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:

[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.


[Frog tries to attract an elephant's attention]
Frog Millhouse: I got a peanut for you!
'Professor' Wentworth: It's no use. She's hard of hearing.
Frog Millhouse: Ears like a barn door and she's hard of hearing?


Sheriff Gene Autry: We're going out to arrest the O'Keefes for highway robbery.
Deputy Frog: Oh, don't kid me. They couldn't even find the highway.


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

Comedian.

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

See All Related Facts >>