Remembering Fess Parker

Fess "Davy Crockett" Parker, gone at 85

Fess Parker,  star of the Disney television, has passed away at the age of 85. Remembered as the father in "Ol' Yeller" , as both "Daniel Boone" and "Davy Crockett", and as a recurring character in a dozen television series, the actor's career spanned over 40 years as an active actor and performer ("The Ballad of Davy Crockett" as an example).

Fess Parker, the actor best known for playing American folk hero Davy Crockett, was found dead at his Santa Barbara Winery home at the age of 85, the Los Angeles Times reports. He appeared as a guest artist on television and film as recently as last year. The paper reports Parker, who became a successful winery owner and real estate developer after retiring from Hollywood in the 1970s, died of complications from old age at his home.

Another icon of my childhood is no longer with us. In addition to watching him on television, I remember "Ol' Yeller" being screened - on film- as part of a freshman high school English class, watching reruns of "Davy Crockett" on the "Wonderful World of Color" and listening to his soft tones on the radio, television and occasionally at the movie theater. The most recent appearance I recall was an episode of "Psych" on USA.

A dedicated professional actor, artists, wine master and businessman.

So long "Davy". There can be only one.

Fess Parker's recording of "Davy Crockett": click here


Disney's long version (various artists): click here.

Slide Show Tribute link here.

From SAGWATCH:

In the 50s, 60s and 1970s Fess Parker defined the actor in the Western. Parker was a contract player at Warner and appeared in a series of small roles when he auditioned for the role of Davy Crockett at Disney. The three episode mini series made him a household name, and sent a generation of moms to the store to buy their boys coonskin caps and toy rifles.

New York Times:

A more accurate and detailed obituary, done as only the New York Times can, reveals a great deal about the actor, the character and his impact on two generations of Americans. Two versions can be accessed at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/19/arts/television/19parker.html?ref=obituaries


and with the full length "Ballad of Davy Crockett":
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/18/fess-parker-davy-crockett-and-daniel-boone-star-has-died/



From NPR:

Fess Parker, Star Of 'Davy Crockett,' Remembered

March 18, 2010 Fess Parker, the start of Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone, in the 1950s and '60s has died. He was 85. ... Share. Fess Parker, Star Of 'Davy Crockett,' Remembered. ... http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124839086