Edgar Buchanan

I need to ask all of my fans to join with me in remembering some special people in my life this coming week.

Chief Paul Farber is going in for surgery to correct a huge problem.

Morgan Dollar, a graduate of Boogie's Wrestling Camp, is experiencing some family health problems.

Guys, I wish I could be there to help in some way, but I too will be going to see a surgeon this week to try and solve the problems in my stomach. You will both be in my prayers--Percival

One of my earliest memories of television western partners that I remember is "Red Connors." He was Hopalong Cassidy's sidekick in many of his television episodes. He was a faithful pal that stood beside Hoppy in many battles and provided the various episodes with a bit of comedy. His salty character fit him like a smooth deerskin glove.

Red began his life in Humansville, Missouri on March 20, 1903 as William Edgar Buchanan. His family ties were well educated and respected.

He moved with his family to Oregon, where his father was a dentist. He attended the University of Oregon and became a dentist like his dad. From 1929 to 1937, he was head of Oral Surgery in Eugene, Oregon. In 1938, he moved to Pasadena, California, where he set up his practice.

He joined a community playhouse, where he studied acting, and made his film debut in 1939 in a film titled "My Son is Guilty." His career biography scans a record number of 106 movies from the 30's to the 70's. He was also involved in over a hundred television productions from 1953 to 1974.

Some of the notable movies he is remembered for are "The Over the Hill Gang," "Donovan's Reef," "McClintock," "Ride the High Country," "Rage at Dawn," "The Great Missouri Raid," "Abilene Town," "When The Daltons Rode," "Arizona" and "Shane." He also had solid parts in “Penny Serenade,” “Buffalo Bill,” “The Sea of Grass,” “The Black Arrow,” “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “Come Next Spring” and “Benji.”

Usually famous for his parts in many television series, he was a key part of shows like "Petticoat Junction," "Beverly Hillbillies," "The Rifleman," "Leave it to Beaver," "Judge Roy Bean," "Green Acres," "The Virginian," "Gunsmoke," "Have Gun will Travel" and "Cade’s Country" with Glenn Ford.

His gravelly voice and chubby face were two of the trademarks that made him famous. Of course, his acting ability of portraying many different characters made him a very rich man in the eyes of any fan of his. He delivered dialogue, generally from one side of his mouth, with a gravelly voice, peering suspiciously with squinty eyes. Adept at playing cowardly, corrupt officials and vicious bandits, he worked in more than 100 Westerns alone.

Red Connors retired to Palm Desert, California, where he loved the open country and clean air. On April 4, 1979, as a result of a stroke and pneumonia, he passed away and is buried in Forest Lawn. He was a Mason and Shriner and was well loved in his community.

His wife Mildred preceded him by two years.

Long may your films live that depict a clean living, honest, joyful companion of many. Long may your character of a tough westerner be brought up in speeches of great men. Long may you live in the memories of many that watched and followed you.

Rest in Peace, William Edgar Buchanan "Red" 1903-1979.

Percival A. Friend, Retired
The Epitome of Wrestling Managers
2004 CAC Honoree