Clint Walker was one of the most iconic stars of the Western genre, best known for his role as Cheyenne Bodie in the hit TV series Cheyenne.
He was also a talented singer, a devoted husband and father, and a man of great courage and integrity.
In this article, we will take a look at his life and legacy, and pay tribute to his remarkable career.
How old was Clint Walker when he passed away?
Clint Walker was born on May 30, 1927, in Hartford, Illinois.
He had a twin sister named Lucy, and a mother who was a Czech immigrant.
He grew up during the Great Depression and worked various jobs to support himself and his family.
Clint joined the Merchant Marine at age 17 and served in World War II.
He later moved to California, where he was discovered by a Hollywood agent and signed to Warner Bros1
Clint passed away on May 21, 2018, in Grass Valley, California, just nine days before his 91st birthday.
He died of congestive heart failure, according to his daughter Valerie.
He was survived by his third wife Susan Cavallari, whom he married in 1997, his daughter Valerie from his first marriage to Verna Garver, and his grandchildren.
Clint Walker’s cause of death?
As mentioned above, Clint Walker died of congestive heart failure, a condition that occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
It can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling, and irregular heartbeat.
It can be caused by various factors, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or infections.
Clint Walker had a history of heart problems.
In 1971, he suffered a near-fatal skiing accident that left him with a broken ski pole through his heart.
He underwent surgery and made a miraculous recovery, thanks to his strong physique and willpower.
He later said that the accident changed his perspective on life, and made him more grateful and spiritual.
Clint also had a heart attack in 2014, which required him to have a pacemaker implanted.
He continued to live an active and healthy lifestyle until his final days.
Clint enjoyed hiking, fishing, golfing, and spending time with his family and friends.
He was also involved in various charitable causes, such as the Salvation Army and the American Cancer Society.
Clint Walker’s spouse
Clint Walker was married three times in his life.
His first wife was Verna Garver, whom he married in 1948 when he was 21 years old.
They had one daughter together, Valerie Jean, who was born in 1950.
They divorced in 1968 after 20 years of marriage.
His second wife was Giselle Hennesy, whom he married in 1974.
She was a French actress who appeared in several films and TV shows.
They were happily married until her death from cancer in 1994.
His third wife was Susan Cavallari, whom he married in 1997.
She was a real estate agent who met him at a restaurant in Los Angeles.
They moved to Grass Valley, California, where they lived together until his death in 2018.
Clint Walker’s kids
Clint Walker had one child from his first marriage to Verna Garver: Valerie Jean Walker.
She was born on March 31, 1950, in Los Angeles, California.
She followed her father’s footsteps into show business and appeared in several films and TV shows as a child actress.
Valerie also worked as a singer and songwriter and recorded several albums with her husband Rick Rosas, who was a bassist for Neil Young and other artists.
She also had two children of her own: David Rosas and Michelle Rosas.
Did Clint Walker do his own singing?
Yes, Clint Walker did his own singing in many of his films and TV shows.
He had a deep and rich baritone voice that suited his rugged image and persona.
He sang several songs on the Cheyenne series, such as “The Brazos River Song”, “The Roving Gambler”, and “The Wanderer”.
Clint also recorded an album titled Inspiration in 1959, which featured traditional songs and ballads such as “Shenandoah”, “Red River Valley”, and “Greensleeves”.
He later released another album titled Cowboy Songs on Folkways Records in 1984.
Conclusion
Clint Walker was a legend of the Western genre, who entertained millions of fans with his charisma and charm.
He was also a man of many talents and virtues, who lived a long and fulfilling life.
Clint left behind a legacy of memorable performances and inspiring stories, that will continue to be cherished by generations to come.
He was truly a giant among men and a star that will never fade.
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