Chuck Connors Turned Down $10,000 Because He Refused To Make Fun Of Westerns

by: Nina Ross
May 1, 2023

source: Getty Images

The 1950s was a decade marked by a fascination with glamour, sophistication, and style. The entertainment industry was no exception, and one of the shows that perfectly captured the spirit of the time was “The Big Party.” The program was a lavish affair, featuring celebrities in their finest evening wear sipping cocktails, singing at the piano, and chit-chatting with one another.

Premiering in 1959, “The Big Party” was sponsored by Revlon and ran on CBS for a brief time. Despite its short run, the show managed to attract some of the biggest stars of the era, including Rock Hudson, Sammy Davis Jr., Carol Channing, and Eva Gabor.

Chuck Connors turned down $10,000 to appear on an episode of “The Big Party.” According to gossip columnist Erskine Johnson, who reported on the story in 1960, Connors refused to appear on the show because he didn’t want to make fun of Westerns. The producers of “The Big Party” had apparently asked Connors to kid TV Westerns, but the actor refused, stating that he didn’t want to belittle a genre that he felt was an important part of American culture and history.

Connors’ decision not to appear on the show may have been a blow to the producers of “The Big Party,” but it was a testament to the actor’s commitment to his craft and his refusal to compromise his values. Throughout his career, Connors was known for his dedication to his roles and his refusal to take on parts that he felt were beneath him or that would compromise his integrity.

In the end, “The Big Party” may have been a short-lived program, but it remains a fascinating snapshot of late-’50s Hollywood. And while Chuck Connors may have turned down a hefty sum of money to appear on the show, his decision to stand by his principles only serves to enhance his legacy as a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry.