Shug Fisher

Shug Fisher was an American actor and musician best known for his roles in “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Gunsmoke,” and various western films. Born George Clinton Fisher in 1907, he had a diverse career that included acting, singing, and songwriting.

Personal and Family Life

Shug Fisher was born on September 26, 1907, in Grady County, Oklahoma, to a Scots-Irish father and a part Choctaw mother. He married Peggy Summers on January 14, 1935, and continued to work in entertainment throughout his life. Despite his professional success, he struggled with a chronic stutter, which became one of his distinctive traits.

Career Highlights

Fisher began his career in music, learning to play several instruments and performing as part of various country music groups, including the Sons of the Pioneers. He gained fame for his comedic performances and songwriting, contributing hits like “Out on the Open Range” to the country music scene. Throughout his career, he appeared in numerous films and television shows, showcasing his unique talents as both a performer and a character actor.

Death and Legacy

Shug Fisher passed away on March 16, 1984, in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, after a lingering illness. He left behind a rich legacy in music and television, remembered for his roles in classic shows and films. His contributions to country music and Western entertainment continue to be celebrated by fans and fellow artists.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
The Giant Gila Monster 1959-06-25 Old Man Harris
Pecos Pest 1955-11-11 Uncle Pecos
The Ghost of Cypress Swamp 1977-03-13 Sherman Prather
Hoosier Holiday 1943-09-13 Shug’ Fishet
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance 1962-04-13 Kaintuck (uncredited)
Smoke 1970-02-01 Leroy
Grissly’s Millions 1945-01-16 Tim
Guns of a Stranger 1973-05-01 Shug Meadows
Riders of the Pony Express 1949-05-13 Doc Baker
Stallion Canyon 1949-06-15 Red
The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again 1979-06-27 Bartender
Fighting Coast Guard 1951-05-31 ‘Shug’ – Member Sons of the Pioneers
Swing Your Partner 1943-05-20 Shug
Mister Roberts 1955-07-10 Johnson
The Castaway Cowboy 1974-08-01 Capt. Cary
The Reivers 1969-12-20 Cousin Zack
Timber Tramps 1975-12-31 Cook
Cutter’s Trail 1970-02-10 Tuttle
Cyborg 2087 1966-10-01 Short Station Attendant
Sultan and the Rock Star 1980-04-20 Motel Owner
The Cat 1966-06-01 Bill Krim
The Return of the Beverly Hillbillies 1981-10-06 Judge Gillum
Huckleberry Finn 1975-03-25 Old Doc
Cheyenne Autumn 1964-10-15 Skinny (uncredited)
Hog Wild 1974-01-20 Ropejon
Sergeant Rutledge 1960-05-25 Mr. Owens (uncredited)
Rio Grande 1950-11-15 Regimental Singer/Bugler (uncredited)
Gunsmoke 1955-09-10 Harry Obie
Ripcord 1961-09-28
The Virginian 1962-09-19 Pony Bill Steele
The Wild Wild West 1965-09-17
Daniel Boone 1964-09-24 Jake Tench
Cimarron Strip 1967-09-07
Starsky & Hutch 1975-09-10
Laredo 1965-09-16
City of Angels 1976-02-03 Whitey Hedges
Have Gun, Will Travel 1957-09-14
The Legend of Jesse James 1965-09-13 Barber
The Virginian 1962-09-19 Mr. Peterson
The Virginian 1962-09-19 Telegrapher
The Virginian