'Davy Crockett' Star Fess Parker Dead at 85

By PopEater Staff Posted Mar 18th 2010 03:46PM

Fess Parker, the actor who helped launch the Davy Crockett craze in the 1950s by playing the famed frontiersman in numerous Disney productions, died Thursday of natural causes, his rep confirms to TMZ. He was 85. Born in Texas, Parker was perfectly suited to play Crockett, and kids around the country clamored to get their hands on coon skin caps because of him.

Parker played the character in a popular TV series and later a pair of feature-length films. He portrayed Crockett from his days as a Tennessee lawmaker to his death at the Battle of the Alamo.

He also starred in the beloved film 'Old Yeller' as the father and other Disney hits like 'The Great Locomotive Chase' and 'Westward Ho!'

Later in his career, he even played Crockett's fellow pioneer Daniel Boone.

In 1970, Parker retired from acting, but in 1974 re-entered TV land with his own short-lived sitcom, 'The Fess Parker Show.'

He later found success in real estate and the wine business, having started the Fess Parker Family Winery and Vineyards in Los Olivos. At the winery, you can also buy coon skin caps.

He is survived by Marcella Belle Rinehart, his wife of 60 years, and their two children.

Comments

(191)

Thursday 18 March

By Ann in Tn

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Good bye, old friend. Thanks for all the wonderful memories. My prayers are with your family.

By Mark

Love Fess Parker/Daniel Boone era. I even bought myself a coon hat when I was young....during those great times. Loved the show. Rest in peace.

By Rochelle Drucker

I have very fond memories of Fess and Davey Crockett. I purchased the DVD's to show my Grandchildren. Fess Parker was a class act and a great roll model for all of us growing up in the 50's.

Happy Trails old friend.

By Uncle Larry

I could not agree more! One great American!

By debby82198

My thoughts exactly. When I was growing up I loved Fess Parker in Daniel Boone. Never missed it. Rest in peace forever.

By Kate

Truly great menories. Childhood - is calling.Rest in peace Mr. Parker.

By Cheryl Cummins

I grew up watching Fess Parker. He was wonderful and influenced the youth in a very positive way. I will miss him.

By Howard

A role model for every kid in the 50's

I was just a young kid growing up in Yreka, Ca when the film crew and Fess Parker showed up to film the movie "To Climb an Angry Mountain". I am surprised it was not mentioned in the lists of his movies.

By C. Williams

One who played a big part in my pleasant childhood. R.I.P.

By Thomas Hissong

You never heard a bad word about him, and he always remembered what a role model he was to kids. Hollywood needs more "stars" like him. The wine from his vineyard was pretty good, too.

By TheWacee

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That's because back then, celebreties were protected and the studios made sure their dirty laundry wasn't made public, now the studios pay big bucks to market the stars' dirty laundry.

By SUE

R I P we sure need more role models in Hollywood like this guy.

Friday 19 March

By Cindi

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Once upon a time...studios protected their stars...the the internet and "instant news" got involved.

By Dan

Goodbye old friend ,you were a true american rest in peace.

By sgunknown

REST IN PEACE FESS.....HEAVEN GOT A REAL WINNER

By Susan

Eh was so much to all of us "fifties" kids! He will always be in our hearts! Farewell Davy! Rest in peace!!

By Andy

I got to meet him when I was just a kid while he was still making "Davy Crockett" and got his picture and autograph. He'll be missed.

By Bob Campos

I find it very sad that people remember a guy who died of an overdose of drugs but few have kind words to say about a man who had values in life, led a good life and was a very positive influence on countless youngsters during his lifetime.

By Vicki

One of my father's favorite Actors. I loved him also. He was part of the Disney family. RIP Mr. Parker you will be greatly missed.

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