Leif Erickson

Erickson was an American film and television actor. Born as William Wycliffe Anderson, he appeared in numerous films and television series. Erickson appeared in THE RIFLEMAN pilot episode, "The Sharpshooter," as Big Jim Lewis. He later went on to star in his own TV Western, playing patriach Big John Cannon in "High Chaparral." He and Chuck Connors also appeared together in "Branded." Previously, the two actors co-starred with John Wayne in "Trouble Along the Way." His film credits include "College Holiday," "Conquest," "Ride a Crooked Mile," "Sorry Wrong Number," "The Snake Pit," "Fourteen Hours," "Invaders from Mars," "On the Waterfront," "Twilight for the Gods," "A Gathering of Eagles," "Roustabout," and "The Carpetbaggers." Perhaps his most notable role was playing Deborah Kerr's macho husband in the stage and film versions of "Tea and Sympathy."