Smiley Burnette

Lester Alvin Burnett, better known as Smiley Burnette, was a popular American country music performer and a comedic actor in Western films and on radio and TV, playing sidekick to Gene Autry and other B-movie cowboys. Burnette worked in a variety of genres and built up a diverse and reputable career. He began his acting career with roles in such films as the western "In Old Santa Fe" (1934) with Ken Maynard, "Melody Trail" (1935) and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" (1935). He also appeared in "Waterfront Lady" (1935), the western "The Phantom Empire" (1935) with Gene Autry and the Gene Autry musical "The Singing Vagabond" (1935).

His passion for acting continued to his roles in projects like "Rootin' Tootin' Rhythm" (1937), "The Old Corral" (1937) and "Springtime in the Rockies" (1937). He also appeared in the Gene Autry musical "Yodelin' Kid From Pine Ridge" (1937). In the latter part of his career, he tackled roles in "Down Mexico Way" (1941), "Under Fiesta Stars" (1941) and "Ridin' on a Rainbow" (1941). He also appeared in "Heart of the Rio Grande" (1942) and "Heart of the Golden West" (1942). Burnette last acted on "Green Acres" (1965-1971). Smiley Burnette passed away in June 1967 at the age of 56.