DisneyExaminer

  • Home
  • About
  • Movies
  • Disney+
  • Theme Parks
  • Products
  • Editorials
  • Disneyland Tickets

The “Ballad” of Fess Parker

  • by Mike Ayala
  • in Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
  • — 6 Jan, 2014

You may not know him as Fess Parker, but you most certainly know him as Davy Crockett: king of the wild frontier.

Fess Parker was born in Forth Worth, Texas on August 16, 1924. Fess got a degree in Law and Business Administration at the University of Texas and graduated in 1950. He moved to Los Angeles to become an actor and studied drama at USC. His film debut was in a movie called “Untamed Frontier.” Little did he know that a few years later, he’d be living in that frontier for quite some time.

Fess was signed to a studio contract in 1954 after Walt saw him in the sci-fi film “Them!” During his contract he started in frontier-facing Disney films such as “Westward Ho the Wagons!” “The Great Locomotive chase,” “Old Yeller”, and “The Light in the Forest”.

However, his most famous role was that of Davy Crockett. He appeared as Davy for a three-part television show: “Davy Crockett Indian Fighter,” “Davy Crockett Goes to Congress”, and “Davy Crockett at the Alamo”. Then when Disneyland opened in July of 1955, he became a celebrity over night by being broadcast over the grand opening’s live TV special.

Fess went on to become “Daniel Boone” in the television series of the same name. He starred as Boone for six years before retiring in 1973 from the entertainment industry. Nevertheless, Fess was still active in new frontiers. He founded the Fess Parker Family Winery and Vineyards located in Los Olivos, California. He always kept a special part of his heart for Disney though. He was named a Disney Legend in 1991 and was honored with a window at Disneyland Park on December 15, 2004 during the 50th anniversary of the premiere of the Davy Crockett television show that got him started all that time ago.

Fess died in March 2010, but remains the king of Frontierland and symbol of adventure for the world that aims to go into new places for that adventure.

– – –

(via Disney Parks Blog)

We’re continuing the Main Street USA window series at Disneyland in the new year in hopes it’ll give you new or greater appreciation for the people that helped make the Disney magic we see every year! Click HERE to see previous window stories.

print
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Related

Share

— Mike Ayala

Disneyland Parks and Resorts editor at DisneyExaminer. People like to say I’m a nobody because I capture hearts like nobodies business. Reach me at mike@disneyexaminer.com or on Twitter at @mikeayala2

You may also like...

  • What Makes The ‘Mad T-Party’ Mad? 10 Jun, 2012
  • Be Thankful for Good Food at the Disneyland Resort this Thanksgiving! 27 Nov, 2013
  • Polish up with OPI’s new collection inspired by Alice Through the Looking Glass 13 Apr, 2016
  • Marc Jacobs released a new Disney collection inspired by Alice in Wonderland 30 Oct, 2015
  • Previous story Jamie Shaheen – a Grand Pianist.
  • Next story New Year, New Leader of Disney’s Official Fan Club
  • Today is

  • Happening Now

    My Tweets
  • What’s Trending

    animation behind the scenes buena vista street business california adventure cars land christmas D23 expo DCA disney disney animation disney california adventure disney channel disney consumer products disneyexaminer disney interactive disneyland disneyland resort disney movie disney parks disney parks and resorts downtown disney exclusive food frozen FYI lucasfilm main street USA marvel marvel studios movie review new pixar review spoiler free star wars technology the force awakens walt disney walt disney animation studios walt disney company walt disney imagineering walt disney parks and resorts walt disney studios walt disney world
  • News Archive

  • Home
  • Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
  • The “Ballad” of Fess Parker
  • Hiya, Pal

    DisneyExaminer is a premier independent online magazine that takes a closer look at all things Disney.

    Founded and lovingly made in Orange County, California.

  • Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel

  • Search

  • Home
  • About
  • Movies
  • Disney+
  • Theme Parks
  • Products
  • Editorials
  • Disneyland Tickets

© 2008 - 2022 DisneyExaminer. All rights reserved.