| Birth: | Jun. 8, 1919
Kingsburg
Fresno County
California, USA |
| Death: | Dec. 8, 1983
Modesto
Stanislaus County
California, USA |
Actor. He is best remembered for his comical roles in the films "Dr. Strangelove" (1964, as the B-52 pilot Major T.J. "King" Kong) and "Blazing Saddles" (1974, as the villain "Taggart"). He was born Louis Burton Lindley, Jr. in Kingsburg, California and learned to ride horses at the age of 4. He graduated from Hanford High School, Hanford, California where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America. After high school he joined the rodeo and was told that working in the rodeo would be "slim pickings," from where he adopted his name. He worked the rodeo circuit for 20 years and became a well-known rodeo clown. His Texas drawl and strong physical appearance gained him a role in the western film "Rocky Mountain" (1950) that starred Errol Flynn. He appeared in many films, Including "Old Oklahoma" (1952), "Down Laredo Way" (1953), "One-Eyed Jacks" (1964, with Marlon Brando), "Major Dundee" (1965, with Charlton Heston), the remake of "Stagecoach" (1966), "An Eye for an Eye" (1966), "Never a Dull Moment" (1968), "The Cowboys" (1972, with John Wayne), "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid" (1973), "Ginger in the Morning" (1974, with Fred Ward). "Poor Pretty Eddy' (1975), "Ranchero Deluxe" (1975), "The Getaway' (1980, with Steve McQueen), "Tom Horn" (1980, with Steve McQueen), and "The Howling" (1981). In 1960 he appeared in one episode of the NBC western television series "Overland Trail" and made five appearances in NBC's "Outlaws" (1960-1962) western television series. He also had a recurring role as the scout California Joe Milner on the ABC military western television series "Custer." He would appear in episodes of many other television shows throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and the 1980s, including recurring roles in "The Legend of Custer," "Bonanza," "Hee Haw," "B.J. and the Bear," and "Filthy Rich." In 1982 he was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. HE was also inducted into the Pro Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado for his work as a rodeo clown. During his acting career he appeared in 45 films and numerous television shows. He died following surgery for a brain tumor. (bio by: William Bjornstad)
Family links:
Spouse:
Margaret Elizabeth Lindley (1921 - 2011)*
*Calculated relationship
Cause of death: After surgery for a brain tumor. |
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Burial:
Cremated, Ashes given to family or friend. |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Originally Created by: Tim Crutchfield
Record added: Feb 02, 2004
Find A Grave Memorial# 8343106 |
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 happy belated heavenly birthday and rest in peace loved your acting
- deborah dyess
Added: Jun. 29, 2015 |
 Happy Heavenly Birthday
- Stasia K
Added: Jun. 29, 2015 |
 Remembering you on the 96th Anniversary of your birth. I always liked you but believe your best role, along with "Dr. Strangelove" was in "Blazing Saddles", which I watched again last night. You are sorely missed. With Respect from Oregon,
- Kathie L. Webb Blair
Added: Jun. 20, 2015 |
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