Marshal Sam Cain, played by Brett Cullen, was the handsome, southern peace keeper of Sweetwater, Kansas.

Like Melissa Leo's character of Emma, Sam was only a part of the show during the first season, but you couldn't find a better lawman to maintain order and peacefulness in Sweetwater than Sam Cain.

The life of Sam was troublesome at first, to say the least. During most of the first season, Sam's life seams like an enigma, as we are given small hints and clues as to his life before he came to Sweetwater. He and Emma have a history, which is evident in the first episode, but the other details of his life are foreshadowed throughout each episode he appears in.

Sam married young to a woman he loved very dearly, whose name was Jenny. But soon after their marriage, she was killed by a group of outlaws. The death of his wife prompted Sam to search for the outlaws and seek vengeance, killing all except for one. This began a short of life of crime, which Sam later regrets. For a while, he couldn't discern good from evil and took revenge on everyone. But eventually, he came to face his demons and straightened himself out and returned to the good side of the law, becoming a marshal to protect the innocent.

Later on, the man responsible for the death of Sam's wife returned to Sweetwater as a wealthy citizen and replaced Sam with one of his employees. This new man charged the townspeople "insurance" against fires. Sam seeks justice and the man is killed in the end with the help of Teaspoon and Buck.

Sam also cares a lot about the riders. He knows firsthand how life can deal an unfair hand and sees in them what their lives could lead to without proper guidance and works hard to lead them in the right direction. He is always on their side, but he is also on the side of the law, which sometimes puts him in some confusing situations. However, in the end, justice prevails and no hard feelings are kept. The riders like Sam and it shows. He is a role model that they can always turn to for sound advice and leadership. But they also understand that his job is first to the law. He guides and helps them understand that life isn't always perfect, but you have to make the best of what you do.

The pain of losing his wife never left Sam overly bitter. Again, he learned to face his demons and put the past behind. He was able to fall in love again, and he picked a fine woman to pursue. It was evident that Sam chased after Emma from the beginning. Often times he let his personal feelings get in the way when it came to Emma's own past demons, who returned and cause trouble or pursue her again, but it was evident they weren't the right type for her and Sam proved that he was better. Sam and Emma were married between the first and second season. Sam accepted the job as Territorial Marshal and he moved away with Emma. We never heard from them again, but we know that they had a good future. We could tell from the beginning that they were made for each other and no one else could make a better couple.

Brett Cullen is one of those actors who shows up all over the place, yet no one seems to know his name. Of course we all know him as Marshal Sam Cain on "The Young Riders" but did you catch him on any of his other series and mini series? On "Falcon Crest"? On "The Thorn Birds", "I'll Take Manhattan", "Danielle Steele's Family Album"? How the series "Orleans"?

No? Then you much have been at the theatre watching Apollo 13 (1995), Something To Talk About (1995), or Wyatt Earp (1994).

No? Then you must have been down at your local video store putting together your own Brett Cullen film festival.

Born on August 26, 1956 in Houston, TX, Brett Cullen got his start in acting when he was in high school. He then attended The University of Houston where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Drama (along with Dennis and Randy Quaid and Brent Spinner). Brett spent four years after that with the Houston Shakespeare Festival before he finally made his screen debut in the TV series "The Chisholms" a year after Anthony Zerbe was in the show. After that, he relocated to Los Angeles and landed a role in "The Thorn Birds" in 1983, the second highest-rating mini series ever aired.

This handsome actor has been in a variety of films, TV movies and mini series and has a few notable guest appearances. Other films include Courage Under Fire (1996), The Killing Jar (1996), Prehysteria (1993), By The Sword (1991), Leaving Normal (1992), The Perfect Body (1997), Levitation (1997) and many others.

In made-for-tv, he has been in such films as "Gambler V: Playing For Keeps", "A Kiss Goodnight", "Mother of The Bride", "The Sitter", and "Dead Solid Perfect". Brett also had a guest appearance in "Suddenly Susan" as Susan's boyfriend in 1997, and "The Perfect Life" in early 1998. He was also spotted in an episode of "Ally McBeal".

In October, 1997, Brett stared in the Lifetime Original Movie "The Hired Heart" about a widow who hires a man to pose as her boyfriend. And ironically enough, the town that this story was set in just so happened to be called Sweetwater. Hmm? Do we see a connection here? I watched this movie and thought it was a really sweet movie and I finally realized what a hunk Brett is. We hope we see this talented actor in a lot more in the future!

Through the months of April & May, 1998, Brett appeared in Tom Hank's HBO production of "From The Earth To The Moon". He can be spotted in various episodes, so keep an eye out for him if you ever have a chance to catch this one.

The 1998 TV season brought a new series to television entitled "Legacy" staring Brett. If you loved him as Sam Cain, then you'll love him as Ned Logan, the widowed father of four kids in post-civil war Kentucky. An interesting tidbit that you all will love to know, Melissa Leo (Emma on TYR) co-stared in 2 episodes of Legacy. It was fabulous to see these two working together again!!! Unfortunately, the series ended in 1999.

In 2000, Brett was seen in The Replacements, and 2001 brought Everything That Rises, The Expendables, and a made for TV version of On Golden Pond.

Look for Brett later this year in College and scheduled in 2003 will be the new comedy, National Security.

There's a lot to choose from, so, pop the corn, put your feet up and have a ball! Hint: Stewardess School (1987) is really dumb but kind of fun if you like your humor cheap!

Brett makes his home in L.A.

For more information on Brett Cullen, please visit IMDB.com.

Information for this page provided by wCw, Ishani, & Silvia Barlaam
Pictures by Wendy. Legacy picture by Brett Cullen Web Site