![Smiley Burnette, born on March 18, 1911, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, was an American actor, singer, and comedian best kn...](https://img4.medioq.com/352/566/595091003525664.jpg)
02/03/2025
Smiley Burnette, born on March 18, 1911, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, was an American actor, singer, and comedian best known for his work in Western films and television, particularly as a sidekick to many of the genre's leading stars. Burnette’s cheerful disposition and comedic timing made him a beloved figure in Westerns, where he often played the affable, humorous sidekick to the more serious, heroic lead.
Starting his career in the 1930s, Burnette initially worked in radio before transitioning to film, where he appeared in numerous B-Western films. His big break came when he joined the Gene Autry film series, becoming the popular cowboy’s sidekick. His role in these films, where he often played characters with a knack for comedy and a love of music, established Burnette as a staple of the genre. Burnette not only delivered comic relief but also showcased his musical talent, performing many songs in the films, which added to his popularity.
Burnette’s most notable partnership was with Autry, but he also worked alongside other major stars of the time, such as Roy Rogers, Tex Ritter, and Eddie Dean. His work in these films, especially as a comedic foil and supporting character, helped define the Western film formula. Burnette became known for his distinctive voice and his musical performances, often singing original songs that were included in the films he appeared in.
In addition to his work in Western films, Burnette had a successful career in television, most notably as a regular on the long-running The Gene Autry Show (1950-1955), where he reprised his role as Gene Autry’s sidekick. He also appeared in other TV shows, such as The Roy Rogers Show and The Range Rider.
Despite being typecast in roles as a comic sidekick, Burnette’s legacy endures, particularly for his charm, humor, and music in Westerns. He continued to work in the entertainment industry through the 1960s before his passing in 1967. Today, Smiley Burnette is remembered as a beloved figure in the golden age of Western films, and his contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated by fans of classic American cinema.