Beloved Star of ‘Ernest’ Movies and ‘Hee Haw’ Has Died at 78

Actor, comedian, painter, and illustrator Gailard Sartain passed away on Tuesday in his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, TMZ confirmed on Friday. The cause of death has not been released. Sartain was known for his roles in movies set in the American South, including Mississippi Burning, the Ernest film series, and the long-running variety show Hee Haw. Sartain, who appeared on Hee Haw for almost 20 seasons as Sheriff Orville P. Bullmoose, is fondly remembered by other cast members. Hee Haw’s Victoria Hallman said that Sartain was like an older brother to her. Hallman told TMZ that they had to reshoot scenes often because Sartain made the cast laugh all the time. Gailard got his start in the industry by hosting a late-night Tulsa comedy program, The Uncanny Film Festival, playing a wizard named Dr. Mazeppa Pompazoidi. After being scouted for Hee Haw, Sartain went on to work on more than 60 films and TV shows. In 2005, Sartain retired from the entertainment industry. However, the actor also had a successful career as an illustrator, making art for album covers and magazines. He is succeeded by his three children, granddaughter, great-grandson, and his wife of 36 years, Mary Jo Sartain, who told The Hollywood Reporter that the actor “died of silliness.”