My grandfather used to travel around and rodeo with Slim Pickens. He roped and rode saddle bronc if I am not mistaken and was also a long time rodeo clown and my grandfather rode bareback bronc and bulls. My family has pictures of and with Slim and he and my grandfather kept in touch until he passed. My mother and uncle's accompanied my grandparents to his funeral. He will always be one of those actors that once you see one of his movies you will never forget him as long as you live. Hands down one of my favorite actors.
Back in the late 70's, I was the cashier at a car dealer in Sonora, CA. One day, Slim Pickens walked in and came up to the counter to pay for some repairs. I immediately recognized Mr. Pickens and when he was at the counter, I repeated a line from Blazing Saddles-- "what in the wide world of sports in going on?". It got a chuckle from him and made my day. Sure wish I had the means to take a picture with him that day but it it's a great memory for me regardless.
@@edwardgoering1237 Slim was not in the 1939 "Stagecoach," the one directed by John Ford. He was in the later version that was made almost 30 years later. So far as I am concerned, Slim Pickens stole every movie he was ever in!
December 8, 2023, 40 years to the day after Mr. Pickens' passing, I randomly select this video for viewing. Wow, RIP, Slim, you were truly a Hollywood legend.
I shined shoes at the Salt Lake City international airport when I was just a kid. My grandfather owned a small barbershop where he cut hair for travelers passing through. To our amazement, Mr Pickens came through and asked for a hair cut and a shine. It was an honor to meet Mr Pickens and to shine his boots. He was a very nice and humble man I'll never forget him. He'll always be my Hollywood hero.
I remember "ol slim", from the many movies, he was an actor in, particularly, the one about "Billy the kid", co-starred Bob Dylan. Everything about him, was so old cowboy,and so authentic ! R.I.P SLIM. 😊👍
Awesome video Jeff. I once had a chance encounter with Slim way back in 1976 or 77'. I was returning from a day trip from Columbia, on my way home to Modesto on my motorcycle, when I stopped in at a little joint called "The Winkin' Lantern" on highway 108, (it has long since gone). I walked in to have a cold drink, sat down and about 10 minutes later, the door opened and that familiar voice asked out loud "who owns that purty red iron horse out front?" I turned around and lo and behold, there was slim strolling over towards the bar. I told him it was mine and he sat next to me after a firm and friendly slap on the shoulder. To make a long story short, we conversed for about 30 minutes. He was the friendliest and most humble man I think I have ever met in my life. We talked and told jokes for a while, then he shook my hand and told me to take care and then left to be on his way. I never forgot that meeting and it remains, to this day, a cherished memory of a great hearted and genuinely likeable person. I will never forget this meeting with Slim. Once again Jeff, awesome video that brought back a smile and a fond memory of who he was, not as just an actor, but a sorely-missed human being. Rest in peace Slim.
That was long before the Winkin Lantern became a strip club. Michael J Fox and the crew of Back to the Future III hung out there, it was a couple of miles from the old west town they built then tore down after the movie was made. They had one visitors day and my family had a great time there.
Great actor, in both television and films. You hear that voice and you know who it is immediately. He was a natural. Thank you Slim for all the great and memorable entertainment. May you rest in peace.
Thank you for today's episode. Slim Pickens just seemed to be the real deal; someone you could sit down and have a cup of coffee with. We certainly need more like him today.
I was a Navy recruiter in Modesto from 78-81 and I covered Tuolumne County. A trio of recruiters were having breakfast in Sonora when in walked Slim Pickens. My boss challenged me to introduce myself. I asked the waitress to pass my card to Mr. Pickens. A few seconds later he was standing by our table. He volunteered to make radio spots for me. He kept working on them until they were perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience working with him. The recruiting district wrote a letter of appreciation and when I delivered it I met his wife for he was off on an assignment. She was a very sweet lady.
I ,as most people have forgotten a lot of actors but Slim is one that is hard to forget. I can't think of another actor that equals Slim to his unique movie persona . Thanks again for all your quality videos and the research that you do to make them.
I had the pleasure of meeting Slim when I was a young man and I did a couple of jobs for him on his property in Columbia. He asked me what I wanted to be paid. I didn't want to be greedy so I said an amount that I would have asked from any other person (can't remember how much). He responded with his accent "I wuz jest gonna suggest that". He was a real down to earth friendly guy. Thanks for the great video Jeff.
Although I never met him, having grown up in Modesto and spent lots of time in Oakdale, Tuolumne County, specifically Sonora, I was quite aware that Slim Pickens was one of our own and was very approachable and friendly to all. Lovely tribute to him. Thank you!
Thank you for the life history of one most famous actor. My dad was an L.A. police detective and live in areas where Slim was known to live near. A great man was Slim Pickens. He was in The Great Locomotive Chase. I have watch it more than 50 times and Slim was one of my favorite actors who played the railroad engineer in 1959. Slim has been gone for 40 years! Unbelievable but he will live on forever. A very loved gentle man and a real cowboy in real life as well as in hundreds of movies.Thank you for your great show and I will always support it. I know it takes a lot of really good people to make this all possible. Thank you again and again. And for honoring the great Slim Pickins!
Good grief Jeff, one of your best and most thorough videos ever! Slim Pickens was by far one of the best character actors, and your extensive research and details about his life was so very interesting. Thanks again!❤️
What a beautiful soul he was...humble and kind. You do such a great job with these videos; preserving history and sharing your part in it as well. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Bless your heart for doing this tribute to Slim. I grew up watching him and always loved just about anything he did. Rest in Peace Slim, you are not forgotten.
What memories you brought back! He was a great actor.Sadly missed.All the good western men are gone.Yet,I still watch them everyday on tv.Thanks for a trip down memory lane!
I remember. Mr. Slim. He was a really good friend of my boyfriend’s at the time dad. He was out visiting at the ranch. My boyfriend was gone so I got to visit with Mr Slim. All I can say is humble and kind. Those would be the two best words to describe him. I loved his Comedic timing in his movies. He was a real character. One you don’t forget easily. Thanks again for a wonderful tribute. I hate it that he was an Evergreen because that was such a horrible place to be. May you rest in peace Mr. Slim.
I love watching Slim Pickens and the old westerns I used to sit with my dad and watch him and now I sit with my husband and I watch him. There were a lot of the old cowboys in the movies that I enjoy watching. May they rest in peace. They gave us a lot of joy in there movies.
I lived many a year in the city of modesty and I was today years old when I found this out. Thanks Jeff. Modesto will forever hold a place in my heart and knowing this, makes it all the sweeter. "Somebody's gotta go back and get a sh*t load of dimes!" =]
At first I thought Slim Pickens, I was ready to be disappointed, I was sure wrong. I found the facts about his life fascinating. How the military thought he wrote or said radio over rodeo, just might have saved his life. Thank you, again for a great video.
Another great episode Jeff. I'm sure we must have crossed paths at sometime. I met my 2nd husband at the Oakdale rodeo in 1978. Every video you do around Modesto reminds me of my youth there.
I live in Lawrenceburg, Ky. where the movie "Flim Flam Man" was partly filmed, crash scenes downtown and the dynamite scene at the courthouse here in 1967. Starring Slim Pickens, George C. Scott among others.
Appreciate all of your episodes, especially when you come up to Tuolumne County. Thank you! Slim Pickens and his family were loved and appreciated here as well. And still are.
You have such a great style of presenting your material. Why you're not on a cable or public TV show, is beyond me. You're very knowledgeable and your material is great. Your voice is a natural for narrations.
Jeff, I like Slim Pickens also besides the Cowboys; one of my other favorites was the Apple Dumpling Gang. He was hilarious in that show. Slim played the character that was shot in the leg by Don Knotts's character. Great episode and thanks for sharing.1
Very well done, Jeff! Mr. Pickens was always a treat to watch. His performance in 1941 was so over-the-top, I still laugh when I think about it! Hollis Wood indeed!
boy, i sure did love his work. lucky man to have been a part of the golden age of television and tinsel town. RIP Mr. Pickens, you are missed and not forgotten.
Another great character from my childhood memories, also thanks for reminding me of Andy Devine. I don't watch TV anymore so I never see any old movie re-runs ect too jog my memory. Thanks once again Jeff for a trip down memory lane, you truly are the embodiment of 'six degrees of separation'.
Thank you, History Hunters, for another great, informative video. I myself have been a Slim Pickens fan for many years. I really enjoyed him in One Eyed Jacks, one of my all time favorite westerns. He always seemed to be a real down to earth, approachable fellow. May his soul R.I.P.
Y'ALL JUST KEEP HITTING HOMERUNS...I LOVE THIS CHANNEL....Dr. Strangelove, the Cowboys, and Blazing Saddles are but a few films that cemented Slim Pickens as a legend. Thank y'all!!
One of my favorite film/TV character actors for the western genre. My Auntie (who was an film/TV actress) had the opportunity to work w/ him on a western movie.(She also appeared in was her first TV performance along w/ Andy Devine.)
What a nice job! Thank you. I grew up in Sonora and remember the years 1976-1983 as a sort of mini boom time, before the recession really hit home. Construction jobs were plenty and fairly well-paying. I worked on the underground telephone lines in Gold Springs, among other places. First time I ran into Slim Pickens was at Mundorf’s Hardware in downtown Sonora. I didn’t see him at first but heard the same voice exactly as you hear it in films “...and if you ever treat me like a movie star, I’ll never come in here again.” He really was a local, no pretense, no ego and a true, real deal, gentleman-cowboy. One time, I was with my buddies at the Gun Club in Jamestown and Mr. Pickens was there with the sheriff (Wally Berry?). He explained he first got into the movie business by wrangling the livestock and teaching the actors how to ride and rope like a cowboy. He said something to the effect that it was cheaper for the movie people to teach him how to be an actor than for him to teach the actors how to be cowboys. I enjoy all your episodes. All the locations bring great memories - except for the poison oak! P.S. Jeff, though you’re a bit younger than me, we must’ve bumped into each other at some point. Tuolumne county had only one stoplight at the time, and the “big date” was to take your girl to the big city of Modesto for McDonalds and a movie, then cruise McHenry a few times with some Coors or Strawberry Hill (her preference). Goodle days for sure. Thanks again, I really appreciate all the work you put into these episodes.
Thanks so much! I certainly did my share of cruising McHenry in the late 1970s! Ha ha! I had a blue 1974 Camaro LT. Wish I had it still! Hey I really liked you sharing your encounters with Slim. It just reinforces to me what a humble and downer th man he was. I think he really loved people. Thanks again for watching and for the comments.
My dad put in the plumbing for the first 6 Maccas in Indianapolis. Back then Maccas was a treat and had really great food and the helpings and sizes were much larger than today.
Thank you for this vlog. One of my favorite movies has got to be Blazing Saddles. The baked beans scene is just priceless. As you said it was a movie that could not be made today. Mr Pickens certainly did know how to make us laugh. We all really need some of that laughter today. Thank you again for this vlog. I will be smiling and laughing all day.
Even if you couldn't watch a video, say you were listening to him being interviewed on a radio program. Say you missed the introduction, the minute you would hear him speak you knew exactly who it was. And by the way the scene around the campfire with the Cowboys eating their beans is a classic !!
This was a really cool tribute video to Slim! I didn’t know much about him at all but he seemed like he had a great life and great career! Thanks for sharing the history of Slim Pickens with us! Keep up the great work you do! Take care now! Frank from Philadelphia, PA.
In 1974 I was an undergrad at Arizona State University in Tempe and one afternoon I went to the local movie house to see Blazing Saddles. Sitting upfront there was a boisterous group about midway back and as the movie played one laugh stood out from the others, and I thought, that guy laughs like Slim Pickens. The movie ended, and as I turned, there stood Slim Pickens and six or so Cowboys and Girls in their finest Rodeo parade dress, it must have been 'Rodeo Days' in Temple. I got his autograph and he shook my hand. Fun stuff. Cheers, Mark ***********************************
That was awesome! Slim Pickens! Damn! He just seemed like a down-to-earth gentleman. Of course I loved him in blazing saddles and Doctor strange love. I think it's really neat that you got to see him and to know him! Anyway sir another outstanding video, some hit you a little different.... I really enjoyed this one. Like always thank you for taking us on the adventure. And I can't believe it's been almost 40 years since he's passed.
Thanks Jeff for your diggin' into info on this amazing man. I deliver Meals on Wheels in Tuolumne County and have been in that sub-division deliverin' meals where Slim and his wife lived. It's a beautiful place to drive thru and I'm sure they loved it there just outside of the main street area of Columbia.
Thank you Jeff, this is a well done mini-documentory of one of our most revered chacters of filmdom. When I was very young and first introduced to Slim Picken's work, it may have been his role in, "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence," I dont remember, someone told me how he chose his stage name "Slim Pickens" from his rodeo days and ibalways thought that he and that name were the most clever thing ever and I've been a devoted fan ever sense!. I've met a few actors and entertainers but sadly never got to meet him. I can't think of a single role he played that was disappointing. RIP Slim Pickens!
I currently live in Modesto about 1.5 miles from that Windsor Post Acute Care Center. I've passed that place hundreds of times over the last 7 years, and I never knew it's where Slim died. I'm 59 years old and my first memory of Slim in a movie was in Blazing Saddles. My parents took the family to see it in the theater way back then in 1974. Over the years I've seen him in movies such as "From Here to Eternity", "Rancho Deluxe",etc,and I have always enjoyed him in his many other roles over the years of my own lifetime.. Thank you for telling his story !
I met slim pickens when I was 11 years old (1963) in Running Springs Ca. He was there filming on location but I do not know the name of the movie or show. I remember him being very friendly to me and spending some time talking. This was so special to me because I remember all the other actors were too busy to talk with us but Slim made it a point to say hi and spend some time with me. I will always remember this time and think of him as a wonderful person.
That was Slim, for you... he always treated everyone as an equal. He was just one down-to-earth guy, a real gem! Thanks for telling us of your encounter! That is fascinating!
This was a great tribute to such a gifted actor. I really loved all the movies he made. I’m still trying to catch up on your videos, but as soon as another comes out I watch right away. Thank you for the memories.
I turned 17 in 1983 when Slim Pickens died. I remember him being mentioned in conversations and seeing him in cowboy movies. Interesting to know these details of his life.
Back in 1981 l was working at DMC (Doctor's Medical Center) When Slim was admitted for some tests, he was in a wheelchair, which was customary for patients undergoing X-Rays, Blood Tests, etc.. Mr. Pickens was waiting in one of the hallways when l spotted him, l couldn't keep myself from approaching him to tell him that l was one of his fans, and always loved his films and the characters he portrayed. He was as gracious as could be, and said, Well Thank You Son, l appreciate that very much, l wished him well, and meant to ask for an autograph, but the orderly rolled him away, and he waved and said y'all take care friend. My Grandmother also passed at Evergreen Convalescent Hospital after spending time at DMC in 1974.. Great Vlog Jeff✋
What a touching story! Thank you! I’m finding more Slim stories in the comment section! He certainly got around! I appreciate you sharing this! Oh and I guess you know that Robert Conrad was taken into Doctors with serious car crash injuries in Arnold.
Another fantastic video. And Slim Pickens is such a great subject to cover. His work was greatly enjoyed by lots of us. Jeff, I am kind of like you, running into and visiting with lots of famous Actors and you doing such great research on these people. I especially enjoyed my time in the late 90's to very early 2000's in Modesto. One of my most favorite clients was the Modesto Irrigation District. The company I worked for in the Dallas TX area provided the computer systems that controlled and monitored the Water Treatment Plant that is right next to the Reservoir that is right off of Highway 132 just east of town. I enjoyed the people at the Water Treatment Plant because they were my age and they all did such a great job keeping the area running on such good water. Great video Jeff!
One of my favorite actors. RIP Slim. An old deceased friend of mine, George Borchin, taught Slim's brother how to fly. George had some interesting stories about the brothers.
I pulled into a gas,station in Orangevale Ca and a pick-up with a huge horse trailer was blocking the pumps I started to say something when Slim Pickens said I'll be done here in a minute. I laughed and talk to him for ten minutes. Great guy.
What a character he was! My favorite part he played was the B-52 Captain, riding the atomic bomb down like a buckin' bronco. WOW! What a nice tribute. Thanks for the video. Great job!!
What a great actor! He was always a favorite of mine. He had that unmistakable voice, and he was a really great horseman. There is an opening scene in the film "Rocky Mountain" when he is galloping on his horse, and he looks like a centaur, riding without reins, perfectly balanced on his mount. One of a kind!
Slim was our neighbor in Columbia he was a lot of fun to hangout with! We lived off north Airport road and gold springs was open land when I was a boy . Slims house was one of the first built. He had parties where he'd get the stagecoach from town for everyone to ride around on ! Slim was an avid pilot and spent a lot of time at the airport, where my family ran Tuolumne Air sevice, and slim charted flights with my father flying him around. Slim also took flying lessons from my father! I am honored to have considered him & Maggie friends ( I also attended church at the 49ers) Perhaps you could do a video on all the film and tv work that happened in Columbia!
Great job as usual and these videos are not only well done, but very informative too. I hadn't thought of Slim Pickens in years until now and what a career he had and his on screen persona was unforgettable. A++ video!
Thanks for the video on Slim. Wherever I lived in Merced County in the 70' s, a friend of mine lived In Modesto. We used to get together at the Fisherman's club on Maze Bld./Hwy 132. Slim would show up to the dinners there. He always remembered my name and always had a funny story to tell. What a good Man was, I miss those days. H-B in Oakdale some good stories came out of there when I was in team roping. Lol ..
My grandfather used to travel around and rodeo with Slim Pickens. He roped and rode saddle bronc if I am not mistaken and was also a long time rodeo clown and my grandfather rode bareback bronc and bulls. My family has pictures of and with Slim and he and my grandfather kept in touch until he passed. My mother and uncle's accompanied my grandparents to his funeral. He will always be one of those actors that once you see one of his movies you will never forget him as long as you live. Hands down one of my favorite actors.
My dad too.. he sure thought a lot of him.
Back in the late 70's, I was the cashier at a car dealer in Sonora, CA. One day, Slim Pickens walked in and came up to the counter to pay for some repairs. I immediately recognized Mr. Pickens and when he was at the counter, I repeated a line from Blazing Saddles-- "what in the wide world of sports in going on?". It got a chuckle from him and made my day. Sure wish I had the means to take a picture with him that day but it it's a great memory for me regardless.
Great story! Slim was very approachable and friendly to all. He must have had a great upbringing! Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@jbenziggy As that old saying goes, "The bigger they are, the nicer they are!"
Slim Pickens also was Dr StrangeLove but I remember Him yelling Go Brownie His lead horse on John Ford's Movie " Stage Coach " !
@@edwardgoering1237 Slim was not in the 1939 "Stagecoach," the one directed by John Ford. He was in the later version that was made almost 30 years later. So far as I am concerned, Slim Pickens stole every movie he was ever in!
Slim was one of the 5 greatest actors ever. Loved his voice and accent!!!!
December 8, 2023, 40 years to the day after Mr. Pickens' passing, I randomly select this video for viewing. Wow, RIP, Slim, you were truly a Hollywood legend.
He truly was one of a kind and I consider myself fortunate to have met him!
I shined shoes at the Salt Lake City international airport when I was just a kid. My grandfather owned a small barbershop where he cut hair for travelers passing through. To our amazement, Mr Pickens came through and asked for a hair cut and a shine. It was an honor to meet Mr Pickens and to shine his boots. He was a very nice and humble man I'll never forget him. He'll always be my Hollywood hero.
I met Slim while working for a radio station in 1972 St. Louis. He was on a promotional tour. He was a very nice man and talked to everyone
I remember "ol slim", from the many movies, he was an actor in, particularly, the one about "Billy the kid", co-starred Bob Dylan. Everything about him, was so old cowboy,and so authentic ! R.I.P SLIM.
😊👍
Awesome video Jeff. I once had a chance encounter with Slim way back in 1976 or 77'. I was returning from a day trip from Columbia, on my way home to Modesto on my motorcycle, when I stopped in at a little joint called "The Winkin' Lantern" on highway 108, (it has long since gone). I walked in to have a cold drink, sat down and about 10 minutes later, the door opened and that familiar voice asked out loud "who owns that purty red iron horse out front?" I turned around and lo and behold, there was slim strolling over towards the bar. I told him it was mine and he sat next to me after a firm and friendly slap on the shoulder. To make a long story short, we conversed for about 30 minutes. He was the friendliest and most humble man I think I have ever met in my life. We talked and told jokes for a while, then he shook my hand and told me to take care and then left to be on his way. I never forgot that meeting and it remains, to this day, a cherished memory of a great hearted and genuinely likeable person. I will never forget this meeting with Slim.
Once again Jeff, awesome video that brought back a smile and a fond memory of who he was, not as just an actor, but a sorely-missed human being.
Rest in peace Slim.
Wow! I’ve passed by the now bygone Winkin Lantern many times. It didn’t have a good reputation. Slim was awesome!
That was long before the Winkin Lantern became a strip club. Michael J Fox and the crew of Back to the Future III hung out there, it was a couple of miles from the old west town they built then tore down after the movie was made. They had one visitors day and my family had a great time there.
Great actor, in both television and films. You hear that voice and you know who it is immediately. He was a natural. Thank you Slim for all the great and memorable entertainment. May you rest in peace.
Thank you for today's episode. Slim Pickens just seemed to be the real deal; someone you could sit down and have a cup of coffee with. We certainly need more like him today.
He was an authentic and down-to-earth guy. Most Hollywood types are not like that at all.
I was a Navy recruiter in Modesto from 78-81 and I covered Tuolumne County. A trio of recruiters were having breakfast in Sonora when in walked Slim Pickens. My boss challenged me to introduce myself. I asked the waitress to pass my card to Mr. Pickens. A few seconds later he was standing by our table. He volunteered to make radio spots for me. He kept working on them until they were perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience working with him. The recruiting district wrote a letter of appreciation and when I delivered it I met his wife for he was off on an assignment. She was a very sweet lady.
What a great story. Do you remember what restaurant you were in? That sounds just like Slim, always willing to help people and good causes.
such a great story,, Slim was a class act, and he was gracious to everyone
I ,as most people have forgotten a lot of actors but Slim is one that is hard to forget. I can't think of another actor that equals Slim to his unique movie persona . Thanks again for all your quality videos and the research that you do to make them.
Thank you! Comments like yours are icing on the cake!
Slim was one of my favorites. A real cowboy never be another
I loved Slim Pickens. Love the old but great cowboy movies.
Loved this one - some of my oldest "TV memories" include Slim Pickens - Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and Sunday afternoon westerns.
James Goode remember Slim Pickens was on Hee Haw??????!!!!…. I hope you will reply to this
HE made Blazing Saddles into a great movie, even with all the other actors and actresses in it, he was the standout, along with Cleavon.
Outstanding video, thanks. Slim Pickens, a unique American personality.
I had the pleasure of meeting Slim when I was a young man and I did a couple of jobs for him on his property in Columbia. He asked me what I wanted to be paid. I didn't want to be greedy so I said an amount that I would have asked from any other person (can't remember how much). He responded with his accent "I wuz jest gonna suggest that".
He was a real down to earth friendly guy. Thanks for the great video Jeff.
This video hit home for me I’ve always been a big fan of Slim and it was nice to see you pay tribute to such a great person. 👍
Jeff keep those videos coming!!! Awesome!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it! It was my pleasure doing this video!
If we ever get fortunate enough to get away from work and fly back we will!
Long gone but never forgotten, what a classic!
Although I never met him, having grown up in Modesto and spent lots of time in Oakdale, Tuolumne County, specifically Sonora, I was quite aware that Slim Pickens was one of our own and was very approachable and friendly to all. Lovely tribute to him. Thank you!
As always, well researched and presented. Lots of good memories. Thanks Jeff!
Thank you for the life history of one most famous actor. My dad was an L.A. police detective and live in areas where Slim was known to live near. A great man was Slim Pickens. He was in The Great Locomotive Chase. I have watch it more than 50 times and Slim was one of my favorite actors who played the railroad engineer in 1959. Slim has been gone for 40 years! Unbelievable but he will live on forever. A very loved gentle man and a real cowboy in real life as well as in hundreds of movies.Thank you for your great show and I will always support it. I know it takes a lot of really good people to make this all possible. Thank you again and again. And for honoring the great Slim Pickins!
Good grief Jeff, one of your best and most thorough videos ever! Slim Pickens was by far one of the best character actors, and your extensive research and details about his life was so very interesting. Thanks again!❤️
Thank you, Diane! We certainly love your feedback!
What a beautiful soul he was...humble and kind.
You do such a great job with these videos; preserving history and sharing your part in it as well. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Great work! I'm happy that you are keeping his memory alive.
Bless your heart for doing this tribute to Slim. I grew up watching him and always loved just about anything he did. Rest in Peace Slim, you are not forgotten.
What memories you brought back! He was a great actor.Sadly missed.All the good western men are gone.Yet,I still watch them everyday on tv.Thanks for a trip down memory lane!
We sure lost another great cowboy/actor. Slim was one of a kind. True American cowboy. Thanks Jeff for remembering the great one's of our time.👍👍👍🌵🤠🇺🇸
I remember. Mr. Slim. He was a really good friend of my boyfriend’s at the time dad. He was out visiting at the ranch. My boyfriend was gone so I got to visit with Mr Slim. All I can say is humble and kind. Those would be the two best words to describe him. I loved his Comedic timing in his movies. He was a real character. One you don’t forget easily. Thanks again for a wonderful tribute. I hate it that he was an Evergreen because that was such a horrible place to be. May you rest in peace Mr. Slim.
Beautiful tribute to an incredible man and actor. Love and light to his family. RIP Slim. ❤️❤️
I love watching Slim Pickens and the old westerns I used to sit with my dad and watch him and now I sit with my husband and I watch him. There were a lot of the old cowboys in the movies that I enjoy watching. May they rest in peace. They gave us a lot of joy in there movies.
He was a wonderful man and actor!
Thank you Jeff for the tribute to Slim Pickens!
It was my pleasure! He was quite the man!
That was so beautifully done . And what a lovely guy he was thank you for sharing.
I lived many a year in the city of modesty and I was today years old when I found this out.
Thanks Jeff. Modesto will forever hold a place in my heart and knowing this, makes it all the sweeter.
"Somebody's gotta go back and get a sh*t load of dimes!" =]
Thanks for the visit! I appreciate your comment! Lots of folks have fond memories of old Slim, me being one of them!
That was a classic that will be long remembered, particularly the origin of his stage name.
I have seen so many of the films and shows he was in in the 70's Really enjoyed how much you put into this Jeff and Thankyou for sharing it
Absolutely loved Slim Pickens and absolutely love the way you present and tell these stories. Thanks !
At first I thought Slim Pickens, I was ready to be disappointed, I was sure wrong. I found the facts about his life fascinating. How the military thought he wrote or said radio over rodeo, just might have saved his life. Thank you, again for a great video.
Another great episode Jeff. I'm sure we must have crossed paths at sometime. I met my 2nd husband at the Oakdale rodeo in 1978. Every video you do around Modesto reminds me of my youth there.
I live in Lawrenceburg, Ky. where the movie "Flim Flam Man" was partly filmed, crash scenes downtown and the dynamite scene at the courthouse here in 1967. Starring Slim Pickens, George C. Scott among others.
great film, and everyone was great in it
Appreciate all of your episodes, especially when you come up to Tuolumne County. Thank you! Slim Pickens and his family were loved and appreciated here as well. And still are.
Glad you like them! Thanks, Andi!
You have such a great style of presenting your material. Why you're not on a cable or public TV show, is beyond me. You're very knowledgeable and your material is great. Your voice is a natural for narrations.
Thanks for your very sweet comments. I am far from a professional but in trying to be a real good videographer and TH-camr!
Once again you've hit another one out of the ballpark with this episode! Thanks so much for your time and research!
Jeff, I like Slim Pickens also besides the Cowboys; one of my other favorites was the Apple Dumpling Gang. He was hilarious in that show. Slim played the character that was shot in the leg by Don Knotts's character. Great episode and thanks for sharing.1
Thanks Jeff, for another well-researched informative video about local events. Well done.
We really enjoyed this episode! Learned alot about Slim Pickens that we didn't know. Thank you for making this.
Very well done, Jeff! Mr. Pickens was always a treat to watch. His performance in 1941 was so over-the-top, I still laugh when I think about it! Hollis Wood indeed!
boy, i sure did love his work. lucky man to have been a part of the golden age of television and tinsel town. RIP Mr. Pickens, you are missed and not forgotten.
You are right on all accounts!
Another great character from my childhood memories, also thanks for reminding me of Andy Devine. I don't watch TV anymore so I never see any old movie re-runs ect too jog my memory. Thanks once again Jeff for a trip down memory lane, you truly are the embodiment of 'six degrees of separation'.
Much appreciated! Thanks!
Watched Slim in so many Western movies and TV shows it's almost like he really was part of the Old West. R.I.P., Pardner
Thank you, History Hunters, for another great, informative video. I myself have been a Slim Pickens fan for many years. I really enjoyed him in One Eyed Jacks, one of my all time favorite westerns. He always seemed to be a real down to earth, approachable fellow. May his soul R.I.P.
Glad you enjoyed it! He was humble to the end!
Enjoyed your presentation on Slim, really liked Slim as an actor, he came across as real...
This is a very nice tribute to a very much loved American! Thanks History Hunters! Modesto is my Home Town!
Slim Pickens brought western character to western movies. I always looked for him in many westerns. That unique voice and big heart.
My dad met him on a hunting trip in Wyoming in the early 80's. He has group photo with him and always mentions how friendly he was.
Y'ALL JUST KEEP HITTING HOMERUNS...I LOVE THIS CHANNEL....Dr. Strangelove, the Cowboys, and Blazing Saddles are but a few films that cemented Slim Pickens as a legend. Thank y'all!!
One of my favorite film/TV character actors for the western genre. My Auntie (who was an film/TV actress) had the opportunity to work w/ him on a western movie.(She also appeared in was her first TV performance along w/ Andy Devine.)
What a nice job! Thank you. I grew up in Sonora and remember the years 1976-1983 as a sort of mini boom time, before the recession really hit home. Construction jobs were plenty and fairly well-paying. I worked on the underground telephone lines in Gold Springs, among other places. First time I ran into Slim Pickens was at Mundorf’s Hardware in downtown Sonora. I didn’t see him at first but heard the same voice exactly as you hear it in films “...and if you ever treat me like a movie star, I’ll never come in here again.” He really was a local, no pretense, no ego and a true, real deal, gentleman-cowboy. One time, I was with my buddies at the Gun Club in Jamestown and Mr. Pickens was there with the sheriff (Wally Berry?). He explained he first got into the movie business by wrangling the livestock and teaching the actors how to ride and rope like a cowboy. He said something to the effect that it was cheaper for the movie people to teach him how to be an actor than for him to teach the actors how to be cowboys.
I enjoy all your episodes. All the locations bring great memories - except for the poison oak!
P.S. Jeff, though you’re a bit younger than me, we must’ve bumped into each other at some point. Tuolumne county had only one stoplight at the time, and the “big date” was to take your girl to the big city of Modesto for McDonalds and a movie, then cruise McHenry a few times with some Coors or Strawberry Hill (her preference). Goodle days for sure. Thanks again, I really appreciate all the work you put into these episodes.
Thanks so much! I certainly did my share of cruising McHenry in the late 1970s! Ha ha! I had a blue 1974 Camaro LT. Wish I had it still! Hey I really liked you sharing your encounters with Slim. It just reinforces to me what a humble and downer th man he was. I think he really loved people. Thanks again for watching and for the comments.
My dad put in the plumbing for the first 6 Maccas in Indianapolis. Back then Maccas was a treat and had really great food and the helpings and sizes were much larger than today.
What a wonderful character Slim was... I still love seeing him show up in the movies.
I don’t think anybody had anything negative to say about Slim Pickens. He was a wonderful guy.
Thank you for this vlog. One of my favorite movies has got to be Blazing Saddles. The baked beans scene is just priceless. As you said it was a movie that could not be made today. Mr Pickens certainly did know how to make us laugh. We all really need some of that laughter today. Thank you again for this vlog. I will be smiling and laughing all day.
Wonderful to hear all that Norma! Laughter has been sacrificed at the offense everyone takes today!
Even if you couldn't watch a video, say you were listening to him being interviewed on a radio program. Say you missed the introduction, the minute you would hear him speak you knew exactly who it was. And by the way the scene around the campfire with the Cowboys eating their beans is a classic !!
I grew up in Hanford CA, Class 79.. I have one of the gargoyles that lined the rooftop of the old School..
This was a really cool tribute video to Slim! I didn’t know much about him at all but he seemed like he had a great life and great career!
Thanks for sharing the history of Slim Pickens with us! Keep up the great work you do! Take care now! Frank from Philadelphia, PA.
In 1974 I was an undergrad at Arizona State University in Tempe and one afternoon I went to the local movie house to see Blazing Saddles. Sitting upfront there was a boisterous group about midway back and as the movie played one laugh stood out from the others, and I thought, that guy laughs like Slim Pickens. The movie ended, and as I turned, there stood Slim Pickens and six or so Cowboys and Girls in their finest Rodeo parade dress, it must have been 'Rodeo Days' in Temple. I got his autograph and he shook my hand. Fun stuff.
Cheers, Mark
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That was awesome! Slim Pickens! Damn! He just seemed like a down-to-earth gentleman. Of course I loved him in blazing saddles and Doctor strange love. I think it's really neat that you got to see him and to know him! Anyway sir another outstanding video, some hit you a little different.... I really enjoyed this one. Like always thank you for taking us on the adventure. And I can't believe it's been almost 40 years since he's passed.
In the early 80s, I met Slim Pickens while working at the Modesto Airport. I'm grateful to have met him before he passed. Thank you for the video.
Cool! I bet he was in Modesto far more than I realize!
Thanks Jeff for your diggin' into info on this amazing man. I deliver Meals on Wheels in Tuolumne County and have been in that sub-division deliverin' meals where Slim and his wife lived. It's a beautiful place to drive thru and I'm sure they loved it there just outside of the main street area of Columbia.
I absolutely love Slim Pickens
Growing up with horses of course westerns were always on - Slim was the real deal - Thanks for sharing
Very interesting and informative video as usual. Well researched and documented. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful memories Jeff! Thanks for the “vicarious” visit home! ♥️
Thank you Jeff, this is a well done mini-documentory of one of our most revered chacters of filmdom. When I was very young and first introduced to Slim Picken's work, it may have been his role in, "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence," I dont remember, someone told me how he chose his stage name "Slim Pickens" from his rodeo days and ibalways thought that he and that name were the most clever thing ever and I've been a devoted fan ever sense!. I've met a few actors and entertainers but sadly never got to meet him. I can't think of a single role he played that was disappointing. RIP Slim Pickens!
Great vlog, Slim was such a fantastic actor. Your research is always on point.
Thanks so much!
Thank you Jeff...you just keep getting more & more professional & You're Well informed.
Wow thanks Sharyl! Unique spelling of your name!
Both men were terrific in every movie I saw them in. Gotta love ol' slim though. Thanks for making this video. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it!
Excellent video!! Great to learn so much about Slim Pickens! My dad really liked him as an actor. Thank you Jeff and Sarah
Slim was one of my favorite actors. I was fortunate to have seen him in a large number of his movies. He will be missed. RIP Slim.
He was definitely one of a kind and one of the greatest humble men of film history.
I currently live in Modesto about 1.5 miles from that Windsor Post Acute Care Center. I've passed that place hundreds of times over the last 7 years, and I never knew it's where Slim died. I'm 59 years old and my first memory of Slim in a movie was in Blazing Saddles. My parents took the family to see it in the theater way back then in 1974. Over the years I've seen him in movies such as "From Here to Eternity", "Rancho Deluxe",etc,and I have always enjoyed him in his many other roles over the years of my own lifetime.. Thank you for telling his story !
Great video! Such a tribute to Slim! Thanks for your videos!!!
Awesome to hear! Thanks Diana!
I met slim pickens when I was 11 years old (1963) in Running Springs Ca. He was there filming on location but I do not know the name of the movie or show. I remember him being very friendly to me and spending some time talking. This was so special to me because I remember all the other actors were too busy to talk with us but Slim made it a point to say hi and spend some time with me. I will always remember this time and think of him as a wonderful person.
That was Slim, for you... he always treated everyone as an equal. He was just one down-to-earth guy, a real gem! Thanks for telling us of your encounter! That is fascinating!
I always enjoy hearing about western movie greats like Slim Pickens. Thanks
This was a great tribute to such a gifted actor. I really loved all the movies he made. I’m still trying to catch up on your videos, but as soon as another comes out I watch right away. Thank you for the memories.
Excellent! Visited the Cowboy Museum, and always was a fan of Slim. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Jeff . . . I appreciate yours and Sarah's work on TH-cam. Wholesome.
We appreciate that nice words, Phil! Blessings!
I turned 17 in 1983 when Slim Pickens died. I remember him being mentioned in conversations and seeing him in cowboy movies. Interesting to know these details of his life.
Jeff, I love your videos! You never disappoint. Thank You!👍😊
Thanks so much!
Back in 1981 l was working at DMC (Doctor's Medical Center) When Slim was admitted for some tests, he was in a wheelchair, which was customary for patients undergoing X-Rays, Blood Tests, etc.. Mr. Pickens was waiting in one of the hallways when l spotted him, l couldn't keep myself from approaching him to tell him that l was one of his fans, and always loved his films and the characters he portrayed. He was as gracious as could be, and said, Well Thank You Son, l appreciate that very much, l wished him well, and meant to ask for an autograph, but the orderly rolled him away, and he waved and said y'all take care friend. My Grandmother also passed at Evergreen Convalescent Hospital after spending time at DMC in 1974.. Great Vlog Jeff✋
What a touching story! Thank you! I’m finding more Slim stories in the comment section! He certainly got around! I appreciate you sharing this! Oh and I guess you know that Robert Conrad was taken into Doctors with serious car crash injuries in Arnold.
@@jbenziggy Yep, Ol James West himself, he should have stayed on horseback.🐎
1st. Loved him in Blazing Cowboys
Another fantastic video. And Slim Pickens is such a great subject to cover. His work was greatly enjoyed by lots of us. Jeff, I am kind of like you, running into and visiting with lots of famous Actors and you doing such great research on these people. I especially enjoyed my time in the late 90's to very early 2000's in Modesto. One of my most favorite clients was the Modesto Irrigation District. The company I worked for in the Dallas TX area provided the computer systems that controlled and monitored the Water Treatment Plant that is right next to the Reservoir that is right off of Highway 132 just east of town. I enjoyed the people at the Water Treatment Plant because they were my age and they all did such a great job keeping the area running on such good water. Great video Jeff!
One of my favorite actors. RIP Slim. An old deceased friend of mine, George Borchin, taught Slim's brother how to fly. George had some interesting stories about the brothers.
A name i always heard as a child.. Thank you Again for this GREAT History hunt. Thank you Sarah & Jeff
I pulled into a gas,station in Orangevale Ca and a pick-up with a huge horse trailer was blocking the pumps I started to say something when Slim Pickens said I'll be done here in a minute. I laughed and talk to him for ten minutes. Great guy.
So many stories like this are pouring in! He sure got around to a lot of places! Thanks for sharing your encounter!
What a character he was! My favorite part he played was the B-52 Captain, riding the atomic bomb down like a buckin' bronco. WOW! What a nice tribute. Thanks for the video. Great job!!
What a great actor! He was always a favorite of mine. He had that unmistakable voice, and he was a really great horseman. There is an opening scene in the film "Rocky Mountain" when he is galloping on his horse, and he looks like a centaur, riding without reins, perfectly balanced on his mount. One of a kind!
He certainly was one of a kind and very down to earth gem of a man!
Thank you for consistently outstanding material Jeff! Don't ever stop!
I had not thought about Slim Pickens in a long time.. Jeff thanks for sharing great memories of a great actor and a great man! As always 👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it! It was about time somebody on TH-cam pay attention to Slim!
That was great, very thorough and entertaining. I knew nothing of Slim, but am glad I know more now.
Nice tribute to a great character actor and what sounds like a good human being. Left this earth too soon.
He did indeed leave there too soon.
Slim was our neighbor in Columbia he was a lot of fun to hangout with! We lived off north Airport road and gold springs was open land when I was a boy . Slims house was one of the first built. He had parties where he'd get the stagecoach from town for everyone to ride around on !
Slim was an avid pilot and spent a lot of time at the airport, where my family ran Tuolumne Air sevice, and slim charted flights with my father flying him around. Slim also took flying lessons from my father! I am honored to have considered him & Maggie friends ( I also attended church at the 49ers)
Perhaps you could do a video on all the film and tv work that happened in Columbia!
Thanks again Jeff I watched him alot enjoyed watching him on tv
Great job as usual and these videos are not only well done, but very informative too. I hadn't thought of Slim Pickens in years until now and what a career he had and his on screen persona was unforgettable. A++ video!
Slim Pickens wil be remembered eternally. He was an excellent actor and a great human being. May he rest in peace with the Lord.🕊🙏
Thanks for the video on Slim. Wherever I lived in Merced County in the 70' s, a friend of mine lived In Modesto. We used to get together at the Fisherman's club on Maze Bld./Hwy 132. Slim would show up to the dinners there. He always remembered my name and always had a funny story to tell. What a good Man was, I miss those days. H-B in Oakdale some good stories came out of there when I was in team roping. Lol ..
Thanks for the video and Slim Pickens bio. I enjoyed it very much.
Again very interesting. Slim Pickens was in so many things he became a comfortable sight. Thanks for featuring him this time.