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:

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

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Smiley Burnette Quotes:

Smiley Burnette: Well, I just wouldn't want to scare you, lady. Nobody's ever seen 'em... that is close, anyhow. Ever so often they come ridin' out of Ghost Canyon, up there where there's mists and clouds. If you look, you can see right now. Down out of their hidden canyons they come, like they was ridin' out of another world. Protectin' their hidden gold, that's why they're hauntin' us -- keepin' gold-hungry miners from diggin' up their graves. Look at 'em, their blood gone from their veins. Their eyes cold as death and them ghost-like horses -- they don't even leave hoof prints you can ever find. I reckon you've heard of miners and prospectors disappearin' in the hills. That's what's happened to 'em -- the riders got 'em...gone without a trace. You'll never hear of 'em again. You get the feeling they ride past like a cold wind that goes right through you, giving you the creeps and the shivers while they disappear back where they came from. And then when you look around, they're gone.


Ruby Smith: Don't tell me you want to be an actor.
Frog Millhouse: No, ma'am, I promised my ma I'd lead an upright life.


Gene Autry aka Tex Smith: But I tell you, I'm Gene Autry!
Deputy Sheriff: And I'm Bing Crosby.
[singing]
Deputy Sheriff: Boo-boo-boo-boo!
Frog Millhouse: Boo-boo yourself.


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

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.

Played 100 instruments proficiently.

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