Edward Faulkner, the veteran character actor remembered for his work with John Wayne and Elvis Presley, has died at 93. Faulkner passed away on August 26 from natural causes at a health care facility in Vista, California, his daughter Leslie Wadsworth confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
At 6-foot-3, Faulkner became a recognizable face in Hollywood after director Andrew V. McLaglen cast him in a string of films with Wayne, including “McLintock!,” “The Green Berets,” and “Rio Lobo.”
Career Highlights in Film & Television
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty ImagesFaulkner made his big-screen debut in 1960 opposite Elvis Presley in “G.I. Blues” and later starred in Presleyâs “Tickle Me” (1965). His collaborations with Wayne included “McLintock!” (1963), “The Green Berets” (1968), “Hellfighters” (1968), “The Undefeated” (1969), “Rio Lobo” (1970), and “Chisum” (1970).
On television, Faulkner brought his horsemanship to series like “Have Gun â Will Travel,” “Gunsmoke,” “Rawhide,” “Bonanza,” and “The Virginian.” His résumé also included appearances on “Gilliganâs Island,” “The Mod Squad,” “Adam-12,” and “The Six Million Dollar Man.”
Tributes For An Icon
Here’s how the iconic actor is being remembered:
From Kentucky Roots to Hollywood Success
Fielden Edward Faulkner II was born Feb. 29, 1932, in Lexington, Kentucky. After studying at the University of Virginia and the University of Kentucky, he served as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot before relocating to Los Angeles in 1958 to pursue a career in acting.
Faulkner credited McLaglen for giving him his big break. The director first cast him on “Have Gun â Will Travel,” launching a partnership that spanned film and television.
In a 2019 interview, Faulkner recalled often playing the villain. âOnscreen, I never won a fight ⦠I was always the bad guy,â he said with humor.
Family Life & Legacy
Offscreen, Faulkner was remembered for his warmth and love of magic, often entertaining friends and family with sleight-of-hand tricks.
He enjoyed a nearly 60-year marriage to his high school sweetheart, Barbara, who died in 2013. He is survived by his daughters Jan, Barbara, and Leslie; his son Edward III; and grandchildren Tyler, Wyatt, Steven, Olivia, and Brooke.
As per a report in The Hollywood Reporter, his family described him as a man defined by kindness, generosity, and charm as much as his long list of Hollywood credits: âColleagues and loved ones alike remembered him for his kindness and genuine warmth â qualities that defined him as much as his body of work.â
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