Champion the Wonder Horse to 1953, and in the television series during the 1950s. Several other "Champion" horses were used as stunt doubles and for personal appearances throughout the years. There were three official Champions that appeared in Gene Autry films. The original Champion was a dark sorrel with a blaze face and white stockings on all his legs except the right front. The original Champion first appeared on screen with Autry in "Melody Trail" (1935) and went on to co-star in 51 additional Autry films. The horse was previously owned by Tom Mix and was used during the filming of "The Phantom Empire"
Jackie Autry in the 2007 documentary, "Gene Autry: White Hat, Silver Screen", and was the Executive Producer of the 2009 documentary, "When Dream Worlds Collide". On November 25, 2010 (Thanksgiving Day), Autry was driving a car in Palm Springs that hit and killed a pedestrian, Jesus Cardova Diaz, who was a homeless man. She received no civil or criminal charges as she was clearly sober and the man she hit was jaywalking. Jackie Autry Jackie Autry is the former owner of the Los Angeles Angels and widow of Gene Autry, actor, singer and businessman. On October 2, 1941, Autry was born as