Behind every beloved actor lies a story of love and support, and Charlotte Samco’s relationship with Johnny Crawford is no exception.
Their love tale spans decades. It began in the halls of Hollywood High School and lasted until Crawford’s unfortunate passing in 2021.
While Johnny Crawford captured hearts as Mark McCain in The Rifleman, Charlotte prefers to stay away from the spotlight. I managed to gather what I can to share with you today.
Charlotte Samco: Early Life & Beginnings
Born on June 23, 1946, in Philip, South Dakota, Charlotte Samco grew up in America’s heartland before her life path led her to Hollywood.
Coming from a close-knit family, she later experienced the loss of both her parents and younger brother. She attended Hollywood High School, where fate would introduce her to her future husband, Johnny Crawford.
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Despite her marriage to Hollywood royalty, Charlotte maintained a private lifestyle that reflected her modest Midwestern roots.
Charlotte Samco: Personal Life
Charlotte and Johnny made their home in a charming 1927 house in the Hollywood Hills of California. Their shared love for music and animals helped shape their domestic nest.
Fun fact: The couple chose not to have biological children, though their reasons remain private.
How Did She and Johnny Crawford Meet?
Their love story began in the hallways of Hollywood High School, where young Charlotte and Johnny first crossed paths.
However, their initial romance faced some challenges. After graduation, their paths diverged as Johnny’s acting career began to soar. The young couple lost touch, each pursuing their separate destinies.
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How Did Charlotte Samco Handle Johnny Crawford’s Death?
Charlotte faced one of her life’s most challenging periods during Johnny’s battle with Alzheimer’s, diagnosed in 2019.
She supported him through the difficult journey, which included a GoFundMe campaign initiated by friends to help with mounting medical costs and his eventual move to a personal care facility.
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Unfortunately, the situation became even more critical when Johnny contracted COVID-19 and pneumonia while still battling Alzheimer’s. Throughout his challenging time, Charlotte remained by his side until his passing on April 29, 2021.
That marked the fourth heavy loss Charlotte had to go through after losing her immediate family. It must’ve been hard losing a husband of 26 years. Yet, she chose to mourn how she lived, privately, while honoring his memory when she could.
Where Is Charlotte Samco Now?
Currently, Charlotte Samco resides in Rapid City, South Dakota. She went back to her home state after Johnny’s passing. At 76 years old (as of 2025), she maintains the private lifestyle she always preferred.
Wrap Up
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Charlotte Samco may be known for being the beloved Johnny Crawford’s wife, but we should remember how she was his pillar of unwavering support. She stood by him for 26 years of marriage and even more during Johnny’s final years—no matter how difficult those got.
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