Gailard Sartain, the beloved actor and artist who spent over thirty years in entertainment, passed away on June 19, 2025. He was 78.
Following the news, tributes poured in from friends, fans, and family members. While those closest to him confirmed his passing, they have not disclosed the cause of death.
Sartain became widely known for his sharp humor and energetic performances on Hee Haw, the long-running country comedy show. Along the way, the late actor appeared in more than 70 films and TV projects, including three Ernest movies and the CBS kids’ series Hey Vern, It’s Ernest!, which aired in 1988.
He got his start in film with a brief role as a man at a lunch counter in Robert Altman’s Nashville (1975). A few years later, in 1978, Sartain landed a more recognized part as Jerry “The Big Bopper” Richardson in The Buddy Holly Story—one of his first real breakthroughs on the big screen.
Roughly twenty years ago, Sartain quietly stepped away from acting and spent most of his time painting and working on creative projects with his wife and daughter.
Here’s a closer look at his family and other details.
Who Is Gailard Sartain’s Wife, Mary Jo?
He was married to Mary Jo Regier, his longtime partner in both life and work. The couple tied the knot at St. John’s Episcopal Church and remained together until his passing.
They were both artists and often teamed up on creative projects. One of their lasting contributions was to the Tulsa International Mayfest. Gailard served as a poster artist for the event, and his spouse, Mary Jo, played multiple behind-the-scenes roles—volunteer, visual artist co-chair, festival chair, and even a member of the Board of Directors since 2003.
In addition to her leadership roles, Mary Jo also handled much of the festival’s practical side—managing bookkeeping, tax filings, and other day-to-day operations.
They also collaborated on The Lost Tapes of Mazeppa, a VHS collection featuring rare clips and sketches from Gailard’s Mazeppa Pompazoidi show. Gailard co-produced the project with Jim Millaway and J. Todd Todoroff, while Mary stepped in as executive producer. She helped track down old footage, organize materials, and handle the logistics to bring the project to life.
After years in Los Angeles, the couple eventually returned to their roots in Tulsa, choosing to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
They Have Three Children
Gailard and Mary raised three kids together, all now grown. Among them is their daughter Sarah, who, like her parents, has followed a creative path.
Sarah is a talented visual artist known for her watercolor and acrylic paintings, often centered around cheerful themes like flowers and reflective objects. She’s represented by Joseph Gierek Fine Art in Tulsa, where much of her work is regularly displayed.
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She also spent time working as a cover illustrator for Nimrod magazine, and her illustrations have been featured in various commissioned projects, including with the firm Stranger & Stranger.
His Father Was a Fire Chief
Sartain was born to Elizabeth Bell Sartain and Gailard Lee Sartain, Sr.
His mother, originally from Missouri, settled in Tulsa in 1927. In 1938, Elizabeth married Gailard Sr., who would go on to serve as the Fire Chief of Tulsa.
