Actor Fess Parker passed away today of natural causes at the age of 85.
Like many kids growing up in the 1970's, Davy Crockett was one of the many programs we were able to see on the Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday Nights. Although I cannot remember details of many of the episodes, I always loved the show and the natural actor playing the part of Davy Crockett. In a rare feat of 1950's acting, you never felt like Mr. Parker was "acting". I'm sure one of the reasons I have a love of the outdoors was due to year of playing Davy Crockett as a child.
Mr. Parker also played the part of Daniel Boone on TV from 1964-1970. He also memorably played the Father in Old Yeller, another Disney classic, which brought some of the adult themes which were in their animated classics to the live action format.
Mr. Parker focused on a career in real estate development in the 1970's and in 1989 started The Fess Parker Winery, which is still very successful.
On my first trip to Walt Disney World in the late 1970's, my parents were more than patient and tolerant when the only souvenir I wanted was Davy Crockett's trademark coonskin hat. They tried to persuade me to get the Peter Pan hat, but I broke them down. Of course what every 8 year old needs on a hot Orlando night is a fur hat. I loved that hat and wore it more than I should have.
Our sympathies go out to Mr. Parker's family and may he rest in peace.
Like many kids growing up in the 1970's, Davy Crockett was one of the many programs we were able to see on the Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday Nights. Although I cannot remember details of many of the episodes, I always loved the show and the natural actor playing the part of Davy Crockett. In a rare feat of 1950's acting, you never felt like Mr. Parker was "acting". I'm sure one of the reasons I have a love of the outdoors was due to year of playing Davy Crockett as a child.
Mr. Parker also played the part of Daniel Boone on TV from 1964-1970. He also memorably played the Father in Old Yeller, another Disney classic, which brought some of the adult themes which were in their animated classics to the live action format.
Mr. Parker focused on a career in real estate development in the 1970's and in 1989 started The Fess Parker Winery, which is still very successful.
On my first trip to Walt Disney World in the late 1970's, my parents were more than patient and tolerant when the only souvenir I wanted was Davy Crockett's trademark coonskin hat. They tried to persuade me to get the Peter Pan hat, but I broke them down. Of course what every 8 year old needs on a hot Orlando night is a fur hat. I loved that hat and wore it more than I should have.
Our sympathies go out to Mr. Parker's family and may he rest in peace.
