Gailard Sartain Dies at 78 – From Hee Haw to Hollywood

The unforgettable character actor, Gailard Sartain, who lit up screens in Hee Haw, Fried Green Tomatoes, and The Outsiders, has died at the age of 78. 

Known for his unique blend of warmth, wit, and unmistakable screen presence, Sartain leaves behind a decades-long legacy filled with laughter, heartfelt performances, and unforgettable moments.

His death was announced by The Church Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which remembered him as “an extraordinary actor, artist, and comedian.” No cause of death has been shared at this time.

Fried Green Tomatoes’ & ‘The Outsiders’ Star Gailard Sartain Dies at 78

Born in Tulsa on September 18, 1946, Gailard Sartain was a proud Oklahoman through and through. 

After graduating from Will Rogers High School and the University of Tulsa, he first made waves locally with a quirky late-night show called Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting. Playing a madcap character named Dr. Mazeppa Pompazoidi, Sartain's local fame caught the attention of Hee Haw insiders, and that’s when everything changed.

He joined the Hee Haw cast in 1972, bringing his offbeat humor and charm to the beloved country comedy show. His time on Hee Haw only lasted until 1974, but it laid the groundwork for the wide-ranging and remarkable career that followed.

Comedy, Drama, and Everything In Between

While many remember him for his comic timing and goofball charm, Gailard Sartain was not a one-trick pony. He moved effortlessly between comedy and drama, with a resume that included cult classics and big-name films alike.

He popped up as a memorable face in The Outsiders, where he played a small-town doctor, and again in Fried Green Tomatoes, where his portrayal added depth to the Southern drama. As a Fried Green Tomatoes actor, he showed his range and solidified his place in Hollywood with his dependable, scene-stealing presence.

He also made his mark in films like The Buddy Holly Story, Mississippi Burning, Ali, and the Jim Varney-led Ernest films. On TV, he racked up guest appearances in fan favorites like Walker, Texas Ranger, Chicago Hope, King of the Hill, and even The Simpsons, where he voiced the character Big Daddy.

A Visual Artist With a Comedic Soul

Beyond acting, Gailard Sartain was a gifted visual artist. His creativity spilled over into graphic design, most notably when he created the album cover for Leon Russell’s Will O’ the Wisp in 1975. It was just one more way Sartain left his mark on the world, blending humor, heart, and artistry.

He also starred in the lesser-known but ambitious TV film The All New Adventures of Laurel & Hardy in For Love or Mummy, where he took on the hefty task of rebooting one of comedy’s most iconic duos. Sartain’s final screen appearance was in 2005’s Elizabethtown, where he acted alongside Susan Sarandon and Orlando Bloom before stepping away from the spotlight.

Outpouring of Love and Tribute

Fans and fellow performers alike have shared their love and admiration since news of Gailard Sartain's death broke. Social media lit up, with many highlighting his legendary Tulsa roots and the joy he brought to both local audiences and the broader world.

“People in Tulsa knew how funny he was before he made the rest of the world laugh,” one fan wrote. Another remembered him as someone who enhanced every project he touched, no matter how corny the material might’ve been.

The Outsiders House Museum also honored him with a touching message: “He'll be dearly missed and always remembered. Stay gold, Gailard.”

A One-of-a-Kind Talent

From Hee Haw and The Outsiders to Fried Green Tomatoes, Gailard Sartain’s career captured the spirit of a true character actor, one who could pop into a scene and instantly make it better. Whether he was making us laugh or anchoring a dramatic moment, his presence was always welcome.

Fans remember him not just as a Hee Haw cast member or The Outsiders actor, but as a beloved artist who brought joy, creativity, and a little Southern charm to everything he did. Gailard Sartain may be gone, but his work will continue to inspire, and his laughter still echoes in the minds of those who grew up watching him.