Posted on 06/20/2025 9:36:38 AM PDT by DFG
The cherished Southern actor was known for his memorable roles in Hee Haw, Mississippi Burning, and Fried Green Tomatoes.
The Church Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma shared the news on Facebook, paying tribute to the late actor with a heartfelt message.
'We are saddened by the loss of Gailard Sartain, an extraordinary actor, artist, and comedian,' the post read.
'His late night visits in the 1970s to the studio after filming Mazeppa are fondly remembered. Gailard's artwork is showcased on the cover of Leon Russell's 1975 album Will O’ the Wisp. Our condolences are with Mary Jo, Gailard's wife and a committed volunteer at The Church Studio.'
Teresa Knox, CEO of The Church Studio, confirmed to TMZ that Sartain passed away on Tuesday following a prolonged decline in health.
At this time, no official cause of death has been disclosed.
Misty Rowe, Sartain's longtime Hee Haw co-star—often seen as Junior Samples' assistant—also paid tribute in a Facebook post.
'God Bless You, Gailard Sartain. You were my brother on Hee Haw Honeys and my friend on Hee Haw for 19 years! I will never forget you.'
Victoria Hallman, who starred as Miss Honeydew on Hee Haw, remembered Gailard Sartain as a beloved presence on set.
She told TMZ he felt like a big brother to her and was so funny, the cast often had to reshoot scenes because they couldn't stop laughing.
'I knew he wasn't in good health and hadn't been for a while,' she added.
'We always fool ourselves that people will hang on. I wasn't expecting to find out in the wee hours of the morning.'
Sartain joined the cast of Hee Haw in 1972, bringing to life the character of Sheriff Orville P. Bullmoose.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Dude was funny as heck. RIP!
Played an assistant football coach to Gene Hackman’s head coach in The Replacements............
One of those guys whose name doesn’t ring a bell but you immediately recognize his face.
The mark of a good character actor/sidekick.
He was a talented artist, too. Did album covers and magazine illustrations.
Rest In Peace, Gailard Sartain.
Not a word in the article about his original sidekick, Gary Busey, on the first TV show they did in Tulsa on a local station. It does mention the show & the cult following it had. Just seems odd there was no mention of Busey since Busey gave Sartain a break in the movies in The Buddy Holley Story.
Aw, man. RIP.
Loved that guy.
***his original sidekick, Gary Busey***
I remember him on several of the Mazeppa Papazoidi shows. Also remember Jeanne Tripplehorn (Basic Instinct) on his show.
Mazzeppa Papazoidi in Tulsa OK. He and Sherman Oaks interrupted horror shows with his comedy skits we could have done without. WE wanted to see the movie, not him.
I feel the same for Svengooli today. A 2 1/2 hour time slot to show a 70 minute movie.
I saw him for the first time in Hollywood Knights. That was a breakout movie for actors, such as Michelle Pfeifer, Robert Wuhl, and Fran Drescher.
In the 1970’s Dixon St. in Fayetteville Arkansas would be empty when Mazzepa was on TV.
I was lucky to have seen a number of those shows.
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