Legend has it that Chuck Connors' brief yet memorable appearance as Burn Sanderson, a Texas rancher with a heart of gold, in the 1957 Disney classic "Old Yeller" led to him earning the starring role in ABC's "The Rifleman", set to premiere the following year. His endearing performance as Sanderson impressed the producers of "The Rifleman" to the point that they handed him the role over 40-50 other well qualified actors, in addition to paying his full freight and giving him a small ownership stake in the show. "The Rifleman" premiered in 1958, and ran for 5 seasons until 1963. It was a huge hit, with Connors starring as Union Civil War veteran, widower, and New Mexico territory rancher Lucas McCain. He wielded a Winchester Model 92 rifle with ease, and imparted valuable moral lessons to his son along the way. Connors had led a remarkable life even before his success on the silver screen, having served as a stateside tank warfare instructor during WW2, and then becoming one of only 13 men to ever play both professional basketball in the NBA, for the Boston Celtics no less, and professional baseball in the MLB, for the equally iconic Brooklyn Dodgers. He starred in the movie "Geronimo!" in 1962, and in the television series “Branded” from 1965 to 1966; not exactly a lightweight. Those memorable roles solidified his status as a well respected Western actor in the "cowboy craze" of the post-WW2, baby boom era. Connors is remembered for his steely gaze, lantern jaw, stentorian voice, imposing physical stature, and overall screen presence. This Vintage 1970s 1980s Chuck Connors Movie & TV Star Named Pearl Snap Western Shirt is in Excellent Condition, with absolutely no rips, holes, tears, or damage to the crisp gray and white striped 50% polyester/50% cotton construction. Most interestingly, it’s a Size X-Large (17 1/2 x 35) with an extra long tail, boasts an elegant black trimmed white “yoke” chest and back, with matching black “arrow” faux pocket facings at the chest, and carries the original “Kenny Rogers / WESTERN COLLECTION / BY KARMAN” maker’s label at the inside neck, which bears the name “CHUCK CONNORS” hand written in blue pen along the bottom. That leads us to the provenance of this piece, which comes directly from the personal collection of noted gun writer Rick Hacker. Mr. Hacker relates that he was a close friend of Chuck Connors, especially as the latter entered his twilight years. When Chuck Connors passed away in 1992, Mr. Hacker was asked to come to Connors’ Tehachapi ranch home, and was given numerous pieces that Rose Mary Grumley, the executor of Connors' estate, said “Chuck wanted him to have”. This western shirt was among those items. It has resided in Rick Hacker’s personal collection until now, and a signed letter of authenticity from Mr. Hacker will accompany this piece. It sports fully functional black “pearl snap” closures down the front and at the cuffs, features the original black plastic button closure at the front collar, and is a beautiful example of a very rare, original Vintage 1970s 1980s Chuck Connors Movie & TV Star Named Pearl Snap Western Shirt.