"Roy Rogers, cowboy star and Roy Rogers, family man and Rancher make ideal saddle mates. The personal and professional lives of your favorite radio Western star have much in common and Roy loves them both.
"Typical of his belief in the part he plays and of his loyalty to his fans was Roy's flat rejection of a Texas oilman's recent offer of $200,000 to buy Trigger, Roy's famous palomino horse. Said Roy about the horse with whom he rode to success: 'There's not enough money in the world to buy Trigger!'
"As a cowboy star Roy rarely if ever, gets to kiss his leading lady, Dale Evans. In real life, however, he is married to her. On a rambling, comfortable five-acre ranch in Encino, California, Dale and Roy lead a happy, informal life centered around the family.
"The tremendous appeal Roy has for the junior set stems from his actual deep love of children. A widower when he married Dale, Roy has three children from his first marriage: Cheryl, 13, Linda, 10, Dusty, 7. In 1950 Roy and Dale had a daughter, Robin Elizabeth, a frail child who died two years later. The Rogers had long wanted to adopt a son for Dusty and after Elizbeth's death they decided to adopt a girl as well. They added to the family circle Sandy, now 8, and Little Doe or 'Dodie,' now 2. Little Doe carried an extra special appeal, for Roy and Dale, for she comes from the same Choctaw Indian Strain that also runs in Roy's family and of which he is proud.
"Roy and Dale are both home for dinner with their children every evening that their working schedule permits. Roy has definite ideas on the raising of children and has made the prime family rules: punctuality, honesty and the fulfillment of promises.
"Social life for the Rogers is a family affair, with shared activities about the ranch and hunting and fishing trips. Far from being a 'gentleman farmer,' Roy puts his spare time to working his three acres of cultivated land.
"Furniture at the ranch is a causal Western style that can withstand the rigors of five active children and the inroads of cowboy boots. Roy's professional and hunting trophies trim the walls and share décor honors with a cabinet built by Roy to house his gun collection, which includes a pair of gold pistols, a long barreled rifle once owned by Daniel Boone, a pistol that belonged to General Custer and a pistol that was Davy Crockett's.
"Also in residence on the ranch are several horses, about sixteen dogs, two racoons, racing pigeons, hamsters and whatever stray animals various members of the family rescue and care for until they are able to fend for themselves.
"Roy's love for animals is obvious both on and off stage, and his calm temperament is ideal for training them. This same calm stands Roy in good stead throughout his crowded schedule.
"Roy's busy, happy life is keynoted by one of his credos, which says: 'If You enjoy your work your always on vacation.'"
To see this article in its original context click here and here.
It is great to know that with Roy, what you saw is what you got. Often times learning about an actor's personal life can be disillusioning, but Roy's life actually enhances what you have seen on screen, because it makes it feel even more real. This probably plays a huge part in why Roy is so natural on the screen, because he was always being completely honest with his audience. Articles like this make me love Roy even more.
The fact that someone would try to buy Trigger for only $200,000 shows how much the value of money has changed.
Before we go let's close with a song. This is a performance from the TV show, Hee Haw. This was the 30th episode and it aired on September 15, 1970. The song was written by Leroy Van Drake and Buddy Black.
Happy trails to you until we meet again.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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