Roy Rogers

Date of Birth: November 5, 1911

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: July 6, 1998

Biography

Roy Rogers, born Leonard Franklin Slye on November 5, 1911, was an iconic American singer, actor, and television host, often referred to as the “King of the Cowboys.” He was one of the most popular Western stars of his era and appeared in over 100 films and numerous radio and television episodes of “The Roy Rogers Show.” His career spanned several decades, beginning in the 1930s and continuing into the 1980s. Roy Rogers was known for his signature song, “Happy Trails,” his trusty horse Trigger, and his dog Bullet. Alongside his wife, Dale Evans, Rogers became a beloved figure in American entertainment, embodying the wholesome, heroic cowboy image. He passed away on July 6, 1998, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the Western genre.

5 Interesting Facts about Roy Rogers

1. Roy Rogers was a founding member of the Sons of the Pioneers, a highly influential Western music group.

2. His horse, Trigger, was so famous that it was dubbed “The Smartest Horse in the Movies” and was eventually stuffed and put on display after its death.

3. Roy Rogers and Dale Evans had a blended family of nine children, five of whom were adopted.

4. He was awarded three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—one each for his work in film, television, and radio.

5. Roy Rogers was an avid supporter of various children’s charities and often performed free shows for orphanages and children’s hospitals.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Roy Rogers

1. “Happy trails to you, until we meet again.”

2. “Don’t ever wear a hat that has more character than you do.”

3. “When you’re young and fall off a horse, you may break something. When you’re my age, you splatter.”

4. “I did pretty good for a guy who never finished high school and used to yodel at square dances.”

5. “Cowboy wisdom: The best way to handle a horse is to be smarter than the horse. That generally means knowing when to get off.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Roy Rogers was approximately $100 million.

Children

Roy Rogers had a total of nine children. With his first wife, Arline Wilkins, he had two daughters: Cheryl Darlene (adopted) and Linda Lou. After Arline’s death, he married Dale Evans, and they had one biological child, Robin Elizabeth, who tragically died of complications related to Down syndrome shortly before her second birthday. They also adopted several children: Mimi, Dodie, Sandy, and Debbie. Additionally, Roy had a son, Roy “Dusty” Jr., from a previous relationship.