Faydean Taylor Tharp: Hollywood’s Private Legacy

Faydean Taylor Tharp was the daughter of western actor Dub Taylor and sister of Gunsmoke star Buck Taylor. Born in 1931 in Los Angeles, she lived privately away from Hollywood’s spotlight until her death in 2002.

Hollywood families usually grab headlines. Fame follows fame. But what happens when someone born into stardom chooses the opposite path?

Faydean Taylor Tharp was the daughter of western actor Dub Taylor and sister of Buck Taylor, who played Deputy Newly O’Brien on Gunsmoke. While her father appeared in over 500 films and her brother became a television icon, Faydean deliberately stayed behind the scenes. Her story offers a rare glimpse into what it means to choose personal peace over public recognition.

What You’ll Learn: This article explores Faydean Taylor Tharp’s life, her famous family connections, her decision to avoid the spotlight, and the values she passed to the next generation. You’ll understand why privacy mattered more to her than fame.

Who Was Faydean Taylor Tharp?

Faydean was born on September 2, 1931, in Los Angeles, California. Her father, Walter Clarence “Dub” Taylor Jr., was a character actor who worked extensively in films and television from the 1940s into the 1990s. Her mother was Florence Heffernan.

Growing up in Los Angeles during Hollywood’s golden age gave Faydean a front-row seat to the entertainment industry. She watched her father build a career playing memorable supporting roles in westerns and comedies. Dub Taylor became known for his trademark bowler hat and distinctive voice, appearing in classics like “Bonnie and Clyde” and “The Wild Bunch.”

Despite this immersion in showbiz, Faydean chose a different direction. She never pursued acting. She avoided interviews. She protected her personal life with determination that seems almost impossible for someone connected to Hollywood royalty.

Her Parents and Upbringing

Faydean’s parents were Walter Taylor and Florence Heffernan. Dub Taylor married Florence, and they built a stable family life despite his demanding career. The couple had two children: Buck Taylor and Faydean Taylor Tharp.

The Taylor household wasn’t typical. Film scripts, industry gossip, and celebrity visitors were normal. Yet Faydean’s parents maintained grounded values. They taught their children that fame was work, not identity.

The Taylor Family Acting Dynasty

The Taylor family left a significant mark on American entertainment. Understanding this legacy helps explain why Faydean’s choice to step away was so unusual.

Dub Taylor’s Career

Dub Taylor made his film debut in 1938 in Frank Capra’s “You Can’t Take It with You”. He secured the role because he could play the xylophone. In 1939, he originated the character Cannonball, a role he played for the next 10 years in more than 50 films.

His career spanned six decades. He played comic sidekicks, grizzled cowboys, cantankerous cooks, and drunken doctors. Directors loved his authenticity. Audiences recognized him instantly, even if they didn’t know his name. Taylor’s last film role was in “Maverick” (1994), released the same year he passed away.

Buck Taylor’s Success

Faydean’s younger brother Buck followed their father into acting. Buck Taylor was born on May 13, 1938 in Hollywood, California. He became famous for playing Deputy Newly O’Brien on CBS’s long-running series Gunsmoke.

Buck didn’t just act. He also became an accomplished painter, showing the artistic talent ran deep in the Taylor bloodline. Buck and Dub both appeared together in the 1991 Turner Network Television film “Conagher”, creating a rare father-son collaboration.

Faydean Taylor Tharp’s Life Choices

While her family embraced the spotlight, Faydean made a conscious decision to live differently.

Marriage and Privacy

Faydean married someone whose identity remains unknown to the public. Even decades after her death, researchers cannot confirm who her husband was. This level of secrecy is extraordinary for anyone connected to Hollywood.

She guarded her private life fiercely. No wedding announcements appeared in papers. No photos surfaced at industry events. She and her husband built their life away from cameras and reporters.

Her Son Walter Tac Tharp

Faydean had one son named Walter Tac Tharp, who grew up to become a licensed real estate salesperson. She supported his choice to pursue a career completely outside the entertainment industry.

Walter grew up knowing his grandfather and uncle were famous, but his mother ensured he had a normal childhood. Dub Taylor was particularly close to his grandson, Walter Tac Tharp, showing that family bonds remained strong despite Faydean’s preference for privacy.

Faydean took pride in Walter’s real estate career. She believed success didn’t require fame. This philosophy guided how she raised him.

Why Choose Privacy Over Fame?

Reason	Impact
Personal values	Maintained authentic relationships without public scrutiny
Family stability	Protected her son from Hollywood pressures
Mental health	Avoided stress of constant public attention
Independence	Built identity separate from famous relatives

Many people born into famous families struggle with their identity. They feel pressure to match or exceed their relatives’ achievements. Faydean rejected this entirely. She understood something crucial: fame isn’t mandatory just because you’re related to someone famous.

Her choice demonstrated wisdom. Hollywood can be toxic. The constant scrutiny, invasion of privacy, and pressure to maintain appearances takes a psychological toll. Faydean saw this firsthand through her father and brother.

She chose mental peace. She chose real relationships over industry connections. She chose to be known for who she was, not whose daughter or sister she was.

Life in California Away From Hollywood

Faydean lived most of her life in California, but she stayed away from Hollywood’s social circles. California offered enough distance from the industry while keeping her geographically close to family.

She built a quiet life. She raised her son. She supported her family members’ careers from behind the scenes. She attended private family gatherings but skipped red carpets and premieres.

Census records place her in Los Angeles during her childhood and early adulthood. The 1940 census shows her living in Los Angeles at age 8-9, and the 1950 census confirms she was still in Los Angeles. This suggests she never moved far from her roots, even as she carved out her private existence.

Her Relationship With Her Famous Family

Supporting Dub Taylor’s Career

Faydean watched her father work well into his eighties. Dub Taylor died of a heart attack on October 3, 1994 in Los Angeles. He remained active in film until the end.

She provided emotional support without seeking credit. When Dub needed family encouragement, Faydean was there. She understood his craft even if she didn’t want to pursue it herself.

Connection With Buck Taylor

Brothers and sisters often compete, especially in show business families. But Faydean and Buck maintained a supportive relationship. She cheered his success on Gunsmoke without jealousy or regret about her own choices.

Buck respected her privacy. He rarely discussed her in interviews. This mutual respect strengthened their bond.

The Final Years and Death

Faydean passed away on July 15, 2002, in California at the age of 70. She had outlived her famous father by eight years.

Her death went largely unreported in entertainment media. No obituaries appeared in major newspapers. This final privacy was exactly what she would have wanted. She lived quietly and left quietly.

Her memorial page lists burial details as unknown, suggesting even her final resting place remains private. This consistency in protecting her personal life extended beyond death.

Lessons From Faydean Taylor Tharp’s Life

Faydean’s story teaches valuable lessons about identity, choice, and values:

You don’t owe anyone a specific life path. Being born into fame doesn’t obligate you to seek it. Faydean proved you can honor your family while choosing your own direction.

Privacy is valuable. In an era of social media oversharing, Faydean’s commitment to privacy seems almost revolutionary. She understood that not everything needs to be public.

Success has many definitions. Faydean defined success as raising a good son and maintaining authentic relationships. She didn’t need awards or recognition to feel fulfilled.

Family support doesn’t require the spotlight. You can love and support famous relatives without becoming famous yourself. Faydean showed that being present matters more than being seen.

FAQs About Faydean Taylor Tharp

Who was Faydean Taylor Tharp’s father?

Dub Taylor, a legendary western actor who appeared in over 500 films during his six-decade career.

Did Faydean Taylor Tharp have any children?

Yes, she had one son named Walter Tac Tharp who became a real estate salesperson.

Was Faydean Taylor Tharp an actress?

No, unlike her father and brother, she never pursued acting and chose privacy over publicity.

How is Faydean Taylor Tharp related to Buck Taylor?

Buck Taylor was her younger brother who played Deputy Newly O’Brien on Gunsmoke.

When did Faydean Taylor Tharp die?

She died on July 15, 2002, at age 70 in California.

Conclusion

Faydean Taylor Tharp lived on her own terms. While Hollywood celebrated her father and brother, she built a life centered on family, privacy, and personal values. Her deliberate choice to avoid the spotlight makes her story unique among Hollywood families.

In a world that often equates visibility with value, Faydean proved otherwise. She showed that meaningful lives happen away from cameras. Her legacy isn’t in film credits or award shows but in the quiet dignity she maintained throughout her 70 years. That might be the most authentic performance of all.