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Gailard Sartain, the beloved character actor from 'Hee Haw' and cult films, has died at 78. He began his career as a quirky Tulsa TV host before breaking into Hollywood. Sartain appeared in classics like 'Nashville' and 'Mississippi Burning,' leaving a lasting legacy. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo.

Key Points: Hee Haw Star Gailard Sartain Dies at 78

  • Played Dr. Mazeppa Pompazoidi in Tulsa TV
  • Appeared in 'Nashville' and 'The Buddy Holly Story'
  • Known for 'Mississippi Burning' and 'Fried Green Tomatoes'
  • Survived by wife Mary Jo
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Actor Gailard Sartain passes away at 78

Veteran actor Gailard Sartain, known for 'Hee Haw' and cult films like 'Mississippi Burning,' passes away at 78.

"A true character actor who brought humor and depth to every role. – Deadline"

Los Angeles, June 20

Veteran actor Gailard Sartain, best known for his role on 'Hee Haw', has passed away. He was 78.

Sartain's demise was announced on Facebook by The Church Studio, a recording studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma where Sartain's wife Mary Jo, as per Deadline.

Born in Tulsa on September 18, 1946, Sartain began his show business career there, working as a cameraman at a local TV station before creating a late-night movie host in 1970, he called Dr Mazeppa Pompazoidi.

Dressed in wizard garb, Sartain introduced B-movies and performed comedy skits under the show name The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting. He was even more prolific in film, from an uncredited role in Robert Altman's 1975 classic Nashville and then in 1978 The Buddy Holly Story, according to Deadline.

He was also a part of the projects Mississippi Burning, The Outsiders, The Hollywood Knights, Fried Green Tomatoes, The Big Easy, The Grifters, Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot and various appearances in the "Ernest" comedy franchise, among many other credits.

Sartain is survived by wife Mary Jo.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
May his soul rest in peace. Though I didn't know him well, his work in 'The Outsiders' was memorable. Hollywood has lost another gem from the golden era of character actors. 🙏
P
Priya M.
Oh no! He was brilliant in Fried Green Tomatoes. That movie always makes me emotional. Didn't realize he was from Tulsa - shows how talent can come from anywhere. Condolences to his family.
A
Arjun S.
Honestly didn't recognize the name at first, but when I saw his face - wow! He was in so many classic 80s/90s films. These character actors make movies special. RIP Dr. Mazeppa Pompazoidi (what a name!)
S
Sunita P.
Sad news. His role in Mississippi Burning was powerful. It's interesting how many Indian actors today follow similar paths - starting small in local productions before making it big. A true inspiration for aspiring actors everywhere.
V
Vikram J.
The Ernest movies were my childhood! Didn't realize he was in so many serious films too. Shows his range as an actor. Hollywood doesn't make character actors like him anymore - everyone wants to be the lead hero these days.

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