Original Mouseketeer Johnny Crawford Has Passed Away At The Age of 75
It is with a heavy heart that we here at MickeyBlog share the news that original Mouseketeer Johnny Crawford has passed away at the age of 75. This is two years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and after a recent battle with COVID-19.
Crawford started his career as an original Mouseketeer back in 1975 and would go on to land other noteworthy roles in film and television. Crawford starred in the Mickey Mouse Club for only one season and was let go when Disney execs decided to whittle the Mouseketeers down from 24 to 12.
According to a recent piece in Deadline, after departing Disney, Crawford made guest appearances in a variety of TV shows including The Lone Ranger, The Frank Sinatra Show, The Danny Tomas Show and Wagon Train. However, aside from his start as a Mouseketeer, the role that he is best know for is Mark McCain in 1958’s The Rifleman.
Crawford would even go on to land a Best Supporting Actor Nomination at the 1959 Emmy’s for Rifleman. Like many Disney stars Crawford also tried his hand at music releasing several singles including “Cindy’s Birthday which reaching #2 on the charts back in 1962.
Crawford also served in the US Army from 1965-1967 and spent his later years performing as the lead vocalist with The Johnny Crawford Dance Orchestra which specialized in Big Band jazz and swing music.
Crawford was also a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and competed in steer wrestling, calf roping as well as bronco and bull riding!
Johnny Crawford is survived by his wife Charlotte and his brother Bobby.
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Source: DEADLINE Feature Image Source: Vanity Fair