TV Western Legend Passes Away: Fess Parker, Best Known as Star of ‘Davy Crockett’ & ‘Daniel Boone,’ Has Died (video)
Posted By Vicki McClure Davidson on March 18, 2010
Actor Fess Parker, seen here in his famous coonskin cap with co-star Patricia Blair from 1960s TV series 'Daniel Boone', has died at age 85.
Pernell Roberts of Bonanza passed away in January and now another star of a hugely popular TV Western show has died: Fess Parker, the tall, handsome actor who starred in Disney’s 1950s Davy Crockett, and in the 1960s, had the title role in Daniel Boone, has passed away at age 85.
And, yes, his name really was Fess Parker… he was born Fess Elisha Parker, Jr. in Fort Worth, Texas on August 16, 1924.
Rest in peace, Mr. Parker.
From E! Online, Fess Parker, TV’s Iconic Davy Crockett, Dead at 85:
The King of the Wild Frontier is gone.
Fess Parker, the strapping star who played Davy Crockett in the hugely popular Disney television show of the 1950s, died today of natural causes at age 85, his family announced.
The actor, whose classic roles also included the son-consoling dad in Old Yeller and another ‘coonskin-cap-favoring frontiersman in NBC’s Daniel Boone, had retired from showbiz in the 1970s and founded a hugely successful winery and resort in Santa Barbara.
He was 85.
'Daniel Boone' - Fess Parker and Ed Ames
From IMDb.com:
A former college athlete at the University of Texas, Fess studied Drama in the early fifties and debuted in ‘Springfield Rifle’ (1952). He made only a handful of movies until he was signed by Walt Disney to star in the Davy Crockett series. When Walt was looking for an actor to play the part of Davy, he screened the Sci-fi movie ‘Them!’ (1954) with James Arness. When he saw Fess in a scene, he chose him over Arness and Fess became an instant celebrity when ‘Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier’ debuted in 1955. His appeal with children was enormous with the coon-skinned hat and the hit song “Davy Crockett”. But the craze ended almost as fast as it started in 1956, and Fess was typecast.
Fess appeared in other Disney movies dealing with the early years of Davy and also in non-Crockett parts such as ‘Old Yeller’ (1957). By 1959, unable to achieve the success that he had gained as Crockett, his career had leveled off. He made guest appearances on a number of television shows, but his attempted return to television in the series “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1962) was not successful. Unable to procure the rights to play Crockett from Disney, Fess tried the frontiersman role once again with the TV series “Daniel Boone” (1964). He played this role for six years and the fact that he had a beautiful red-headed wife in a color series did not hurt him at all.
After “Daniel Boone”, Fess retired from the screen and went into real estate, which was profitable. He was later forced to sue his Daniel Boone producers over the profits generated by the series.
The Ballad of Davy Crockett
Daniel Boone – Opening & Closing TV Credits and Theme
UPDATE, January 2011: The video and summary that was originally embedded here, that of Fess Parker and Buddy Ebsen performing the song “Old Betsy” at Disneyland on the park’s opening day, was removed by YouTube. I’ve replaced it with this one, a recording of the song sung by Fess Parker that was very popular in the 1950s:
From Los Angeles Times, Fess Parker had that cool coonskin cap — who needs an Emmy?:
Fess Parker never won an Emmy, but he was a player at TV’s top awards.
In 1955, academy voters couldn’t ignore him when he emerged as a sudden superstar leading a national craze for Davy Crockett lore. The Emmys nominated Fess Parker for best new personality of 1954, but he lost to George Gobel.
Parker’s TV show “Davy Crockett” wasn’t a stand-alone program. It was comprised of several one-hour dramas that were part of “Disneyland,” an anthology series that also included mysteries, family dramas and cartoons. One of its Fess Parker segments, “Davy Crockett and River Pirates,” got nominated for best single program of 1955, but lost to Mary Martin’s classic “Peter Pan.”
The huge popularity of the “Davy Crockett” segments helped “Disneyland” to win best action or adventure series of 1955, beating “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” “Dragnet,” “Gunsmoke” and “The Lineup.”
Fess Parker’s other hit TV series, “Daniel Boone,” was never nominated for Emmys.
From Big Hollywood, RIP: Fess Parker, TV’s `Davy Crockett,’ Dies at 85:
…Parker was a longtime friend of Ronald Reagan, whose Western White House was not far from the Parker vineyards. Reagan sent Parker to Australia in 1985 to represent him during an event, and when Parker returned he was asked by White House aide Michael Deaver if he was interested in being ambassador to that country.
“In the end, I decided I’d better take myself out of it. But I was flattered,” Parker said.
Parker also once considered a U.S. Senate bid, challenging Alan Cranston. But Nevada Sen. Paul Laxalt said it would be a rough campaign, and a key dissenter lived under the same roof.
“My wife was not in favor,” Parker said. “I’m so happy with what evolved.”
Merchandising for Davy Crockett was hot-hot-hot in the 1950s, and there was a lot of it (Walt was the supreme master of product tie-ins to his TV shows and films). Here are a few vintage Davy Crockett items that are highly collectible.
Vintage 'Davy Crockett' serving tray found on eBay
Here’s a 1955 Davy Crockett Walt Disney metal lunch box, made by Kruger, with front, back, and top views. It sold for $145 on eBay, even though its condition was far from mint.
Another hard-to-find 1955 Davy Crockett metal lunch box, with front and back views. Listed as: 1955 American Thermos (Holtemp) Davy Crockett (Green Rim) Lunch Box with Thermos – Based on the TV series. Disney forced American Thermos to cease production of this unlicensed kit. Artist: Ed Wexler.
One more, a combination Davy Crockett – Kit Carson metal lunchbox from 1955.
1955 Davy Crockett - Kit Carson metal lunchbox, front view
1955 Davy Crockett - Kit Carson metal lunchbox, back view
Rare like-new condition, PLASTICVILLE DAVY CROCKETT LOG CABIN KIT, complete and with original Disneyland entry form
Unopened Davy Crockett decals
These three items were listed on eBay as 1950′S DAVY CROCKETT HAZEL ATLAS DISH, KEY CHAIN, + PIN.
EBay seller’s description of Peter Pan Peanut Butter promotional record from the 1950s:
Song’s are; The Ballad of Davy Crockett/ Green Grow the Lilacs. The 78 is in an envelope advertising the star and the peanut butter. The envelope hasn’t been addressed to anyone. Grade is VG(-) to VG on the envelope and VG- on the 78. Also it looks like someone who had this 78 changed it from a small spindle hole to a hole that would fit a 45 adaptor. This has got to be hard to find because it was probably a mail order only item I would guess.
2-inch detailed plastic figure, 'Official Davy Crockett as Portrayed by Fess Parker'
Vintage Davy Crockett lamp with shade, 1955, Premco Mfg
Vintage 1950s toy Davy Crockett holster and belt set
Vintage Davy Crockett game
Vintage Davy Crockett Keychain Puzzle Horseshoe 1950s
Child's 3-piece breakfast set with original box, mint shape, made by Oxford China Co. (Dimensions: large 9 3/8 inch plate, 1 large 6 1/4 inch bowl, 1 large 8 oz. mug)
Vintage Davy Crockett wrist watch, Walt Disney Productions
1950s Davy Crockett compass
1950s Davy Crockett ice pop maker
Vintage (unused, cellophane wrapper damaged) 24-count Davy Crockett birthday party napkins - Copyright Walt Disney Productions - Made in 1950s in Kalamazoo, Michigan - click image to enlarge
Davy Crockett Dispatch Case & Powder Horn
1970s Franklin Mint, Davy Crockett Reproduction, Non-firing Rifle with Wall Plaque (click image to enlarge)
Above is a 1970s Franklin Mint, non-firing replica of Davy Crockett’s famous .41 caliber black powder percussion rifle, Crockett’s “Old Betsy.” Below are a few other photo angles of the collectible rifle. Click each image to enlarge.
1950s Davy Crockett covered wagon lamp
1950s Davy Crockett folding pocket knife and pocket book
4 Vintage Davy Crockett Western Bascal Aluminum Cups
1958 Davy Crockett 'Indian Fighter' Disney TV Show Ad
1955 print ad for Davy Crockett Playhouse Tent - click image to enlarge
1955 print ad for Schwinn bikes, using Davy Crockett as sales pitch - click image to enlarge
Rare 1950s Davy Crockett in the Woods Cookie Jar, American Bisque - this vintage cookie jar sold for $169.83 on eBay
Rare 1950s Davy Crockett clock
Vintage Disneyland piano sheet music - 'Old Betsy' (Davy Crockett's Rifle) - 1955
Four 1956 Topps Davy Crockett Trading Card Lot Green Backs - Walt Disney Production Company
1955 Davy Crockett Carrousel Mobile (click image to enlarge)
Vintage Disney 1955 Davy Crockett 'Western Prairie Wagon' (click image to enlarge)
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[...] TV Western Legend Passes Away: Fess Parker, Best Known as Star of … [...]
Outstanding post my Patriotic Friend !
He portrayed one of my heroes while growing up in the 50′s.
BTW, what ever happened to Karen Valentine? (i had a crush on her).
Hmm, I don’t know what happened to her – I loved Karen on ‘Room 222.’ Beautiful face, funny personality, and great hair… yes, I had a thing as a kid focusing on actresses’ hair (it was the era – LOL). If time permits later tonight, I’ll look into it. I’m thinking she may have gotten married and retired to be a mom, but I’m just guessing.
I remember seeing her on Johnny Carson’s show, and she appeared on Hollywood Squares.
Then, nothing !
AFVET – I checked out Karen Valentine and what she’s been doing — here is some information from IMDb.com:
In 1969 Karen received her huge break when she was cast as the fumbling new teacher in town in “Room 222.” This charming, star-making success went five seasons and led to a series of lightweight mini-movies. While they didn’t challenge her to the nth degree, they certainly solidified her status as the “golden girl” of TV. She succeeded Sally Field as Gidget Lawrence in the TV-movie Gidget Grows Up (1969) (TV) with Paul Petersen, and continued on a roll with Coffee, Tea or Me? (1973) (TV) co-starring John Davidson, and The Girl Who Came Gift-Wrapped (1974) (TV) opposite the late Richard Long. In between she kept busy with several episodes of “Love, American Style” (1969) and was seen chatting frequently with Johnny Carson on his late night show. During the day she was a semi-regular panelist on _”Hollywood Squares, The” (1966)_ for a greater part of the 1970s.
A return to series TV in the ill-fated “Karen” (1975) started her decline. Fed up with the seraphic stereotype, she pursued more dramatic material with the made-for-TV fare Muggable Mary, Street Cop (1982) (TV) and the thriller Illusions (1983) (TV), but it was all for naught. Perfectly suited for Disney, she acquiesced for a time and appeared in their lightweight theatrical releases Hot Lead and Cold Feet (1978) and The North Avenue Irregulars (1979), plus the TV movies Skeezer (1982) (TV) and Perfect People (1988) (TV).
Fortunately, Karen was keen enough to channel her talents on stage, where she has been allowed more depth and gratification. Such stock productions as “The Moon Is Blue” (1972), “Born Yesterday” (1973), “Bus Stop” (1975) and “Two for the Seesaw” (1979) kept her happily challenged. As she matured, she tackled more promising theater parts in “Romantic Comedy” (1988), “Social Security” (1989), “Breaking Legs” (1992) and “Steel Magnolias” (2003). Sporadically seen on TV and film these days, she most recently played a beleaguered mother of three in the comedy Wedding Daze (2004) (TV), a “Father of the Bride” imitation that co-starred John Larroquette. Karen has been married to third husband Gary Verna, a musician, since 1977. After years on the road in regional and touring shows she and her husband recently resettled in Los Angeles in 2004, having relocated from their home of many years in Litchfield County, Connecticut.
Impressive Vicki !
I didn’t or expect that reply. No where near.
I wish I still had the poster of her that I had as a teenager.
Ah,… Youth !
Thank you my friend.
My pleasure, good buddy.
1969 was the year I graduated high school and 1 month later was in basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas.
My, my, how the years slip away.
Thanks again for your efforts.