‘Hee Haw’ Star Dies at 78 After Long Health Decline originally appeared on Parade.

Gailard Sartain, beloved comedian and Hee Haw star, has died. He was 78 years old.

On June 20, The Church Studio shared news of Sartain’s death on Facebook. CEO Teresa Knox later confirmed it to TMZ. Knox told the outlet that Sartain had died earlier this week after a “long decline in health.”

“We are saddened by the loss of Gailard Sartain, an extraordinary actor, artist, and comedian. His late night visits in the 1970s to the studio after filming Mazeppa are fondly remembered,” the post from The Church Studio read. “Gailard’s artwork is showcased on the cover of Leon Russell’s 1975 album Will O’ the Wisp. Our condolences are with Mary Jo, Gailard’s wife and a committed volunteer at The Church Studio.”

Victoria Hallman, a costar of Sartain’s on Hee Haw, shared her fond memories of her time on the show with the actor and told the outlet that he “made everyone on set laugh so hard, they had to redo takes.”

“I knew he wasn’t in good health and hadn’t been for a while. We always fool ourselves that people will hang on,” Hallman said. “I wasn’t expecting to find out in the wee hours of the morning.”

Sartain was widely known for the laughs he would get from the audience in the country-themed sketch comedy and variety show Hee Haw, but he had several other memorable roles over the years. The Tulsa, Oklahoma, native showed off his acting chops in Mississippi Burning, The Outsiders and alongside Kathy Bates in Fried Green Tomatoes.

The Outsiders House Museum, based in Tulsa, also shared a tribute to Sartain after his death.

“Rest in Peace, Gailard Sartain. We’re heartbroken to hear of the passing of Gailard Sartain—beloved actor, comedian, and artist. Seen here as Jerry in The Outsiders, Gailard brought warmth and heart to every role he played,” the museum shared alongside a photo of Sartain in the film via Facebook. “A proud Okie and one-of-a-kind talent, he’ll be dearly missed and always remembered. Stay gold, Gailard.”

‘Hee Haw’ Star Dies at 78 After Long Health Decline first appeared on Parade on Jun 20, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.