Entertainment

Child actor Johnny Crawford of ‘The Rifleman’ fame dead at 75

“The Rifleman” actor Johnny Crawford has died at 75 after battling COVID and pneumonia.

The tragic news was confirmed on his legacy website on Thursday evening.

“It is with great sadness and heaviness of heart that the Johnny Crawford Legacy team announce the passing of Johnny Crawford,” the statement read.

The spokespeople confirmed that Crawford “passed away peacefully” with his wife by his side.

The actor was best known for his role in “The Rifleman,” where he played Mark McCain.

He was nominated for best supporting actor at the Primetime Emmys in 1959 when he was just 13 years old.

However, back in 2019 he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease before contracting COVID-19 and pneumonia.

His cause of death has not yet been revealed; however, his website said that he was moved to a care home close to his wife after his diagnoses.

“As cruel as Alzheimer’s disease is, Johnny still has that warm smile and sparkle in his eyes, and he’s surrounded by people who love him unconditionally,” the website read.

The actor’s last screen credit was in “The Marshal” in 2019.

"The Rifleman" actor Chuck Connors (left) with his young co-star Johnny Crawford.
“The Rifleman” actor Chuck Connors (left) with his young co-star Johnny Crawford. Walt Disney Television via Getty Images