Bickford continued to act in generally prestigious projects right up to his death. He guest-starred on ABC's "The Islanders" and on NBC's "The Barbara Stanwyck Show" and "The Eleventh Hour". In his final years, Bickford played rancher John Grainger, owner of the Shiloh Ranch, on NBC's "The Virginian" Western series. Bickford was well-liked by both fans and his fellow actors, including series lead James Drury. According to Drury, Bickford, who guest-starred earlier in the series in an unrelated role, wished he could have been on the series from the beginning. According to Paul Green, author of "A History of Television's The Virginian, 1962-1971", Bickford's vigorous portrayal of John Grainger helped restore the quality of the show after what some considered a chaotic fourth season.