Gregory Peck stars as retired sea captain James McKay in The Big Country, with Jean Simmons as schoolteacher Julie Maragon and Charlton Heston as ranch foreman Steve Leech.
Main cast
- James McKayGregory PeckMain
- Julie MaragonJean SimmonsMain
- Steve LeechCharlton HestonMain
Supporting cast
- Patricia TerrillCarroll BakerSupp
- Major Henry TerrillCharles BickfordSupp
- Rufus HannasseyBurl IvesSupp
- Buck HannasseyChuck ConnorsSupp
- Ramon GuiterasAlfonso BedoyaSupp
Guest & voice
- Terrill’s ForemanChuck RobertsonGuest
- Hannassey RiderBob MorganGuest
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About this cast
The Big Country is a 1958 American epic Western film directed by William Wyler. It follows James McKay, a refined Easterner who travels to the rugged West to marry his fiancée Patricia Terrill, only to become entangled in a bitter feud between two ranching families over water rights.
FAQs
Who plays James McKay in The Big Country?
Gregory Peck plays James McKay, the retired sea captain and central character.
Who plays Julie Maragon in The Big Country?
Jean Simmons plays Julie Maragon, the schoolteacher who owns the valuable water source.
Who plays Steve Leech in The Big Country?
Charlton Heston plays Steve Leech, the foreman of the Terrill ranch.
Who plays Rufus Hannassey in The Big Country?
Burl Ives plays Rufus Hannassey, the patriarch of the rival Hannassey family, and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role.
Who plays Patricia Terrill in The Big Country?
Carroll Baker plays Patricia Terrill, the daughter of Major Henry Terrill and James McKay’s fiancée.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026