Gene Autry filmography his own name, rode his own horse, Champion, had Burnette as his sidekick, and sang several songs in each film—including some that would become his most popular hits. In 1947, with his Republic contract fulfilled, Autry began producing his own films which were distributed by Columbia Pictures. For his Columbia films, Autry chose Sterling Holloway as his sidekick for five films, and then Pat Buttram for sixteen films. Burnette returned for the last six films released in 1953. From 1950 to 1955, Autry appeared in 91 episodes of "The Gene Autry Show" television series. Buttram played his sidekick in 83
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