Linda Cristal Passes On

Sad news today: Actress Linda Cristal, one of the stars of TV's THE HIGH CHAPARRAL (1967-71), has passed away at 89.

Although IMDb lists her age as 86, the New York Times gave it as 89.

Cristal's best-known role was as THE HIGH CHAPARRAL'S fiery Victoria Montoya Cannon, who more than held her own among the alpha males forging an existence while building a ranching empire on the dangerous desert frontier. I got a particular kick out of moments such as her yelling about her often bullheaded husband, Big John Cannon (Leif Erickson), in Spanish.

She's seen below with her late costars Erickson (left) and Cameron Mitchell (right), as well as surviving cast members Mark Slade and Henry Darrow.

Supporting cast members Don Collier (second from bottom right) and Rudy Ramos are also still with us today.

I shared some thoughts on my love for THE HIGH CHAPARRAL and what made it unique among TV Westerns back in 2012. For old times' sake, here's a link to the show's opening credits, featuring one of the best themes in TV history.

Cristal's career also included costarring in John Wayne's THE ALAMO (1960) and John Ford's TWO RODE TOGETHER (1961). (September 2020 Update: Here's a review of a 1958 romantic comedy she starred in with Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, THE PERFECT FURLOUGH.)

I'm most grateful for all the happy HIGH CHAPARRAL memories. My sincere condolences to Cristal's family, friends, and colleagues.