NOTABLE ARKANSANS
She was born Betty Jeanne Grayson in Little Rock. At the age of 2 she was named Most Beautiful Baby in Arkansas. At the University of Texas she was a member of the Bluebonnet Belles and during World War II performed at military installations. It was there she met Gene Autry, the singing cowboy of motion pictures. That meeting led to a string of co-starring roles in Western movies.
A spunky, pig-tailed blonde, she soon became an expert rider, roper and trick-shot artist who went on to star in television's Annie Oakley; Autry was executive producer. She was the first woman to star in a TV Western. The series aired from January 1954 to February 1957 in syndication. ABC broadcast daytime reruns from 1959 to 1960 and from 1964 to 1965.
After her acting career was over she continued to make personal appearances at rodeos and state fairs. She was also featured in TV specials including The Cisco Kid, Death Valley Days, The Gene Autry Show and The Andy Griffith Show. Gene Autry called her "the perfect Western actress."
Notable Arkansans is written by Steve Stephens and produced by Clyde Snider
Who was Arkansas' favorite cowgirl who has a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame?
Answer on Page 6E
Style on 08/12/2018