Dale Robertson, a star of television westerns in the 1950s and 60s, died Wednesday at 89 years old from lung cancer and pneumonia, THR reports. An Oklahoma native, Robertson was best-known for the role of Jim Hardie, the "left handed gun," on NBC's "Tales of Wells Fargo," which ran from 1957-1962.
He also starred as railroad tycoon Ben Calhoun on ABC's "Iron Horse," and as the title character of NBC's "J.J. Starbuck." Robertson had parts on iconic TV shows "Dynasty," and "Dallas," and was the narrator on "Death Valley Days," following in the steps of the show's previous narrator, Ronald Reagan.
Robertson also starred in a handful of films, including "The Farmer Takes a Wife," which co-starred Betty Grable. Before his career in TV and film, Robertson served in World War II, where he was awarded both bronze and silver stars after being wounded twice.
Robertson took his Hollywood earnings, and bought a ranch in his native Oklahoma, at one time owning 235 horses. He sold the ranch and horses years ago, settling in San Diego, Cal.