Peter Sherayko isn’t just another actor in cowboy boots; he’s a living embodiment of the Wild West spirit in modern Hollywood. Encountered at the Cowboy Festival at Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch, Sherayko, instantly recognizable as “Russian Pete” from the western film 6 GUNS, is a rare breed – an actor who dedicates his life to westerns, both on and off the screen. More than just an actor, Peter Sherayko is a guardian of western authenticity, ensuring that when you see a cowboy in a movie, they look, act, and are equipped like the real deal.
A visit to Peter Sherayko’s ranch in Agua Dulce, home to his meticulously crafted western town of Peetzburgh, reveals the depth of his commitment. Peetzburgh, already a sought-after location for western films and TV shows, was buzzing with activity during the visit. Auditions for COWBOYS AND ALIENS were in full swing, rigorously testing actors’ horsemanship alongside their acting chops. Adding to the eclectic mix, a director preparing a Roman-era film was there, learning to ride in true Roman style under Sherayko’s tutelage.
Even amidst the organized chaos, Peter Sherayko’s personal passions shone through. He recounted a recent week spent immersed in all 66 Hopalong Cassidy movies, a testament to his deep appreciation for classic westerns. But this wasn’t just leisure; it was research and immersion in the genre he loves and breathes. Sherayko is also actively developing a documentary series commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Pony Express, and another documentary for the National Geographic Channel exploring the domestication of dogs, titled MAN CREATED DOG. This diverse range of projects underlines Peter Sherayko’s multifaceted expertise and his desire to contribute to both western history and natural history.
From Brooklyn to Buckaroos: The Making of a Western Man
Peter Sherayko’s journey to becoming a leading figure in western authenticity wasn’t a straight trail. His love for westerns ignited in childhood, watching shows like HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL. He fondly recalls the impact of Richard Boone’s Paladin, a figure of courage and self-reliance, especially in contrast to childhood fears fueled by late-night horror shows. This fascination with the western hero, coupled with a neighbor’s stable offering access to horses in exchange for park cleanup, set the foundation for his lifelong passion.
“A psychologist told me, if a man can make a living doing what he loved from the time he was ten years old, he’ll always be a happy person,” Peter Sherayko reflects. This philosophy resonates deeply with his life choices. While his path wasn’t direct, it was always guided by this early love. Before fully embracing westerns, Sherayko explored other avenues. A stint as a baseball player ended due to a shoulder injury. He then served in the Air Force, working on instrument repair for the last of the Flying Tigers, a stark contrast to his later life among horses and cowboys. His time in Vietnam and subsequent return to civilian life led him through radio DJing and college, where he initially majored in speech. A pivotal moment occurred in a college play when his speech teacher cast him in a role that involved kissing the prettiest girl in school, resulting in audience applause and a swift change of major to theater.
Hollywood Beckons: From Soap Operas to Six-Shooters
Moving to New Jersey with his wife Susan, Peter Sherayko pursued acting, landing roles in plays and even a recurring part in the soap opera ALL MY CHILDREN in 1980. However, the allure of the West and westerns remained strong. A seemingly failed audition for a Lowenbrau beer commercial became the catalyst for his move to California in 1982. Ironically told he wasn’t right for a lumberjack-esque role despite living in a log cabin and chopping wood daily, and then mistakenly placed in an audition for a singing quiche commercial, Sherayko took it as a sign. He packed up his Winnebago, horse trailer, pick-up truck, and with Susan, embarked on a twelve-week cross-country journey to California, horses in tow. This wasn’t just a move; it was a pilgrimage to his true calling.
His early Hollywood roles included a part in the nighttime soap RITUALS and offers for GENERAL HOSPITAL, but Peter Sherayko remained steadfast in his desire to work in westerns. Facing skepticism from agents who saw him as a New York stage actor, he persisted, eventually landing roles in DEATHWISH 4 and TARZAN IN MANHATTAN. It was during DEATHWISH 4 that Sherayko’s commitment to authenticity began to shine. Convincing the director J. Lee Thompson to let him use a single-action Colt revolver instead of modern weaponry for his mafia hitman character, Sherayko subtly injected historical accuracy into a contemporary action film. This marked the beginning of his mission to bring authenticity to the western genre.
Tombstone and the Pursuit of Western Perfection
Peter Sherayko’s dedication to historical accuracy reached a new level with TOMBSTONE. His connection with John Milius, forged during FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER, and subsequent work on ROUGH RIDERS and MOTORCYCLE GANG, led him to Kevin Jarre, the writer and initial director of TOMBSTONE. Sherayko’s expertise in guns and western lore made him an invaluable part of Jarre’s team. Their collaboration involved intense research and even live-fire horseback shooting sessions to ensure authenticity. Sherayko was tasked with overseeing the guns, saddles, costumes, and props, and he even supplied riders from his own group, The Buckaroos. This hands-on involvement cemented his reputation as the go-to expert for western authenticity in Hollywood.
Despite director changes during TOMBSTONE‘s production, Peter Sherayko’s role in maintaining historical accuracy remained crucial. He observed and learned from Kurt Russell, gaining insights into Hollywood stardom, but his own focus remained on the integrity of the western portrayal. “Will I ever be a star? No. But I love this business, I love telling stories,” Sherayko states, highlighting his passion for the craft over personal fame. His role in TOMBSTONE wasn’t just about guns and gear; it was about contributing to a film that honored the spirit and details of the Old West.
Beyond the Silver Screen: Buffalo Bill and Peetzburgh
Peter Sherayko’s passion extends beyond film sets. His one-man show as Buffalo Bill Cody is a deeply personal project. He embodies Buffalo Bill, not just as a historical figure, but as a symbol of the romanticized West and its preservation. Sherayko admires Cody’s vision of bringing the Wild West to the world and his progressive approach to employing and treating people from diverse backgrounds, including Native Americans. This resonates with Sherayko’s own philosophy of inclusivity and mentorship in his work.
Peetzburgh, Peter Sherayko’s western town, is his personal Corriganville, built piece by piece with artifacts and materials collected over years of cross-country trips. Inspired by a pamphlet for an 1892 town called Peetzburgh, he envisioned and created his own living western set. This town isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a testament to his dedication to preserving the tangible history of the West. He actively encourages filmmakers and producers who value authenticity to visit Peetzburgh and utilize his vast collection of historically accurate western gear. Sherayko sees himself as the “Wal-Mart of westerns,” offering top-quality authenticity regardless of budget, a stark contrast to those who prioritize profit over historical accuracy.
Working with Legends and a Love for the Gritty West
Peter Sherayko’s career has intertwined with numerous Hollywood legends. He speaks fondly of working with Ernest Borgnine, Charlton Heston, James Garner, Kirk Douglas, and others. He shares anecdotes that reveal their down-to-earth nature and passion for acting, like James Garner’s humorous insistence on “holding court” even when the cameras were ready, and Charlton Heston’s witty take on acting – “Acting, I love so much I’d do it for free. It’s the waiting they pay me for.” A particularly memorable story involves Kirk Douglas and a pair of ill-fitting chaps during a Vanity Fair photoshoot, showcasing Douglas’s enduring humor and Sherayko’s role in ensuring even the smallest costume details were right.
Sherayko’s appreciation for westerns leans towards the gritty and realistic. He credits Sergio Leone for revolutionizing the look of westerns, moving away from sterile soundstages to embrace the dirt and grime of the real West. While acknowledging Sergio Leone’s impact, he is more critical of directors like Sam Peckinpah, pointing out inaccuracies in weapon and prop choices in films like THE WILD BUNCH and PAT GARRET AND BILLY THE KID. For Peter Sherayko, authenticity isn’t just a job; it’s an artistic principle. His dedication to historical accuracy stems from a deep respect for the genre and a desire to present the West as it truly was, or at least as close as possible on film.
The Legacy of a True Westerner
Peter Sherayko is more than just an actor; he is a historian, a craftsman, and a passionate advocate for the authenticity of the western genre. From his meticulously curated collection at Peetzburgh to his hands-on approach on film sets, Peter Sherayko ensures that the spirit of the Old West lives on in Hollywood and beyond. His upcoming projects, including documentaries on the Pony Express and the domestication of dogs, further demonstrate his wide-ranging interests and expertise. For anyone seeking genuine western authenticity, Peter Sherayko is undoubtedly the real deal, a true cowboy in every sense of the word.
