[2] Higgins began his screen career in 1960, playing the recurring role of blacksmith Nils Swenson in the western television series The Rifleman.

[4] Higgins guest-starred in television programs including Gunsmoke, The Guns of Will Sonnett, Bonanza, That Girl, Petticoat Junction, The Monkees (1967) – as Max in S1:E21, "The Prince and the Paupers", The Big Valley, Green Acres, Hill Street Blues, The Fall Guy, Death Valley Days, The Detectives, I Dream of Jeannie and The Twilight Zone.

[5] From 1969 to 1975 Higgins appeared on Chrysler Corporation's Dodge Division television commercials as a sheriff, winning a Clio Award for his performances.

[2] As a result of being seen in the commercials Higgins was chosen to play the sheriff on the NBC television pilot of Cat Ballou.

[2] He was later asked by Chief of the Kansas City Police Department and second director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Clarence M. Kelley, to join a crime prevention task force.