Fess Parker - dead at 85

SmokeyJoe · 03-18-2010, 10:02 PM

Part of my childhood is gone...

Quote:

'Davy Crockett' Star Fess Parker Dead at 85
126 CommentsBy PopEater Staff Posted Mar 18th 2010 03:46PM
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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.

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.

bobarian · 03-18-2010, 10:13 PM

Saw this earlier and was saddened. Grew up in the Daniel Boone era with Ed Ames as Mingo. Sunday nights watching with the family.

03-18-2010, 10:55 PM

Great show when I was growing up. RIP Fess.

icehog3 · 03-19-2010, 01:50 AM

RIP Mr. Parker.

Old Sailor · 03-19-2010, 02:09 AM

RIP

03-18-2010, 10:13 PM	#2
bobarian Cranky Habanophile Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wine Country Posts: 8,869 Trading: (51)	Re: Fess Parker - dead at 85 Saw this earlier and was saddened. Grew up in the Daniel Boone era with Ed Ames as Mingo. Sunday nights watching with the family.

03-18-2010, 10:55 PM	#3
Cigary Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Fess Parker - dead at 85 Great show when I was growing up. RIP Fess.

03-19-2010, 01:50 AM	#4
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,440 Trading: (60)	Re: Fess Parker - dead at 85 RIP Mr. Parker. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

03-19-2010, 02:09 AM	#5
Old Sailor Black Ops - S.O.B. Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dave Location: Side Porta!! Kingsville, Ont., Canada Posts: 4,204 Trading: (22)	Re: Fess Parker - dead at 85 RIP __________________ Canadian Armed Forces 1976! Canadian Coast Guard, retired in 2012 after 32 years!!