BORN

1928

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills

6300 Forest Lawn Drive

Los Angeles, California

Buddy VanHorn Obituary

August 1928 - May 2021 Wayne (Buddy) Van Horn passed away on May 11, 2021 at the age of 92. Buddy worked as a professional horseman, stuntman, actor, stunt coordinator, and film director during his 60+ year career working in TV, movies and on stage. He was a Charter member of the Stuntmens Association where he made lifelong friends.Buddy was born on the back lot of Universal Studios in Universal City, California where his father worked as a veterinarian for the studio's horses & large animals. He began riding at a young age and liked to tell stories about riding his pony for miles in the undeveloped valleys and canyons surrounding North Hollywood. Like the rest of his family, Buddy became a skilled horseman at an early age and those skills served him well during his early TV and movie career.Buddy earned his way into the business by working as a movie extra riding horses. When he was 21 and working on his second movie he was handed his draft notice while sitting on the back of a horse. He served in the US Army for 2 years in Germany during the Cold War then returned to the states and continued working in the TV and film business in the early 1950s.A highlight of Buddys early career was his role as Guy William's stunt double in Walt Disney's Zorro TV series (1957-1958). It allowed Buddy to use his fencing and equestrian skills during all 39 episodes. The 1960s brought additional stunt double roles with well know leading men including Gregory Peck, Jimmy Stewart & Lee Marvin. In 1967 Buddy began working with Clint Eastwood as his stunt double. Buddy worked with Clint and the Malpaso Team on more than 30 movies over the next 44 years. He really enjoyed being a part of the Malpaso family where he worked as a stuntman, stunt coordinator and director. Buddy was thankful for all the opportunities & memories made at Malpaso Productions.Buddy had a passion for both horses and golf. His love of golf started in the 1950's and he was an excellent player, although I'm sure he'd argue that.Buddy is survived by his wife Konne, two daughters Erika and Jennifer; and five grandchildren, Morgan, Cade, Hayden, Cole, and Landon.A private family service was held at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills

Published by Los Angeles Times on May 30, 2021.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Buddy VanHorn

Sponsored by Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills.

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Buddy VanHorn's name

Memorial Events
for Buddy VanHorn

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills

6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068

How to support Buddy's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Buddy VanHorn's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more