What Happened to Eugene Barkley on the Big Valley?
by Aishwarya R | Updated May 02, 2023
The Big Valley
The Big Valley is an American Western television series that aired from 1965 to 1969 on the ABC network. The show was created by A.I. Bezzerides and Louis F. Edelman and starred Barbara Stanwyck, Richard Long, Lee Majors, Linda Evans, and Peter Breck.
The series was set in the late 1800s in the San Joaquin Valley of California and revolved around the lives of the wealthy Barkley family, who owned a large ranch called the Barkley Ranch. The family was headed by Victoria Barkley, played by Barbara Stanwyck, a strong and independent matriarch who ran the ranch with the help of her three sons and daughter.
The other members of the family included Jarrod Barkley, played by Richard Long, who was a respected lawyer and often acted as a mediator in disputes; Nick Barkley, played by Peter Breck, who was a hot-headed cowboy with a quick temper; Heath Barkley, played by Lee Majors, who was Victoria's illegitimate son and a former soldier with a troubled past; and Audra Barkley, played by Linda Evans, who was Victoria's daughter and the youngest member of the family.
Throughout the series, the Barkleys faced a variety of challenges and conflicts, including feuds with neighboring ranchers, threats from outlaws and bandits, and struggles to maintain their wealth and power in a changing world. The show explored themes of family loyalty, honor, justice, and morality, and was known for its strong female characters and progressive social messages.
The Big Valley was a popular show during its time, and it is still remembered today as a classic example of the Western genre. It spawned a number of spin-offs, including several made-for-television movies and a short-lived revival series in the 1980s. The show also had a lasting impact on popular culture, influencing the development of other Western-themed television shows and films in the years that followed.
What Happened to Eugene Barkley on the Big Valley?
Tragically, Eugene's storyline on the show was cut short when the actor who played him, Charles Briles, left the show after the first season. The character was written out of the series, with his death being mentioned in passing in later episodes.
Eugene Barkley, portrayed by Charles Briles, was initially introduced as the fourth Barkley sibling in the first season of The Big Valley. However, Briles had to leave the show abruptly after appearing in only eight episodes due to his enlistment in the U.S. Army.
Although Briles did not return to the show even after his service was completed, Eugene's absence was not explained or mentioned in later seasons. Therefore, Eugene Barkley's character remained largely unresolved and was not referred to again in the series.
Eugene Barkley was an important character in the early seasons of The Big Valley, and although he was only on the show for a short time, he left a lasting impression on viewers. His struggles to find his place in the world and the conflicts he faced with his family were relatable to many people, and his tragic fate added a layer of complexity to the show's ongoing storyline.
After Eugene's departure from the show, his character was not referenced again, and he was not mentioned in later seasons. It was explained that Eugene had gone to study medicine in Berkeley, but his absence was not explored in-depth. Despite this, Eugene's short-lived presence on The Big Valley remains a memorable part of the show's early history, and his character remains a subject of interest and speculation among fans.
Who was Eugene Barkley on the Big Valley?
Eugene Barkley is a character from the popular American Western television series, The Big Valley, which aired from 1965 to 1969. The show was set in the late 1800s in the San Joaquin Valley of California and revolved around the lives of the wealthy Barkley family, who owned a large ranch called the Barkley Ranch.
Eugene Barkley was the younger brother of the Barkley family patriarch, Victoria Barkley, and was portrayed by actor Charles Briles. He appeared in the first season of the show and played a recurring role as a young man struggling to find his place in the world and win the approval of his family.
Eugene was portrayed as a shy and introverted young man who struggled to find his place in the world. Despite his youth and inexperience, Eugene was eager to prove himself to his family and contribute to the ranch's success. However, his lack of confidence often led him to make mistakes and struggle with his responsibilities.
Eugene was portrayed as a sensitive and somewhat naive character who often found himself in trouble or caught up in the schemes of others. He had a talent for music and was often seen playing the guitar or singing, but his passion for music was not taken seriously by his family, who saw it as a frivolous pursuit.
Despite his difficulties, Eugene was a well-meaning character who was loved by his family, particularly his sister Audra, who was his closest confidante. He often sought her advice and support in his struggles to assert himself and find his place in the world.
Who plays Eugene Barkley on the Big Valley?
Charles Briles played Eugene Barkley on the Big Valley. He is an American film and television actor, who was born on December 17, 1945, in Gardena, California. Before entering the entertainment industry, he performed at the Westchester Playhouse with the Kentwood Players as a teenager. Initially, Briles worked behind the scenes, but he later pursued acting and landed the role of Eugene Barkley in the first season of The Big Valley, an ABC Western television series.
In 1965, Briles was drafted into the California Army National Guard, forcing him to leave The Big Valley. Consequently, his character was written out of the show, as Eugene Barkley went to study medicine in Berkeley. After his military service, Briles stopped acting and became a TV screenwriter.
He also worked as a stage director on productions in Southern California and produced and wrote at the Northrop Corporation of California. Briles lived in Orcutt, California until his death. Charles Briles passed away at the age of 71 in June 2016 in Portland, Oregon, due to congestive heart failure.
What Happened to Eugene Barkley on the Big Valley - FAQs
Charles Briles portrayed the character of Eugene Barkley in the first season of The Big Valley.
Eugene Barkley's character was written out of the show after Charles Briles was drafted into the U.S. Army during the first season of The Big Valley.
Eugene Barkley was portrayed as a shy and introverted young man who struggled with his confidence and place in the world.
Although it was mentioned that Eugene went to study medicine in Berkeley, his absence was not explored in-depth, and he was not referred to again in later seasons.
After leaving The Big Valley, Charles Briles worked as a TV screenwriter and stage director on productions in Southern California. He later produced and wrote at the Northrop Corporation of California before passing away in 2016 due to congestive heart failure.