Actor and comedian Gailard Sartain has died at the age of 78.

The cherished Southern actor was known for his memorable roles in Hee Haw, Mississippi Burning, and Fried Green Tomatoes.

The Church Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma shared the news on Facebook, paying tribute to the late actor with a heartfelt message.

‘We are saddened by the loss of Gailard Sartain, an extraordinary actor, artist, and comedian,’ the post read. 

In the 1970s, Gailard Sartain would often drop by the studio late at night after wrapping up filming for Mazeppa. One highlight of his career was having his artwork featured on the cover of Leon Russell’s 1975 album, Will O’ the Wisp. Our thoughts are with Mary Jo, Gailard’s wife, who is known for her dedicated volunteer work at The Church Studio.

Teresa Knox, CEO of The Church Studio, confirmed to TMZ that Sartain passed away on Tuesday following a prolonged decline in health.

Actor and comedian Gailard Sartain has died at the age of 78; (seen in 1991)

Sartain joined the cast of Hee Haw in 1972, bringing to life the character of Sheriff Orville P. Bullmoose; (top, from left: Gordie Tapp, George Lindsey, bottom, from left: Minnie Pearl, Gailard Sartain)

At this time, no official cause of death has been disclosed.  

Misty Rowe, Sartain’s longtime Hee Haw co-star—often seen as Junior Samples’ assistant—also paid tribute in a Facebook post.  

‘God Bless You, Gailard Sartain. You were my brother on Hee Haw Honeys and my friend on Hee Haw for 19 years! I will never forget you.’

Victoria Hallman, who starred as Miss Honeydew on Hee Haw, remembered Gailard Sartain as a beloved presence on set. 

She told TMZ he felt like a big brother to her and was so funny, the cast often had to reshoot scenes because they couldn’t stop laughing.

‘I knew he wasn’t in good health and hadn’t been for a while,’ she added. 

‘We always fool ourselves that people will hang on. I wasn’t expecting to find out in the wee hours of the morning.’

Sartain joined the cast of Hee Haw in 1972, bringing to life the character of Sheriff Orville P. Bullmoose. 

Teresa Knox, CEO of The Church Studio, confirmed that Sartain passed away on Tuesday following a prolonged decline in health; (pictured on Hee Haw)

The cherished Southern actor was known for his memorable roles in Hee Haw, Mississippi Burning, and Fried Green Tomatoes (pictured)

At this time, no official cause of death has been disclosed; (Sartain in 1994’s Getting Even with Dad)

Sartain, Sylvester Stallone, Estelle Getty in 1992’s Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot

A fixture on the show’s sketches, he remained a regular until the series wrapped up in 1992.

His career spanned decades and genres. 

While best known for his comedic work on Hee Haw and several Ernest films, Sartain also showcased his dramatic talents in notable movies like Mississippi Burning and The Outsiders. 

The latter, adapted from S.E. Hinton’s novel, explored the rivalry between teenage gangs in 1960s Tulsa — Sartain’s hometown.

Sartain got his start in show business in Tulsa, where he initially worked behind the scenes as a cameraman at a local TV station. 

His big break came when he created a quirky late-night comedy show called The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting. 

Clad in a dark blue robe and pointed wizard’s hat, he hosted the show as the eccentric character ‘Dr. Mazeppa Pompazoidi,’ quickly becoming a local cult favorite.