Gailard Sartain obit

Actor Gailard Sartain Dies at 78 

 He was not on the list.

Gailard Sartain, the beloved actor and artist who spent over thirty years in entertainment, passed away on June 17, 2025. He was 78.

Following the news, tributes poured in from friends, fans, and family members. While those closest to him confirmed his passing, they have not disclosed the cause of death.

Sartain became widely known for his sharp humor and energetic performances on Hee Haw, the long-running country comedy show. Along the way, the late actor appeared in more than 70 films and TV projects, including three Ernest movies and the CBS kids’ series Hey Vern, It’s Ernest!, which aired in 1988.

He got his start in film with a brief role as a man at a lunch counter in Robert Altman’s Nashville (1975). A few years later, in 1978, Sartain landed a more recognized part as Jerry “The Big Bopper” Richardson in The Buddy Holly Story—one of his first real breakthroughs on the big screen.

Roughly twenty years ago, Sartain quietly stepped away from acting and spent most of his time painting and working on creative projects with his wife and daughter.

Here’s a closer look at his family and other details.

Who Is Gailard Sartain’s Wife, Mary Jo?

He was married to Mary Jo Regier, his longtime partner in both life and work. The couple tied the knot at St. John’s Episcopal Church and remained together until his passing.

They were both artists and often teamed up on creative projects. One of their lasting contributions was to the Tulsa International Mayfest. Gailard served as a poster artist for the event, and his spouse, Mary Jo, played multiple behind-the-scenes roles—volunteer, visual artist co-chair, festival chair, and even a member of the Board of Directors since 2003.

In addition to her leadership roles, Mary Jo also handled much of the festival’s practical side—managing bookkeeping, tax filings, and other day-to-day operations.

They also collaborated on The Lost Tapes of Mazeppa, a VHS collection featuring rare clips and sketches from Gailard’s Mazeppa Pompazoidi show. Gailard co-produced the project with Jim Millaway and J. Todd Todoroff, while Mary stepped in as executive producer. She helped track down old footage, organize materials, and handle the logistics to bring the project to life.

After years in Los Angeles, the couple eventually returned to their roots in Tulsa, choosing to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

They Have Three Children

Gailard and Mary raised three kids together, all now grown. Among them is their daughter Sarah, who, like her parents, has followed a creative path.

Sarah is a talented visual artist known for her watercolor and acrylic paintings, often centered around cheerful themes like flowers and reflective objects. She’s represented by Joseph Gierek Fine Art in Tulsa, where much of her work is regularly displayed.

She also spent time working as a cover illustrator for Nimrod magazine, and her illustrations have been featured in various commissioned projects, including with the firm Stranger & Stranger.

His Father Was a Fire Chief

Sartain was born to Elizabeth Bell Sartain and Gailard Lee Sartain, Sr.

His mother, originally from Missouri, settled in Tulsa in 1927. In 1938, Elizabeth married Gailard Sr., who would go on to serve as the Fire Chief of Tulsa.

Writer

Nick Bakay and Richard Steven Horvitz in The Angry Beavers (1997)

The Angry Beavers

7.1

TV Series

writer (segment "House Sisters")

2000

1 episode

 

The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting (1971)

The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting

7.6

TV Series

written by (as G. Ailard S. Artain, 1971-1973)

1971–1973

 

Gailard Sartain in The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting (1970)

The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting

TV Series

written by (as G. Ailard S. Artain, 1970-1971)

1970–1971

 

Actor

Kirsten Dunst and Orlando Bloom in Elizabethtown (2005)

Elizabethtown

6.3

Charles Dean

2005

 

Wilford Brimley, Alex Meneses, Robert Knott, Robert Peters, and Hunter von Leer in The Round and Round (2002)

The Round and Round

1.7

Jim Stoops

2002

 

Will Smith in Ali (2001)

Ali

6.7

Gordon Davidson

2001

 

Keanu Reeves, Gene Hackman, and Brooke Langton in The Replacements (2000)

The Replacements

6.6

Pilachowski

2000

 

Nick Bakay and Richard Steven Horvitz in The Angry Beavers (1997)

The Angry Beavers

7.1

TV Series

Big O (voice)

1999

1 episode

 

Bronson Pinchot and Gailard Sartain in The All New Adventures of Laurel & Hardy in 'For Love or Mummy' (1999)

The All New Adventures of Laurel & Hardy in 'For Love or Mummy'

3.9

Oliver Fattius Hardy

1999

 

Anthony Michael Hall and Noah Wyle in Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999)

Pirates of Silicon Valley

7.2

TV Movie

Ed Roberts

1999

 

Bruce Arntson in Existo (1999)

Existo

5.5

Colette Watchuwill

1999

 

That Championship Season (1999)

That Championship Season

6.0

TV Movie

High School Principal (uncredited)

1999

 

Steven Seagal in The Patriot (1998)

The Patriot

4.2

Floyd Chisolm

1998

 

Joe Torre: Curveballs Along the Way (1997)

Joe Torre: Curveballs Along the Way

5.1

TV Movie

Don Zimmer

1997

 

Harland Williams in RocketMan (1997)

RocketMan

5.9

Mr. Randall (uncredited)

1997

 

Michael Boatman, Sandra Oh, Jim Turner, and Robert Wuhl in Arli$$ (1996)

Arli$$

7.1

TV Series

Hubert Lynch

1997

1 episode

 

Murder in Mind (1997)

Murder in Mind

5.2

Charlie

1997

 

Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Dan Castellaneta, and Yeardley Smith in The Simpsons (1989)

The Simpsons

8.6

TV Series

Big Daddy (voice)

1997

1 episode

 

Andrea Parker and Michael T. Weiss in The Pretender (1996)

The Pretender

7.5

TV Series

Tug Beaulieu

1997

1 episode

 

Kathy Najimy, Breckin Meyer, Brittany Murphy, Ashley Gardner, Beth Grant, Johnny Hardwick, Toby Huss, Jonathan Joss, Mike Judge, Stephen Root, Pamela Adlon, and Lauren Tom in King of the Hill (1997)

King of the Hill

7.5

TV Series

Case Manager (voice)

1997

1 episode

 

Alison Elliott in The Spitfire Grill (1996)

The Spitfire Grill

7.0

Sheriff Gary Walsh

1996

 

Lauren Holly, Hector Elizondo, Carla Gugino, Mark Harmon, Barbara Hershey, Mandy Patinkin, Adam Arkin, and Rocky Carroll in Chicago Hope (1994)

Chicago Hope

6.9

TV Series

Senator Thomason

1995

1 episode

 

Rod Taylor in Open Season (1995)

Open Season

5.3

George Plunkett

1995

 

Geena Davis and Michael Keaton in Speechless (1994)

Speechless

5.8

Lee Cutler

1994

 

John Candy and Richard Lewis in Wagons East (1994)

Wagons East

4.8

J.P. Moreland (uncredited)

1994

 

Getting Even with Dad (1994)

Getting Even with Dad

4.9

Carl

1994

 

Clean Slate (1994)

Clean Slate

5.7

Judge Block

1994

 

Sandman (1993)

Sandman

4.9

Dave

1993

 

Kim Basinger in The Real McCoy (1993)

The Real McCoy

5.5

Gary Buckner

1993

 

Chuck Norris in Walker, Texas Ranger (1993)

Walker, Texas Ranger

5.7

TV Series

C.D. Parker

1993

1 episode

 

Cooperstown (1993)

Cooperstown

6.0

TV Movie

Georgia State Trooper

1993

 

Quin Kessler, Paul Le Mat, and Geoffrey Lewis in Wishman (1992)

Wishman

2.3

Dr. Abe Rogers

1992

 

Matthew Modine, Marisa Tomei, Lara Flynn Boyle, Lori Singer, Tyra Ferrell, and Fred Ward in Equinox (1992)

Equinox

5.6

Dandridge

1992

 

Sylvester Stallone and Estelle Getty in Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992)

Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot

4.4

Munroe

1992

 

Death Falls (1991)

Death Falls

5.4

Hearse Driver

1991

 

Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)

Fried Green Tomatoes

7.7

Ed Couch

1991

 

Sharkskin

Short

Don Piano

1991

 

Robert De Niro in Guilty by Suspicion (1991)

Guilty by Suspicion

6.5

Chairman Wood

1991

 

The Chase (1991)

The Chase

4.9

TV Movie

Hammer

1991

 

John Cusack, Annette Bening, and Anjelica Huston in The Grifters (1990)

The Grifters

6.9

Joe

1990

 

Jim Varney in Ernest Goes to Jail (1990)

Ernest Goes to Jail

5.4

Chuck

1990

 

Anne Archer, Tom Berenger, and Elizabeth Perkins in Love at Large (1990)

Love at Large

5.7

Taxi Driver

1990

 

Paul Newman and Lolita Davidovich in Blaze (1989)

Blaze

6.0

LaGrange

1989

 

Harry the Dirty Dog (1988)

Harry the Dirty Dog

6.3

Short

Painter (uncredited)

1988

 

Jim Varney in Hey, Vern, It's Ernest! (1988)

Hey, Vern, It's Ernest!

7.1

TV Series

ChuckLonnie DonMatt Finish

1988

13 episodes

 

Willem Dafoe and Gene Hackman in Mississippi Burning (1988)

Mississippi Burning

7.8

Sheriff Stuckey

1988

 

Jim Varney in Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)

Ernest Saves Christmas

5.7

Chuck

1988

 

The Moderns (1988)

The Moderns

6.6

New York Critic

1988

 

Made in Heaven (1987)

Made in Heaven

6.2

Sam Morrell

1987

 

Leader of the Band (1987)

Leader of the Band

5.8

Elmo De Lavallard

1987

 

Jim Varney in Ernest Goes to Camp (1987)

Ernest Goes to Camp

5.5

Jake

1987

 

Nine to Five (1982)

Nine to Five

6.2

TV Series

Corky

1987

1 episode

 

Ellen Barkin and Dennis Quaid in The Big Easy (1986)

The Big Easy

6.5

Chef Paul

1986

 

Uphill All the Way (1986)

Uphill All the Way

4.2

Private

1986

 

Trouble in Mind (1985)

Trouble in Mind

6.4

Fat Adolph

1985

 

Hank Williams Jr.: All My Rowdy Friends Are Comin' Over Tonight

6.0

Music Video

Party Guest

1984

 

Songwriter (1984)

Songwriter

6.2

Mulreaux

1984

 

Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin in All of Me (1984)

All of Me

6.7

Fulton Norris

1984

 

Lesley Ann Warren and Geneviève Bujold in Choose Me (1984)

Choose Me

6.7

Mueller

1984

 

Catherine Bach, Ben Jones, Denver Pyle, John Schneider, and Tom Wopat in The Dukes of Hazzard (1979)

The Dukes of Hazzard

7.1

TV Series

A.C. Tate Jr.

1983

1 episode

 

Tom Cruise, Matt Dillon, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, and Ralph Macchio in The Outsiders (1983)

The Outsiders

7.0

Jerry

1983

 

Endangered Species (1982)

Endangered Species

5.8

Mayor

1982

 

Bulba

4.5

TV Movie

H. Choi-oh Kavee

1981

 

Kim Basinger, Jan-Michael Vincent, and Tanya Tucker in Hard Country (1981)

Hard Country

5.6

Johnny Bob

1981

 

Roadie (1980)

Roadie

5.3

B.B. Muldoon

1980

 

The Hollywood Knights (1980)

The Hollywood Knights

6.2

Bimbeau

1980

 

Steve Martin in The Jerk (1979)

The Jerk

7.1

Guy with Cracked Airplane Seats (uncredited)

1979

 

Smokey and the Good Time Outlaws (1978)

Smokey and the Good Time Outlaws

5.0

Arthur Leddy

1978

 

Kathie Lee Gifford, Kenny Price, Lulu Roman, Misty Rowe, and Gailard Sartain in Hee Haw Honeys (1978)

Hee Haw Honeys

5.1

TV Series

Willie Billie Honey (1978-1979)

1978–1979

 

The Buddy Holly Story (1978)

The Buddy Holly Story

7.2

Big Bopper

1978

 

The Banana Company

TV Movie

Peebles

1977

 

Robert Shields and Lorene Yarnell Jansson in Shields and Yarnell (1977)

Shields and Yarnell

6.9

TV Series

1977

 

The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour (1971)

The Sonny and Cher Show

6.9

TV Series

Regular Performer (1976)

1976–1977

 

Nashville (1975)

Nashville

7.6

Man at Lunch Counter (uncredited)

1975

 

Hee Haw (1969)

Hee Haw

7.0

TV Series

Sheriff Orville P. BullmooseSelf (uncredited)

1972–1974

24 episodes

 

The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting (1971)

The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting

7.6

TV Series

Dr. Mazeppa Pompazoidi

1971–1973

 

Gailard Sartain in The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting (1970)

The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting

TV Series

Dr. Mazeppa Pompazoidi

1970–1971

 

Producer

The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting (1971)

The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting

7.6

TV Series

producer (as G. Ailard S. Artain)

1971–1973

 

Gailard Sartain in The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting (1970)

The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting

TV Series

producer (as G. Ailard S. Artain)

1970–1971

 

Soundtrack

Wilder Napalm (1993)

Wilder Napalm

5.5

performer: "Phfft! You Were Gone!"

1993

 

The Buddy Holly Story (1978)

The Buddy Holly Story

7.2

performer: "Chantilly Lace"

1978

 

The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour (1971)

The Sonny and Cher Show

6.9

TV Series

performer: "Yesterday Once More/Rock Around the Clock/Jailhouse Rock/Little Darlin'/Venus/Rock and Roll Is Here To Stay"

1976

1 episode

 

Self

Pickin' and Grinnin': Roy Clark, 'Hee Haw' & Country Humor

TV Special

Self

2011

 

E! True Hollywood Story (1996)

E! True Hollywood Story

6.5

TV Series

Self

2001

1 episode

 

Hee Haw (1969)

Hee Haw

7.0

TV Series

SelfSheriff Orville P. BullmooseSelf - Sheriff Orville P. Bullmoose

1973–1992

174 episodes

 

Klein Time

6.0

TV Special

Various

1977

 

Cher (1975)

Cher

7.5

TV Series

Self

1975

2 episodes

 

Gailard Sartain in Keep on Truckin' (1975)

Keep on Truckin'

6.0

TV Series

SelfVarious

1975

4 episodes