Fess Parker (Davy Crockett) dies at age 85

by Leah Zanolla
Mar 19, 2010

Fess Parker, 85, died at his Santa Ynez Valley home Thursday of natural causes. Parker was best known for his role as television's Davy Crockett, which debuted in December 1954 as part of the "Disneyland" TV show. Parker made coonskin caps popular, as well as Old Betsy rifles, buckskin shirts, and Davy lunch boxes. The Davy Crockett series didn't last more than a few years, but anyone who grew up in that era could sing the theme song, "The Ballad of Davy Crockett." Even Disney CEO Bob Iger said, "Like many kids growing up in the '50s, Davy Crockett was my first hero, and I had the coonskin cap to prove it."

In the 60's, Parker played the role of Daniel Boone in a TV adventure series, and then retired from show business. He opened a few hotels and an award-winning winery in California, which is still run by his children.

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• Last Updated: Feb 8, 2012 - 9:40:38 AM