SMILEY (LESTER) BURNETTE - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 09/29/1958 - HFSID 83373

SMILEY BURNETTE
The actor who played Gene Autry's sidekick Frog Milhouse used this check to help pay off a loan
Check signed: "Smiley Burnette", 7x3. Studio City, California, 1958 September 29. Check No. 6621, drawn on the personal account of Smiley Burnette at Bank of America, payable to "Bank of America" for "$189.47". Also signed: "J. T. Jorgensen", who has filled in the check. Actor, singer and songwriter Smiley Burnette (1911-1967), born Lester Alvin Burnette, appeared on vaudeville before joining his friend, Gene Autry, on the radio show, The National Barn Dance. Burnette and Autry broke into films together in 1934 (In Old Santa Fe), and they went on to appear in over 80 Westerns. Burnette, who played Autry's sidekick, Frog Milhouse, also provided comic relief for other Western stars, including Sunset Carson and Charles "Durango Kid" Starrett. A talented musician who played over 100 instruments, Burnette wrote over 300 Western songs, some of which he sang in his films. After retiring from the big screen in 1953, Burnette debuted on the small screen in 1958, appearing as a regular on the TV series, Ranch Party. His best known TV role was as Charley Pratt (1963-1967) on the TV sitcom, Petticoat Junction. Normal bank stamps on verso and cancellation holes, neither touching signature. Pencil notation (unknown hand) on verso. Otherwise in fine condition.