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: 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.


[Frog tries to keep a bunch of cattlemen from breaking through his checkpoint]
Frog Millhouse: I'm warnin' you. If you take any cattle across this line, I'm going to blast you with this smokestick - and it ain't loaded with beans!


[last lines]
[Frog explains that the villain he "shot" was really after Sunset]
Frog Millhouse: Old Frog always gets his man. And you thought I wasn't tough enough.
Sunset Carson: You can go with me, Frog. You saved my life, didn't ya.
Frog Millhouse: Sure did!
Sunset Carson: Better pay that guy first. He did a good job.
Frog Millhouse: I already paid him ten dollars more... Uh-oh. Let's get out of here.


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Smiley Burnette on the
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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.

Entered films in 1934.

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

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