'Rawhide': A Look At Sheb Wooley's Sad Cause Of Death

Actor Sheb Wooley (right) was born on April 10, 1921 in Erick, Oklahoma. Although he is best known for his role as "Pete" in the TV series 'Rawhide', he also built a successful music career.

Before officially making it to show business, Wooley lived with his parents, William and Ora Wooley, as well as with brothers Logan, Hubert and William.

Sheb Wooley expressed interest, showed talent in music at a very early age. He formed the band Plainview Melody Boys when he was 15 and eventually pursued a recording career at age 24. Country, swing, pop and hillbilly were his favorite genres.

By the late '50s Wooley was a household name in the local music scene, especially for his track 'The Purple People Eater'. However, he would rapidly transition to an acting career.

While Sheb's first on-screen appearance took place in the 1950 film 'Rocky Mountain', 1959 marked his big breakthrough after being cast in 'Rawhide' as "Pete Nolan".

Wooley appeared in the series until 1965 and even directed some episodes. 

Apart from 'Rawhide', Wooley was a regular cast member in other Western shows, including 'Stories of the Century' and 'The Cisco Kid', playing "Jim" and "Bill", respectively.

The retro star also took parts in multiple films. Some of his most notable credits include 'Terror in a Texas Town', 'Silverado' and 'Hoosiers', portraying "Baxter", "Cavalry Sergeant" and "Cletus Summers."

Over the course of his trajectory, the actor and musician won multiple accolades.

As for his music career, in 1968 Wooley was awarded the Country Music Association's Comedian of the Year Award. 

In terms of acting, the star took home the Western Heritage Award for nine consecutive years, being recognized for his contribution to Western TV shows and films.

What about Sheb Wooley's love life? The actor was married five times:

In 1940 he tied the knot with Melva Miller.

In 1946 he married Edna Talbott.

Beverly Irene Addington was his third wife, with whom he adopted daughter Chrystie. They were together for 19 years.

In 1985 he went on to marry Deanna Grughlin.

Finally, he was a husband to his manager, Linda Dotson.

Quick facts about the 'Rawhide' star:

• Is the voice behind popular sound effect "Wilhelm Scream", used in films like 'Toy Story', 'Indiana Jones' and 'Reservoir Dogs'
• Released a total of 18 albums between 1956 and 1973
• Wrote the theme song for the series 'Hee Haw'
• Used to perform as "Ben Colder"
• His portrayal of "Harry" in 'Purple People Eater' marked his final film role in 1988

Sheb Wooley passed away on September 16, 2003 following a seven-year battle with leukemia. 

He died at age 82 at Nashville, Tennessee's Skyline Medical Center, four years after retiring from the spotlight. 

The 'Rawhide' actor was entombed in Tennessee's Hendersonville Memory Gardens.