INTO THE WILD FRONTIER STARRING SCOTT WATSON AS “OLD” BILL WILLIAMS

Portraying a real-life historical figure is a challenge I relish, especially one as indomitable as “Old Bill” Williams.

It was especially fun to try and capturing the dichotomy of a man with such a strong faith trying to make the most moral decisions possible in a frontier without hard and fast rules, where the best decision for his fellow settlers may be the worst one ethically.

Oh, I also got to ride horses and shoot replica firearms (both under safe, well controlled circumstances) while shooting in the “Big Sky” country of Montana. Into the Wild Frontier was a dream job, and I hope you enjoy watching the episode nearly as much as we enjoyed making it.

Here’s some history about Old Bill below, as well as some more info about the show Into the Wild Frontier.

My episode of Into the Wild Frontier: Joe Walker: Humble Hero ( Season 2, Episode 5) is now playing on the INSP network, and will be coming soon to Tubi.

THE REAL "OLD BILL" WILLIAMS

"Old Bill" Williams was a famous frontiersman and mountain man who lived in the early 19th century in the American West. He is known for his extensive knowledge of the Western wilderness, his proficiency in hunting, trapping, and survival skills, and his ability to communicate and live among Native American tribes.

Born in North Carolina in 1787, Williams moved west in his early 20s and worked as a trapper and trader in the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers region. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and fearless frontiersman, as well as a talented storyteller and musician.

Williams lived for a time among the Osage tribe in Oklahoma, where he learned the Osage language and customs, and later moved to New Mexico, where he became friends with the Navajo people. He was known to dress in Indian clothing and even adopted some of their spiritual practices.

In addition to his frontier skills, Williams was also a devout Christian and preacher, and he spent much of his later life traveling throughout the West, spreading his message and sharing his tales. He died in 1849 while leading a wagon train through Utah.

Today, "Old Bill" Williams is remembered as a legendary figure in the history of the American West, celebrated for his skills as a frontiersman, his unique cultural insights, and his colorful personality.

INTO THE WILD FRONTIER

As America expands westward, intrepid explorers and rugged mountain men risk their lives to blaze new trails into the wild frontier. The promise of new lands teeming with game and other riches is an irresistible pull for fearless men such as Daniel Boone, Jim Bridger, and John Colter. But danger surrounds the hunters, trappers, and traders that the lead the way into the unknown frontier. As they push deeper into the wilderness, crossing impenetrable forests, vast mountain ranges, and unforgiving deserts, they face starvation, deadly weather, ferocious predators, and hostile Native Americans. But their descriptions of the natural wonders found on America's frontier encourage a tide of settlers to head west, and their epic tales of adventure and survival become the stuff of myths and legends.