Edward Faulkner, the veteran character actor known for his extensive work in Western films and television shows, died August 26 at age 93 from natural causes at a healthcare facility in Vista, California. His daughter Leslie Wadsworth confirmed the death to media outlets.
Born Fielden Edward Faulkner II on February 29, 1932, in Lexington, Kentucky, the 6-foot-3 actor became a familiar face in Hollywood through his collaborations with some of the industry’s biggest stars. His father owned a building supply company, while his mother, Ferie June, worked as a music teacher.
Faulkner attended the University of Virginia and the University of Kentucky, where he participated in theatrical productions before graduating in 1954. Following his education, he served two years as a fighter pilot with the U.S. Air Force before relocating to Los Angeles in 1958 to pursue an acting career.
His entry into Hollywood came through director Andrew V. McLaglen, then a staff director at CBS, who cast him in his first television role on “Have Gun — Will Travel,” starring Richard Boone. Faulkner received the standard day rate of $80 for his debut performance. This introduction led to extensive work on numerous Western television series throughout the late 1950s and 1960s.
Faulkner appeared in 13 episodes of “Have Gun — Will Travel” from 1958 to 1962, six episodes of “Gunsmoke” from 1959 to 1972, seven episodes of “Rawhide” from 1959 to 1964, three episodes of “Bonanza” from 1961 to 1966, and 11 episodes of “The Virginian” from 1963 to 1970. His horse-riding skills, developed in Kentucky, proved invaluable for these Western roles.
His film career began with an uncredited role in “G.I. Blues” in 1960, marking his first collaboration with Elvis Presley. He later portrayed fitness instructor Brad Bentley in another Presley film, “Tickle Me,” in 1965.
Faulkner’s most significant professional relationship developed with John Wayne, appearing in six films alongside the iconic actor: “McLintock!” in 1963, “The Green Berets” in 1968, “Hellfighters” in 1968, “The Undefeated” in 1969, “Rio Lobo” in 1970, and “Chisum” in 1970. All but two of these films were directed by McLaglen, who continued to provide Faulkner with opportunities throughout his career.
The actor developed a close friendship with Wayne, regularly playing chess with the superstar. Faulkner noted in interviews that he occasionally allowed Wayne to win their matches. Their dedication to these games was such that they once kept a commercial flight waiting at the gate because the plane’s captain was reluctant to interrupt their chess match.
When Wayne was preparing “The Green Berets,” Faulkner sent him a note that read: “Like yourself, I’ve worn a Stetson long enough. Perhaps a change of hats, maybe a beret.” Within a week, he was cast in the war film as Captain MacDaniel.
Wayne also included Faulkner’s three daughters, Jan, Barbara, and Leslie, in “The Undefeated” after spotting them on set during filming in Mexico. He arranged for wardrobe to provide them with costumes so they could appear in the movie.
Reflecting on his career in a 2019 interview, Faulkner humorously observed: “I never won a fight … I was always the bad guy.”
Beyond his Western roles, Faulkner appeared in numerous other productions, including “How to Murder Your Wife” in 1965, “The Navy vs. the Night Monsters” in 1966, “Nobody’s Perfect” in 1968, “The Shakiest Gun in the West” in 1968, “Hang Your Hat on the Wind” in 1969, and “The Man” in 1972. His television credits extended to popular series such as “Dragnet,” “Lassie,” “Gilligan’s Island,” “Mod Squad,” “The Fugitive,” “It Takes a Thief,” “Cannon,” “Adam-12,” and “The Six Million Dollar Man.”
In 1976, Faulkner temporarily stepped away from acting to work in the marine transportation industry for approximately 12 years. During this period, he was employed by a company that leased cargo containers and operated hotels worldwide.
Throughout his life, Faulkner maintained a passion for magic, entertaining friends and family with sleight-of-hand tricks and illusions. His family described this as a boyhood interest that never diminished throughout his 93 years.
Faulkner married his high school sweetheart, Barbara, with whom he performed in plays during their school years and appeared together in Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” in college. Their marriage lasted nearly 60 years until Barbara’s death in May 2013.
He is survived by his daughters Jan, Barbara, and Leslie, his son Edward III, and his grandchildren Tyler, Wyatt, Steven, Olivia, and Brooke. His family remembered him for his kindness and genuine warmth, qualities they noted defined him as much as his extensive body of work in the entertainment industry.
