Profile: Fess Parker, Star of Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett, Dead at 85
Beloved Actor of the 1950s and 1960s, Fess Parker Dies of Natural Causes
Davy Crockett - King of the Wild Frontier
He was acting by 1951, and by 1954 he had landed the starring role in the Disney television show about early pioneer Davy Crockett, king of the wild frontier. Buddy Ebsen, who later became famous as Jed Clampett and Barnaby Jones, costarred as Crockett's friend George Russell. The three-episode series became such a hit that coonskin caps, toy rifles and other Davy Crockett paraphernalia became a popular trend. "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" became a huge hit, with three versions recorded by three different artists landing on the Billboard charts in 1955. One version was recorded by Fess Parker himself. While the "Davy Crockett" days were years before my time, an older cousin passed along her copy of "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" to my brother who played it daily when we were children.
Daniel Boone - Tall as a Mountain Was He
After "Davy Crockett," Disney cast Parker in several movies but seemed to deliberately typecast him. That may have worked to Parker's advantage. In 1964, Disney again cast him in a role that required Parker to wear buckskins and a coonskin cap and to carry a rifle. This time Fess Parker was playing Daniel Boone, a role he played from 1964 to 1970. "Daniel Boone" was one of the highest rated shows of its time. The series costarred actor and singer Ed Ames who played Daniel Boone's Native American friend, Mingo.
Fess Parker - Real Estate, Winery & Vineyard
After "The Fess Parker Show," Parker turned down the starring role in "McCloud" and turned to real estate development instead, building his first resort hotel in Santa Barbara in 1986. In 1987, he purchased a 714 acre ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley. There he established Fess Parker's Winery & Vineyard - a vineyard which has won numerous awards.
According to numerous sources, Parker died at his Santa Ynez Valley home on the 84th birthday of his wife, Marcella. The couple had been married for 50 years.
Fess Parker's Legacy
Fess Parker was a versatile man: actor, real estate developer, winemaker husband, father, and grandfather. However, he will forever be remembered for his iconic roles as Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone - a fitting legacy for the history major from Texas.
Sources:
Personal memories
Actor Fess Parker dead at 85 - Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone & Tennessee connections
Fessparker.com
Washingtonpost.com
Wikipedia
Published by Kathryn E. Darden
An author, poet, publisher, publicist & skincare consultant, I have written for publications including CCM Magazine, The Tennessean, Barbie Bazaar Magazine, Christian Activities & several local newspapers.... View profile
The Best Disney Songs You'll Ever HearDisney movies have always been known for having great music, but which of that great music is the greatest? Here is how I rank the top ten Disney songs of all time (with a few...- Remarkable Events in Music History: A 365 Day TimelinePamela Anderson Lee's wedding outfit (a white bikini), Debbie Gibson's halloween Seances, and Pres. Nixon's favorite Johnny Cash tune. Learn while you laugh. A music event timeline, covering the craziness of rock hist...
- The Wulfe BrothersThe Wulfe Brothers
- August 16: Today's Notable BirthdaysIs August 16th your birthday? How will you celebrate this momentous occasion? With what notable individuals do you share your birth date?
Best TV Western Theme Songs for RingtonesAll Western theme songs make great ringtones, but my favorites are from the old TV series
- Fess Parker, TV's Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone, Has Died
- Fess Parker of Davy Crockett and Old Yeller Fame Dead at 85
- Fess Parker - Hero of the 50s - Dies March 18
- Fess Parker Winery Review
- October 16: Today's Notable Birthdays
- TV Land Showing a Marathon of Classic Fess Parker Series Daniel Boone This Weekend
- Fess Parker Dies at Santa Inez Valley Home.
- Fess Parker died on March 18 of natural causes
- Fess Parker is best known for starring in television shows "Davy Crockett" and "Daniel Boone"
- Fess Parker was a history major who brought historic characters to life as an actor
12 Comments
Post a CommentThat's three: Gil Scott-Heron, Clarice Taylor and now Fess Parker.
I too wouldn't miss Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett shows. Fess Parker was a true inspiration to many young people. Unfortunately the newer generation of actors aren't as positively inspiring!
I have to admit that I was surprised to hear this story. I thought he died years ago!
Very sad. Entertainment back then was more wholesome and kids really had some terrific people to look up to! Even if the stars at the time were a little wild off-stage, they carried themselves with grace and style. Nothing like what we have today! RIP Fess.
Very nice tribute to Mr. Parker.
my three sons got a great lesson from mr. parkers DANIEL BOONE. My youngest son Robert age 4 and his 3rd cousin Harmony trapsed around my backyard with coonskin caps and a long barrel toy gun hunting for bear.Thanks, fESS , For all the good times and memories you have given our country. a mom who loved you too.
I remember him well. As a child I would never miss Davy Crocket or the Daniel Boone series. We would often play the roles in our playtime activities. Fess Parker will be missed.
Davy Crockett was a bit before my time, too, but I remember watching Daniel Boone!
My brother wore his coonskin hat completely. Fess Parker will be remembered always.
He brought American values of honesty, integrity and respect to the roles that he played in films directed for the benefit of children and families. Our Nation has lost its way and needs a few more like him again to return to the American values that he demonstrated for our children.