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.
Alex Chilton, March 17: The power-pop pioneer got his first and only real taste of fame as a teen in The Box Tops (big hit: 'The Letter'), but later became a cult hero with Big Star. His hook-drenched songs include 'September Gurls' and 'Thirteen.' Chilton died of apparent heart problems in New Orleans. He was 59.
No offense, but I was a little surprised to find out he was still alive and only 85. I did see reruns of his shows (at least 50 years ago), and he looked about late middle ages, then. He might have been a lot younger than he looked. I guess I was a little surprised. He was a charming character on that western show - I think it was Marshall Dillon. P.S. - the star - James Arness was Peter Graves older brother. It was also amazing that Karl Malden lived to 96, outliving by years his youthful co-stars Troy Donahue, Marlon Brando, and Steve McQueen by many years. And, Ernest Borgnine and Mickey Rooney are still as youthful as ever. More power to them.
My parents back in the 50's didn't let us watch much tv but I will always remember you Tess as Daniel Boone.....u were our favorite show to watch on a thursday night...Hope to see u again in Heaven
I was born in 1952 and I'm a colored person. I loved and imitated Fess (Davy Crockett)Parker all the same. Thanks for a wonderful childhood hero, Fess. Rusty
Fess Parker was a Great man and people should take note of it. We need more Fess Parkers in the world and it would be a better place. You will be missed
Fess, his family and parents were good friends of my parents in S.B. When my step-father died, Fess watched after my mother like his own. Marcie was also very kind and generous. Our son was a corpsman in the Navy stationed at Orlando and Fess was performing at Disney World. Our son contacted him and Fess made a special trip to the Children's Wing of the Navy Hospital. Our son had a coon-skin (fake) hat, too, when he was little. The entire family is a class act, not phonies. He led an exemplary life and was a conservationist, as well. He hated the waste and the spoilage of our natural streams and forests. We will miss you, Fess. Our condolences to Marcie, Eli and Ashley. By the way, he played football and as I recall, was 6'5" tall. Truly a big man.
Watching Fess Parker as Daniel Boone was a wonderful childhood experience. Mr. Parker was a fine man who didn't shy away from the fact that he was a role model for millions of kids. I truly feel sorry for today's children that grow up without worthwhile role models and parents that are absent or indifferent. It's no wonder that so many of today's kids are such messed up losers.
I remember him from the weekly show Daniel Boone it was a must watch as a very young child.Ed Ames played his Indian sidekick but I can't remember the character's name
Ed Ames had long been in show business prior to Daniel Boone. Ed was the lead singer with his brothers called "The Ames Brothers." Ed's acting was passable but his singing voice was superb.
Parker appears to have had good values off screen as well as on. He was married to the same woman for 60 years. In Hollywood today, one year is some kind of track record. You are a legend, Fess. RIP.
Davy Crockett gone! Sad that actors and more importantly people like him are no longer to be found in Hollywood. This group of self centered punks makes me ill, I no longer go to the movies I will not watch network tv, I will not spend a dollar to support these freaks, good by , you will be missed
Like some of the others here, I also had a coon skin cap when I was a kid. In fact my uncle pelted them so they could be made into caps. Fess Parker was an outstanding actor who never really got to show all that he could do as an actor. My own kids have also seen the reruns of both Davey Crockett and Daniel Boone and enjoyed it as much as I did all those years ago. Rest In Peace Mr. Parker, you will never be forgotten
Though I'm now a 54 year old grandmother, I remember back to when I was a young teenage girl and I had the biggest crush ever on Fess Parker. He was probably my first crush. How sad that he has left us...
Mr. Parker was a man I grew up with and looked up to as a tv hero. Yes, I agree with the many that they don't make like that anymore. A tip of good wine to celebrate your life. RIP
I'm learning how sad it is when a childhood hero passes away. I remember idolizing Fess Parker and Buddy Ebsen when I was eight years old. It's too bad the poor quality of the writing of this Popeater obituary doesn't do justice to this event.
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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.
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Happy Trails - you were one of the best. Thank you.
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No offense, but I was a little surprised to find out he was still alive and only 85. I did see reruns of his shows (at least 50 years ago), and he looked about late middle ages, then. He might have been a lot younger than he looked. I guess I was a little surprised. He was a charming character on that western show - I think it was Marshall Dillon. P.S. - the star - James Arness was Peter Graves older brother. It was also amazing that Karl Malden lived to 96, outliving by years his youthful co-stars Troy Donahue, Marlon Brando, and Steve McQueen by many years. And, Ernest Borgnine and Mickey Rooney are still as youthful as ever. More power to them.
Reply
My parents back in the 50's didn't let us watch much tv but I will always remember you Tess as Daniel Boone.....u were our favorite show to watch on a thursday night...Hope to see u again in Heaven
Reply
I was born in 1952 and I'm a colored person. I loved and imitated Fess (Davy Crockett)Parker all the same. Thanks for a wonderful childhood hero, Fess.
Rusty
Reply
Fess Parker was a Great man and people should take note of it. We need more Fess Parkers in the world and it would be a better place. You will be missed
Reply
Fess, his family and parents were good friends of my parents in S.B. When my step-father died, Fess watched after my mother like his own. Marcie was also very kind and generous. Our son was a corpsman in the Navy stationed at Orlando and Fess was performing at Disney World. Our son contacted him and Fess made a special trip to the Children's Wing of the Navy Hospital. Our son had a coon-skin (fake) hat, too, when he was little. The entire family is a class act, not phonies. He led an exemplary life and was a conservationist, as well. He hated the waste and the spoilage of our natural streams and forests. We will miss you, Fess. Our condolences to Marcie, Eli and Ashley. By the way, he played football and as I recall, was 6'5" tall. Truly a big man.
Reply
Watching Fess Parker as Daniel Boone was a wonderful childhood experience. Mr. Parker was a fine man who didn't shy away from the fact that he was a role model for millions of kids. I truly feel sorry for today's children that grow up without worthwhile role models and parents that are absent or indifferent. It's no wonder that so many of today's kids are such messed up losers.
Reply
I remember him from the weekly show Daniel Boone it was a must watch as a very young child.Ed Ames played his Indian sidekick but I can't remember the character's name
Reply
Ed Ames played the Indian pal, Mingo.
Ed Ames had long been in show business prior to Daniel Boone. Ed was the lead singer with his brothers called "The Ames Brothers." Ed's acting was passable but his singing voice was superb.
Parker appears to have had good values off screen as well as on. He was married to the same woman for 60 years. In Hollywood today, one year is some kind of track record. You are a legend, Fess. RIP.
Reply
God bless Fess Parker, he was my first TV hero.
Reply
Davy Crockett gone! Sad that actors and more importantly people like him are no longer to be found in Hollywood. This group of self centered punks makes me ill, I no longer go to the movies I will not watch network tv, I will not spend a dollar to support these freaks, good by , you will be missed
Reply
My thoughts and prayers to the family. Farewell and thank you for the memories.
Reply
Like some of the others here, I also had a coon skin cap when I was a kid. In fact my uncle pelted them so they could be made into caps. Fess Parker was an outstanding actor who never really got to show all that he could do as an actor. My own kids have also seen the reruns of both Davey Crockett and Daniel Boone and enjoyed it as much as I did all those years ago. Rest In Peace Mr. Parker, you will never be forgotten
Reply
Though I'm now a 54 year old grandmother, I remember back to when I was a young teenage girl and I had the biggest crush ever on Fess Parker. He was probably my first crush. How sad that he has left us...
Reply
Mr. Parker was a man I grew up with and looked up to as a tv hero. Yes, I agree with the many that they don't make like that anymore. A tip of good wine to celebrate your life. RIP
Reply
Sincere condolences to Mr. Parker's family. By all appearances, a fine man and most excellent role model. Yes I had a coonskin cap, LOL
Reply
I'm learning how sad it is when a childhood hero passes away. I remember idolizing Fess Parker and Buddy Ebsen when I was eight years old. It's too bad the poor quality of the writing of this Popeater obituary doesn't do justice to this event.
Reply
we need more role models like you you were the best role model ever,,love it ,,still watch Daniel Boone TODAY ,,,YOU WILL BE MISSED
Reply