Trigger was a beloved horse that achieved fame in the television and motion picture industry in the 1940s and 1950s. He was the faithful companion of Roy Rogers and appeared in over 100 films and television shows alongside him. Trigger was renowned for his intelligence, his ability to perform stunts, and his willingness to work with people. Unfortunately, Trigger passed away in 1965, but the legacy he left behind still lives on. In this article, we are going to explore the life and death of Trigger, and answer the question: How old was Trigger when he died?
Early Life and Career of Trigger
Trigger was born in 1934 on a ranch in San Diego, California. His original name was Golden Cloud, and he was a Palomino, a breed of horse known for its golden coat and white mane and tail. He was trained as a trick horse and by the time he was 4 years old, he was already performing in rodeos and film productions.
In 1938, Roy Rogers, a popular singer and actor, purchased Trigger from the ranch for $2,500. Roy and Trigger formed an immediate bond and Trigger soon became Roy’s faithful sidekick. Together, they appeared in over 100 films and television shows, and Trigger quickly became a star in his own right.
Trigger’s Notable Film and Television Roles
Trigger was best known for his roles in the The Roy Rogers Show and in the The Adventures of Spin and Marty. He was also cast in several movies, including My Pal Trigger and Son of Paleface. Trigger had a remarkable ability to perform stunts and could even “act”. He was known for his intelligence and willingness to work with people, traits that made him a favorite of directors and audiences alike.
The Death of Trigger
In 1965, Trigger passed away at the age of 31. Roy Rogers was devastated by the loss and announced Trigger’s death in a press conference. He said, “My horse Trigger, my pal, is gone. I loved him like a brother and I will miss him as long as I live.”
Cause of Death
The cause of Trigger’s death is unknown, but it is believed that he died of natural causes. He had been in declining health for several years and had been retired from show business for a number of years.
Legacy of Trigger
Despite his death, Trigger’s legacy lives on. He has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, numerous books and films have been made about him, and there is even a life-sized statue of him in Branson, Missouri.
Trigger’s Stunt Double
Trigger was so beloved that he even had a stunt double! His stunt double was a horse named White Cloud, who was a bit smaller than Trigger and had a white mane and tail. White Cloud was trained to do many of Trigger’s stunts, so that Trigger would not have to put too much strain on his body.
Trigger’s Progeny
Trigger was not only beloved by Roy Rogers, but also by the public. He was so popular that he was bred multiple times in order to create more horses with his intelligence and looks. He had three offspring: Little Trigger, Trigger Junior, and Trigger Jr.
Trigger Today
Today, Trigger is still remembered as one of the most iconic horses in Hollywood history. His image is still seen in films, television, and books, and his legacy lives on.
Conclusion
Trigger was an iconic horse who achieved fame in the 1940s and 1950s. He was beloved by Roy Rogers and the public alike, and was known for his intelligence and willingness to work with people. Sadly, Trigger passed away in 1965 at the age of 31. His legacy lives on, and his memory is still cherished by many.