Fess Parker, TV’s Davy Crockett, dies

March 18, 2010

Early television icon Fess Parker, who went on to become a controversial Santa Barbara real estate developer has died at the age of 85. [Los Angeles Times]

Parker rose to national stardom on television in the mid-1950’s, thanks to his portrayal of Alamo hero Davy Crockett.  The Crockett movies, part of the old Walt Disney TV series, made Parker popular with children everywhere and inspired mass sales of coonskin caps.

Later in the 1960’s, Parker portrayed a second frontiersman, Daniel Boone, on an equally popular NBC television series.

Parker retired to Santa Barbara in the 1970’s, where he eventually opened up an award-winning winery and Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort, among other major properties.

The television star died of natural causes at his home.

A memorial service will be held next Friday afternoon, March 26, at 2 p.m. in the Rotunda of the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara.


Loading...