Disneyland Windows > Fess Parker
Location: Pioneer Mercantile, Frontierland, Disneyland
Hired in 1954 by the Walt Disney Company, actor Fess Parker starred as the legendary Davy Crockett. Due to the popularity of the show, both The Ballad of Davy Crockett & the signature coonskin cap, became a pop culture phenomena. Parker sang The Ballad of Davy Crockett (his version was one of four recorded) and his was one of three would reach the Billboard Top Ten simultaneously (1955).
By the end of 1955, it was estimated that Fess Parker helped the Walt Disney Company sell approximately $300 million dollars worth of Davy Crockett merchandise. Under company contract, Parker would go on to star in other films for the Walt Disney Company, including The Great Locomotive Chase and the Disney classic, Old Yeller.
Fess Elisha Parker II died on March 18, 2010 in Santa Ynez Valley, California. The 85 year-old was also a successful developer and entrepreneur, operating the Fess Parker Family Winery & Vineyards in Los Olivos, California.