Fess Parker has died. The actor, who is best known for his starring role as Davy Crocket in the hit TV series, Davy Crocket, was an icon for a whole generation of kids beginning during the 1950s.

Not only did children tune in to watch the King of the Wild Frontier each week, they went out in droves to buy coonskin hats just like the one Parker wore on the show.

Davy Crocket ran until 1956, but it wasn’t the only heroic character the actor took on. In 1964 Parker accepted the lead in the television series Daniel Boone and continued with the show for six years.

Parker was originally a college athlete at the University of Texas. He was discovered by lengendary actor Adolphe Menjou, when he was a guest artist at the University of Texas while Parker was still a student. Menjou actually helped him with formal introductions once he arrived in Hollywood.

The actor retired in 1973, but continued to thrive in real estate and other business ventures including an ocean-front resort near Santa Barbara as well as an award-winning winery.

Fess Parker was 85 years old…he died on the 84th birthday of his wife of 50 years, Marcella.

Love this clip posted on youtube of Fess Parker as Davy Crocket.