Paul Brinegar Biography

Fast Facts

• Received the Bronze Wrangler Award presented by the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1961, 1962 and 1964, along with the cast of TV series "Rawhide․"
• In 1994, received the Golden Boot Award, which honors those in the entertainment industry who have made significant contributions to the Western genre on TV and in film
• Died of emphysema in Los Angeles
• Attended the Pasadena Junior College to study drama, literature and art after acting in high school plays and productions at Pasadena City College in California
• Served as a chief radioman in the U․S․ Navy during World War II and worked as a radio repairman after the war to support himself while taking small parts in films
• Portrayed a 65-year-old man in the series that helped launch actor Clint Eastwood to fame but was only 41 at the time, saying in an interview his hair started turning gray at the age of 32
• Renowned for roles as grizzled cowboy sidekicks
• According to his wife, Brinegar's favorite episode of western TV series "Rawhide," which he appeared, is "The Incident of the Black Ace․"
• Honorary sheriff and fire chief of Granada Hills, Calif