Hollywood's most recognisable character actors. From The Sopranos to starring in Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014), he's proven his range repeatedly. In 2024, he was attacked in New York City but recovered fully.

Recent work includes directing The Listener (2024) starring Tessa Thompson, showcasing his evolution as both actor and filmmaker.

Anjelica Huston as Clara Allen

Then (1989): At 38, Huston was coming off her Oscar win for Prizzi's Honor (1985). Though her role as Gus's former love Clara was relatively small, she made every scene count with her natural elegance and fierce intelligence.

Now (2025): At 73, Huston has maintained her status as Hollywood royalty. From The Addams Family (1991) to The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), she's consistently chosen projects that showcase her unique screen presence. Her aristocratic bearing and sharp wit have made her irreplaceable in both dramatic and comedic roles.

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Chris Cooper as July Johnson

Then (1989): Cooper was 38 and still building his career, playing the earnest sheriff searching for his runaway wife. His nuanced performance hinted at the greatness to come.

Now (2025): At 74, Cooper has become one of America's finest character actors. His Oscar win for Adaptation (2002) was long overdue recognition for his consistently excellent work. From American Beauty (1999) to August: Osage County (2013), he's remained one of the most dependable actors of his generation.

Cast of Matewan (1987) Then and Now

Over 35 years have passed since Matewan first hit theaters, let’s take a look at what the cast has been up to since their performances in 1987.

Rewind ZoneRichard Wells

Those We've Lost

Timothy Scott as Pea Eye Parker

Then (1989): Scott was 46 when he played the loyal but simple-minded Pea Eye Parker, one of the most endearing characters in the miniseries. His portrayal of the former Ranger who'd follow Call anywhere provided both humour and heart.

Now (2025): At 82, Scott continued acting primarily in television throughout the 1990s and 2000s. While he never achieved the same level of fame as some of his Lonesome Dove co-stars, his performance as Pea Eye remains beloved by fans of the series.

Robert Urich as Jake Spoon

Then (1989): At 43, Urich was television royalty thanks to Vega$ and Spenser: For Hire. His portrayal of the charming but fatally flawed Jake Spoon was both magnetic and tragic.

Legacy: Urich passed away in 2002 at age 55 after a brave battle with synovial sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. His performance in Lonesome Dove stands as one of his finest achievements, showcasing his ability to make deeply flawed characters sympathetic. Throughout his illness, he remained positive and continued working, becoming an advocate for cancer research.

Glenne Headly as Elmira Boot Johnson

Then (1989): At 34, Headly played July Johnson's restless wife Elmira, who abandons her family to chase an old flame. Her performance captured the desperation of a woman trapped by circumstances.

Legacy: Headly passed away unexpectedly in 2017 at age 62 from complications related to a pulmonary embolism. She had continued acting steadily in both film and television, with notable roles in Dick Tracy (1990) and Mr. Holland's Opus (1995). Her sudden passing was mourned throughout the industry.

Additional Notable Cast Members

Frederic Forrest as Blue Duck: At 52 during filming, Forrest created one of the most chilling villains in Western cinema. Now 87, he's slowed down but his memorable portrayal of the ruthless Comanche outlaw remains terrifying.

William Sanderson as Lippy Jones: The character actor was 45 during filming and brought his distinctive voice and weathered face to the role of the ranch hand. Now 82, Sanderson continued working in television for decades.

D.B. Sweeney as Dish Boggett: At 27, Sweeney played the young cowboy smitten with Lorena. Now 63, he's continued acting steadily, with memorable roles in The Cutting Edge (1992) and various television series.

Rick Schroder as Newt Dobbs: Just 19 during filming, the former child star gave one of his best performances as the questioning young man. Now 55, he's transitioned between acting and directing throughout his career.

You Might Remember This If...

You watched television on Sunday nights in 1989 when families gathered for appointment viewing. You can still hear that haunting theme music or picture Gus and Call's friendship against the vast Texas sky. You remember when Lonesome Dove proved Westerns weren't dead—they just needed the right story.

The Legacy of Lonesome Dove

Over 35 years later, Lonesome Dove remains the gold standard for Western television. Its influence appears in everything from Deadwood to Yellowstone—shows that understand character development matters as much as action.

The miniseries spawned sequels, though none matched the original's magic. What made Lonesome Dove special was the perfect storm of source material, direction, and casting that's nearly impossible to replicate.

For Western fans, it sits alongside Tombstone and Unforgiven as essential viewing, proving television could match cinema for scope and ambition.

Final Thoughts

The cast of Lonesome Dove created something magical—a Western that transcended genre to become universal storytelling. From Duvall's unforgettable Gus to the smallest supporting roles, every performance contributed to bringing McMurtry's characters to vivid life.

While we've lost some beloved cast members, their performances ensure their places in television history. The series stands as testament to great writing, stellar direction, and a cast that understood the weight of their story.

Whether you're discovering it for the first time or returning after years away, Lonesome Dove remains as powerful today as it was in 1989.

For more classic Western retrospectives, explore our coverage of The Wild Bunch (1969) cast then and now and Pale Rider cast then and now.