Roy Rogers

Roy Rogers (born Leonard Franklin Slye; November 5, 1911 – July 6, 1998), nicknamed the King of the Cowboys, was an American singer, actor, television host, and rodeo performer. Following early work under his given name, first as co-founder of the Sons of the Pioneers and then as an actor, the rebranded Rogers became one of the most famous and popular Western stars of his era. He appeared in almost 90 motion pictures, as well as numerous episodes of his self-titled radio program that lasted nine years. Between 1951 and 1957, he hosted The Roy Rogers Show television series. In many of them, he appeared with his wife, Dale Evans; his Golden Palomino, Trigger; and his German Shepherd, Bullet. Rogers is also remembered for his signature song "Happy Trails". His early roles were uncredited parts in films by fellow singing cowboy Gene Autry. His productions usually featured a sidekick, often either Pat Brady, Andy Devine, George "Gabby" Hayes, or Smiley Burnette. Rogers was the only country singer to be inducted twice into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Alongside Bob Hope, Mickey Rooney, and Tony Martin, he is the recipient of four stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; the last of these included the Sons of the Pioneers. In his later years, he lent his name to the franchise chain of Roy Rogers Restaurants.