Overview

• He started his entertainment career as a television cameraman and late-night host in Tulsa before joining Hee Haw in 1972, where he remained for nearly 20 seasons.
• Sartain appeared in more than 60 film and television productions, including his portrayal of The Big Bopper in The Buddy Holly Story, a racist sheriff in Mississippi Burning and roles in three Ernest movies.
• His final screen performance was in Cameron Crowe’s 2005 film Elizabethtown, after which he retired from acting.
• An accomplished artist and illustrator, he created illustrations for national magazines and designed album covers such as Leon Russell’s 1975 release Will O’ the Wisp.
• Fellow cast members and The Church Studio in Tulsa paid tribute to his warmth and creativity, calling him an extraordinary actor and comedian.