Smiley Burnette Overview:

Character actor, Smiley Burnette, was born Lester Alvin Burnette on Mar 18, 1911 in Summum, IL. Burnette died at the age of 55 on Feb 16, 1967 in Encino, CA .

MINI BIO:

In the days when every "B" western star had comic-books devoted to their imaginary adventures, only two "sidekicks" were awarded the accolade of a comic to themselves. One of these was George "Gabby" Hayes; the other was tubby Smiley Burnette, with his flapjack black stetson, and manic humor. Living up to his nickname by always grinning, Burnette came on like a chubbier version of Eddie Bracken, coming into films with his friend Gene Autry (whose radio vocals he had backed on guitar). He remained one of the most popular "B"-westerners, with a number of partners, through the 1930s and 1940s, sticking with the genre until it petered out in 1953. When appearing as a regular on the TV comedy series Petticoat Junction, Burnette learned that he had leukemia, the disease that killed him at 55. Also a prolific songwriter.

(Source: available at Amazon Quinlan's Film Character Actors: an Illustrated Directory).

HONORS and AWARDS:

.

He was honored with one star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of Motion Pictures.

BlogHub Articles:

No article for at this time. Submit yours here.

Smiley Burnette Quotes:

Smiley: You better keep this
[Harry's pistol]
Smiley: in case he wakes up.
Gene Autry: I don't need it. He's a friend of mine.
Smiley: In that case, I'll keep it. We may meet some more friends of yours.


[Smiley gets the drop on the Sheriff and his men and prevents them from interrupting a delicate operation]
Frog Millhouse: Whoa! Don't go any further. The doctor's doin' a little operatin' in there. Just throw your smokepots right over there.


Frog Millhouse: Can I borrow a buck? I'll pay it back out of your winnin's.
Gene Autry: What if I don't win?
Frog Millhouse: Well, you'll be broke anyhow.


read more quotes from Smiley Burnette...



Share this page:
Visit the Classic Movie Hub Blog CMH
Also a Pisces






See All Pisces >>
Smiley Burnette on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame



See All Walk of Fame Stars >>
Smiley Burnette Facts
He did a lot of traveling, and once received an award from the National Safety Council for having worn out 27 cars without being involved in a single accident.

He was replaced by Pat Buttram as Gene Autry's sidekick in the forties.

He and his wife adopted four children - Stephen, Linda, Brian, and Carolyn.

See All Related Facts >>