Gailard Sartain, 'Hee Haw' and 'Fried Green Tomatoes' actor, passes away at 78

Gailard Sartain, the beloved character actor known for his comedic flair on Hee Haw and memorable performances in films like Fried Green Tomatoes and Mississippi Burning, has passed away . He was 78.


His death was announced Thursday night by The Church Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Gailard Sartain was a regular visitor and his wife, Mary Jo, was a longtime volunteer. The cause of death has not been disclosed, though TMZ cited a “long decline in health.”

Big break in ‘Hee Haw’


Born on September 18, 1946, in Tulsa, Sartain’s journey in entertainment began in the early 1970s with the creation of "The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting," the city’s first late-night sketch comedy show.


His big break came in 1972 when he joined the iconic variety show Hee Haw, where he appeared over 170 times during a nearly 20-year tenure. He became a fan favorite as Sheriff Orville P. Bullmoose.
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A memorable film career



Sartain’s filmography spans decades. He portrayed Big Bopper in The Buddy Holly Story (1978), appeared in the Francis Ford Coppola-produced The Outsiders (1983), and held significant roles in The Big Easy, Blaze, and The Spitfire Grill. In the Oscar-nominated Mississippi Burning (1988), he played the menacing Sheriff Ray Stuckey opposite Gene Hackman.


One of his most recognized roles came in the comedy drama 'Fried Green Tomatoes' (1991). He played the memorable character Ed Couch, the distant husband to Kathy Bates’ character, Evelyn in the comedy drama.


A respected artist and illustrator



In addition to his acting career, Sartain was also a respected artist and illustrator. He worked in New York City as an assistant to famed illustrator Paul Davis and contributed to national magazines. Sartain even designed the album cover for Leon Russell’s 1975 record, "Will O’ the Wisp."


A double loss for ‘Hee Haw’ fans



Sartain’s passing marks a second recent loss for 'Hee Haw' fans. His co-star Lulu Roman, known for her comedic skits on the show, passed away in late April. Together, they represented a golden era of television variety shows that blended country charm with humor.