Beloved Character Actor Gailard Sartain Passes Away at 78
Gailard Sartain, well-known to film and TV fans across generations, died at the age of 78 following an extended illness. The Church Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where his wife Mary Jo volunteers, confirmed that his death was due to his excessive Southern charm and flash of wit.
A native of Tulsa who was born on September 18, 1946, Sartain was just a cameraman for a local TV station in the early days of his career. However, it was not long before his imaginative side led him to find his platform in front of the camera. In 1970, he established Dr. Mazeppa Pompazoidi, a fantastic late-night TV character, and a wizard who also hosts a show, The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting. This show was highly popular with the locals who not only consumed it but also were able to meet another rising star, Gary Busey. The two met again in The Buddy Holly Story (1978), where Sartain made the unforgettable role of The Big Bopper.
Hee Haw became Sartain’s first nationwide opportunity in 1972 when he was hired as a member of the cast on this country-related comedy-variety show. His “Southern good ol’ boy” persona was a new face in the show, and it won the hearts of the audience; he was a regular until the show’s 20th season. Although Hee Haw was interestingly packaged with straw bales and cheesy jokes, Sartain had the sensitivity and comedy thing brought to it, which made him a big star in the end.
The time on Hee-Haw paved the way for Sartain to take on an overwhelming number of other roles. He appeared on the highest-rated variety shows such as Cher and Shields and Yarnell, and made guest appearances on classic series like Walker, Texas Ranger, Chicago Hope, and The Simpsons.
However, Sartain’s highest moments came through his work in movies. He became a well-known film figure, having a role in numerous movies like Mississippi Burning, The Grifters, Fried Green Tomatoes, and The Outsiders. Not to mention, Sartain was a recurring character in the “Ernest” comedy series and was the actor who played the part of Delbert Reese even if he wasn’t given a credit in Robert Altman’s 1975 film Nashville. Sartain had an apparent talent for playing roles that were not only well-acted but also unforgettable in the hearts and minds of the audience, whether they were big or small.
Gailard Sartain is now with his endearing wife, Mary Jo. Any information about additional people in the family has not yet been made public.
His unforgettable presence, loud voice, and the typical southern humor that he offered will be sorely missed – but the laughter and narratives built on character that he left behind through the variety of roles will remain with him.
