Beloved character actor Gailard Sartain, known for “Hee Haw,” “Mississippi Burning” and “Fried Green Tomatoes,” has died at age 78.
The Church Studio in Oklahoma, where he was a visitor and his wife Mary Jo volunteered, announced his death late Thursday night. TMZ confirmed he died following “a long decline in health,” but reported no specific cause of death.
Born in Tulsa on Sept. 18, 1946, Sartain got his start in acting when he created and hosted the city’s first local late-night sketch comedy show, “The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting,” in the early 1970s. He joined “Hee Haw” in 1972 and appeared on that variety show more than 170 times over a nearly 20-year span, according to IMDb.
On the big screen, Sartain played Big Bopper in “The Buddy Holly Story,” and scored the role of Jerry in the star-studded 1983 film “The Outsiders.” He also appeared in “The Big Easy” and the Paul Newman-led “Blaze.”
His TV appearances included “The Sonny and Cher Show,” “The Dukes of Hazzard” and “Hey Vern, It’s Ernest!” alongside comedian Jim Varney. The pair also teamed up for three movies based on Varney’s clueless Ernest character.
Also a successful artist, Sartain spent time in New York City working as an assistant to illustrator Paul Davis, according to several reports. He’s credited with designing the cover for Leon Russell’s 1975 album “Will O’ the Wisp,” as well as illustrations for nationally published magazines.
On “Hee Haw,” Sartain most frequently appeared as Sheriff Orville P. Bullmoose. The actor’s death is the second loss “Hee Haw” fans experienced in recent weeks. Comedic actor Lulu Roman died in late April.
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