Kinky Friedman, known for his satirical and often provocative style, has passed away at 79. A post on his social media announced, “Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends.
Kinkster endured tremendous pain & unthinkable loss in recent years but he never lost his fighting spirit and quick wit.
Kinky will live on as his books are read and his songs are sung.”
Richard Samet “Kinky” Friedman earned a cult following for his unique take on country and Western music.
He released numerous albums, starting with “Sold American” in 1973, a record that laid the foundation for his career.
Known as the “governor of the heart of Texas,” he even toured with Bob Dylan during the “Rolling Thunder Revue” and made history as the “first full-blooded Jew” to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
Apart from his musical endeavors, Friedman was a prolific writer. He wrote detective novels and contributed as a columnist for Texas Monthly.
He also ventured into politics, running for Governor of Texas in 2006 with the campaign slogan “My Governor is a Jewish Cowboy,” securing 12.6 percent of the votes among six candidates.
Born in Chicago and raised in Texas, Friedman studied psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.
His passion for music led him to form King Arthur & the Carrots and later Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys. He described the latter as a “country band with a social conscience, a demented love child of Lenny Bruce and Bob Wills.”
Reflecting on his life, Friedman once wrote, “Somewhere in heaven, I’m sure there’s a quiet corner with a big easy chair, a bright floor lamp, a big stack of biographical books, and a few old dogs wagging their tails to the faint smell of cigar smoke.”
His charm and good looks made all the ladies drool. Now he is 94, this is how he looks today
Robert Wagner was born on February 10, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was seven, which set the stage for his future career in Hollywood.
Wagner developed an early interest in acting and landed his first film role in “The Happy Years” (1950) after being discovered by a talent scout.
Hollywood Success
Robert Wagner’s career took off in the 1950s, with significant roles in films like “With a Song in My Heart” (1952) and “Titanic” (1953). His charm and good looks made him a popular leading man. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he continued to build his reputation with roles in movies such as “Harper” (1966) and “The Pink Panther” (1963).
Television Stardom
Wagner is perhaps best known for his extensive television career. He starred in several successful TV series, including “It Takes a Thief” (1968-1970), where he played the suave thief-turned-spy Alexander Mundy.
In the 1970s, he found further success with “Switch” (1975-1978) and “Hart to Hart” (1979-1984), where he played the charming and wealthy Jonathan Hart, alongside Stefanie Powers. These roles solidified his status as a television icon.
Personal Life
Robert Wagner’s personal life has been as intriguing as his career. He was married three times, twice to actress Natalie Wood, whose tragic death in 1981 remains a topic of public fascination.
In 1990, he married actress Jill St. John, and the couple has been together ever since. Wagner’s enduring marriage to St. John and their frequent collaborations highlight their strong personal and professional bond.
Later Career and Legacy
In the later years of his career, Wagner continued to work in television and film, making memorable appearances in shows like “Two and a Half Men” and “NCIS.” He also wrote his autobiography, “Pieces of My Heart,” published in 2008, offering insights into his life and career.
Robert Wagner’s contribution to the entertainment industry spans over six decades, making him a beloved and enduring figure in Hollywood. His versatility and charm have left an indelible mark on both film and television, ensuring his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
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