Roy Rogers: The King of the Cowboys and His Trusty Sidekick Trigger

Roy Rogers was an American cowboy hero, beloved by many fans for his iconic role in early western films. He was born Leonard Slye, but his catchy stage name came from a combination of his stagecoach-driving character Roy and the surname of Will Rogers, his childhood idol.

Rogers eventually became one of the most famous cowboys in American history, known for his on-screen charm, musical talent and his trusty horse and best friend, Trigger. Trigger, a palomino stallion, was not just a horse, but a legend in his own right. He was so intelligent and obedient that Rogers was able to train him to perform an impressive repertoire of tricks, including counting, spelling, and even playing dead!

Together, Roy and Trigger formed an inseparable duo that captured the hearts of many fans. They appeared in over a hundred films, including the hit musical western “Under Western Stars” and the 1942 classic “Sunset Serenade”. In addition to his film and music career, Rogers also made appearances on television, hosting “The Roy Rogers Show” with his wife Dale Evans.

Rogers achieved an iconic status, with his face on lunch boxes, cereal boxes, and even a line of restaurants that bore his name. His popularity extended well beyond his cowboy hero image and performances, however, as his wholesome personality and charming smile captured the hearts of generations.

As a personality, Rogers was known for his generosity and kind-hearted nature. He was famously known for refusing to perform in any show that didn’t have air conditioning, lamenting the cruelty to animals that extreme heat could cause. He also loved a good laugh, and was known to be quite the prankster on set, earning him the affectionate nickname “the King of the Cowboys and Jesters of the Jesters”.

Sadly, both Roy Rogers and Trigger passed away, but their legacy lives on. Roy’s spirit of kindness and Trigger’s intelligence and wit continue to delight and entertain audiences to this day. And though Roy may have ridden off into the sunset, his legend as one of America’s all-time greatest cowboys will never fade away.