'Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman' Cast Then and Now

The Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman cast, led by the talented Jane Seymour, brought the town of Colorado Springs to life in the 1860s. The hit series was a captivating blend of drama, medicine and frontier life. The show was a hit from 1993 to 1998.

The CBS drama aired on Saturday nights and starred Janey Seymour (Dr. Michaela Quinn), Joe Lando (Byron Sully), William Shockley (Hank Lawson), Chad Allen (Matthew Cooper), and Shawn Toovey (Brian Cooper). It also had many famous guest appearances, including Johnny Cash. It was the last successful Western to air on broadcast TV.

Fans were devasted when the show was canceled. CBS received more than 100,000 phone calls, letters, e-mails and faxes protesting the decision. "I got more letters on that show than on all the rest of the shows I've canceled combined," said CBS Television President and CEO Leslie Moonves told Deseret News.

Jane Seymour said, “Since it was canceled, the outpouring from the fans has been just unbelievable. Wherever I've gone, people came with mounds and mounds of faxes and e-mails and people said there was a void in their lives."

Here a look back at Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman cast and where the stars are today.

Jane Seymour as Dr. Quinn

At the heart of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, was the incomparable Jane Seymour, who portrayed the title character, Dr. Quinn.

Seymour was born Joyce Penelope Wilhelmina Frankenberg in England in 1951. Her breakout role was as Bond girl, Solitaire, in Live and Let Die (1973). She went on to star in films such as Captains and the Kings (1976) and Onassis: The Richest Man in the World (1988) before getting the lead in Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman.

After the series, she appeared in several movies and shows, including Wedding Crashers and miniseries War and Remembrance. She most recently appeared in The War with Grandpa (2020) and Friendsgiving (2020). Her acting has won several accolades, including two Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy.

In addition to acting, Seymour has written several self-help books, including Jane Seymour's Guide to Romantic Living (1986) and Among Angels (2010).

Seymour has been married four times and has four children and two step-children.

Did you know? Seymour was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2000.

Related: Screen Icon Jane Seymour Shares 6 Secrets for a Happy and Healthy 2024 (EXCLUSIVE)

Joe Lando as Byron Sully

Joe Lando, who portrayed the rugged yet compassionate Byron Sully, captured the hearts of viewers with his on-screen chemistry with Jane Seymour's character. Before joining the Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman cast, Lando had gained recognition for his role as heartthrob Jake Harrison in the soap opera One Life to Live.

Many viewers didn’t know that Lando did almost all his own stunts when on Dr. Quinn. He said doing his own stunt work made the character feel more real to him. In addition, Joe admitted that some stunts, such as eating worms and running on top of a moving train, were things that he would probably never have an opportunity to do again.

After Dr. Quinn, Lando continued his acting career with appearances in various television series, including The Bold and the Beautiful and Guiding Light. Most recently, he was in Friendsgiving with Jane Seymour (2020) and A Christmas Spark (2022).

Lando has been married to Kirsten Barlow since 1997, and together they have four children.

Did you know? Lando was named one of People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in 1993, in part due to his piercing blue eyes.

Chad Allen as Matthew Cooper

Chad Allen played the character of Matthew Cooper, one of Dr. Quinn's adopted children.

As a child, he played the autistic character of Tommy Westfall on the series St. Elsewhere. He also had roles in other shows, including Our House and the film TerrorVision.

Born Chad Allen Lazzari in 1974 in California, he dropped his last name and went by Chad Allen. He has a twin sister, Charity.

Ironically, he signed on for the pilot of Dr. Quinn in order to earn money for college. He didn’t think the series would get picked up. Little did he know the show would air for six years.

After being in the Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman cast, Allen continued to build his acting career with roles in various television series, including a notable stint on ER.

Allen also made headlines for his activism and advocacy work, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. He became an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has been recognized for his contributions to the community. Has been featured on the cover of The Advocate three times: in 2001, 2003, and 2005.

Allen has been with his partner, actor Jeremy Glazer, since May 2005. They both appear in the film Save Me (2007).

Did you know?

Allen, inspired by his advocacy work, co-founded the production company Mythgarden, dedicated to creating thought-provoking content that explores social issues. He’s committed to storytelling as a means of fostering understanding in both the entertainment industry and in life.

Shawn Toovey as Brian Cooper

Shawn Toovey portrayed Brian Cooper, the youngest of Dr. Quinn's adopted children.

Toovey was born on March 1, 1983, in Lincoln, Nebraska. His family moved to San Antonio when he was four and ultimately ended up in California, where Toovey spent six years playing Brian Cooper on Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.

While he is best known for his role in Dr. Quinn, he was also in The Fire Next Time (1993) and the TV movie Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: The Heart Within (2001).

He has been married to Marianne Toovey since May 2007.

Did you know? Toovey is known for his philanthropic work. He is a founding member of the Children's Board of the Audrey Hepburn Hollywood for Children Foundation. He is also involved in the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, The Braille Institute, Camp Ronald McDonald, Meals on Wheels, and various child abuse prevention organizations.

William Shockley as Hank Lawson

William Shockley was born September 17, 1963, in Kansas and graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in political science.

Before joining the Dr. Quin cast, he had guest roles in many TV shows, including Jack and the Fatman (1989), Quantum Leap (1990), and The Heat of the Night (1990). He also appeared in films such as Robocop (1987) and Switch (1991).

However, he was best known for his role as the saloon keeper in Dr. Quinn. He then starred in California, a Dr. Quinn spinoff, which did not do as well as the original.

After Dr. Quinn, he was in Nash Bridges (2000), NCIS: Los Angeles (2014), and Home by Spring (2018). Most recently, he was in the movies Death in Texas (2020) and Far Heaven (2023). He also does extensive voice work, as well as co-written and produced several films.

Did you know? Shockley was living in Dallas, Texas, doing theater when he got the role in Robocop. He quickly sold everything and moved to L.A.

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