Hollywood character actor Edward Faulkner, known for his collaborations with John Wayne and appearances in Elvis Presley films, died August 26 at age 93. His daughter Leslie Wadsworth confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Faulkner passed away from natural causes at a healthcare facility in Vista, California.
The 6-foot-3 Kentucky native built his career around Western films and television shows, working alongside Wayne in six movies including “McLintock!” (1963), “The Green Berets” (1968), “Hellfighters” (1968), “The Undefeated” (1969), “Rio Lobo” (1970), and “Chisum” (1970). Director Andrew V. McLaglen, who gave Faulkner his career breakthrough, directed all but two of these films.
Born Fielden Edward Faulkner II on February 29, 1932, in Lexington, Kentucky, he was the youngest of two children. His father owned a building supply company while his mother, Ferie June, worked as a music teacher. Faulkner developed an early interest in performance, partnering with a friend in a comedy song-and-dance act during high school.
After attending the University of Virginia and the University of Kentucky, where he acted in theatrical productions, Faulkner graduated in 1954. He served two years as a fighter pilot with the U.S. Air Force before moving to Los Angeles in 1958 to pursue acting. McLaglen, then a staff director at CBS, quickly cast him in an episode of “Have Gun — Will Travel,” earning him the standard day rate of $80.
Faulkner made his film debut in “G.I. Blues” (1960) alongside Elvis Presley, later appearing with the singer again in “Tickle Me” (1965) as fitness instructor Brad Bentley. His television work included multiple episodes of popular Western series: 13 episodes of “Have Gun — Will Travel” (1958-62), six episodes of “Gunsmoke” (1959-72), seven episodes of “Rawhide” (1959-64), three episodes of “Bonanza” (1961-66) and 11 episodes of “The Virginian” (1963-70).
The actor developed a close relationship with Wayne, playing chess with him hundreds of times. Faulkner humorously noted that he occasionally let Wayne win, and their matches once delayed a flight as the plane’s captain was reluctant to interrupt their game. When Wayne spotted Faulkner’s three daughters on the sidelines during filming of “The Undefeated” in Mexico, he called for wardrobe and included the girls in the movie.
Seeking a role in “The Green Berets,” Faulkner sent Wayne a note suggesting a career change. He wrote: “Like yourself, I’ve worn a Stetson long enough. Perhaps a change of hats, maybe a beret.” Within a week, he was cast as Captain MacDaniel in the war film.
Reflecting on his career in a 2019 interview, Faulkner acknowledged his typical casting, stating that he never won a fight and was always the bad guy. His film resume extended beyond Westerns to include “How to Murder Your Wife” (1965), “The Navy vs. the Night Monsters” (1966), “Nobody’s Perfect” (1968), “The Shakiest Gun in the West” (1968), and “The Man” (1972).
Television appearances included roles on “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 stepped away from acting to work for a company that leased cargo containers to the marine transportation industry and operated hotels worldwide.
Faulkner maintained his childhood love of magic throughout his life, entertaining friends and family with sleight-of-hand tricks and illusions. His family remembered him for his kindness and genuine warmth, qualities they said defined him as much as his body of work.
He married his high school sweetheart Barbara, with whom he performed in plays during school and in Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” in college. Their marriage lasted nearly 60 years until Barbara’s death in May 2013. Faulkner is survived by his daughters Jan, Barbara, and Leslie, son Edward III, and grandchildren Tyler, Wyatt, Steven, Olivia, and Brooke.