Faydean Taylor Tharp – “Dub Taylor’s Daughter”

Faydean Taylor Tharp was the daughter of American character actor Dub Taylor and sister to actor Buck Taylor. Born in 1931 in Los Angeles, she lived a life connected to Hollywood but largely out of the spotlight. This article explores Faydean’s family background, her relationships, and her place in the Taylor family legacy.

Early Life and Family Background

Faydean Taylor Tharp entered the world on September 2, 1931, in Los Angeles County, California. She was born into a family that would soon become well-known in the entertainment industry, though Faydean herself chose a more private path.

Parents

Faydean’s parents were Walter Clarence Taylor Jr., better known as Dub Taylor, and Florence Gertrude Heffernan. Dub Taylor was a character actor who made his mark in Hollywood, particularly in Westerns, from the 1940s through the 1990s.

Dub Taylor’s career began in vaudeville, where he honed his skills as a performer. He made his film debut in 1938 in Frank Capra’s “You Can’t Take It with You.” It was his ability to play the xylophone that initially landed him the role, a skill he would continue to showcase throughout his career.

Florence Heffernan, Faydean’s mother, supported her husband’s career while raising their children. Though less is known about her, she undoubtedly played a crucial role in maintaining the family unit as Dub’s career in Hollywood flourished.

Siblings

Faydean wasn’t an only child. She had a younger brother named Walter Clarence Taylor III, better known as Buck Taylor. Born in 1938, Buck would follow in his father’s footsteps and become an actor himself.

Buck Taylor is perhaps best known for his role as gunsmith-turned-deputy Newly O’Brian in the long-running CBS television series “Gunsmoke.” He appeared in numerous Western films and TV shows throughout his career, carrying on the family’s connection to the genre.

Personal Life

While Faydean’s father and brother found fame in front of the camera, she chose a more private life. Information about her personal life is limited, but we do know a few key details.

Marriage and Children

Faydean married, though the exact date is unclear. Her husband’s name was Gordon E. Tharp. Together, they had at least one child, a son named Walter Tac Tharp.

Residence

Like many members of her family, Faydean spent much of her life in California. However, specific details about where she lived throughout her life are not widely available.

Family Connections

Despite choosing a life away from the limelight, Faydean remained an important part of the Taylor family tapestry.

Relationship with Buck Taylor

Faydean and her brother Buck shared the unique experience of growing up as the children of a Hollywood actor. While Buck followed their father into show business, Faydean’s choice of a more private life likely provided a grounding influence for the family.

Connection to Dub Taylor’s Career

Though Faydean didn’t pursue an acting career herself, she was undoubtedly influenced by her father’s work in Hollywood. Dub Taylor’s long and varied career, which spanned from the late 1930s until his death in 1994, meant that Faydean grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry.

Dub Taylor appeared in numerous classic films and TV shows, including “Bonnie and Clyde,” “The Wild Bunch,” and “The Getaway.” He often played character roles, particularly in Westerns, becoming a familiar face to moviegoers and TV viewers alike.

Notable Life Events

While Faydean’s life was less public than that of her father and brother, there are still some notable events we can highlight.

1. Birth and Early Years

Faydean’s birth in 1931 came at an interesting time. The Great Depression was in full swing, and Hollywood was transitioning from silent films to “talkies.” Her early years would have been shaped by these larger societal events, as well as her father’s burgeoning career in the entertainment industry.

2. Father’s Rising Fame

As Faydean grew up, her father’s career in Hollywood took off. Dub Taylor’s versatility as an actor meant he was in high demand, appearing in numerous films and TV shows throughout the 1940s and 1950s. This rising fame likely had a significant impact on Faydean’s childhood and teenage years.

3. Brother’s Acting Career

In the 1960s, Faydean’s younger brother Buck began his own acting career. His role in “Gunsmoke,” which started in 1967, would have been a major event for the family. While Faydean chose a different path, she undoubtedly supported her brother’s success.

4. Marriage and Motherhood

Faydean’s marriage to Gordon E. Tharp and the birth of her son Walter were significant personal milestones. These events marked her transition into adulthood and her choice to build a life separate from the entertainment industry.

5. Father’s Later Career and Passing

Dub Taylor continued to act well into his later years, appearing in commercials and films into the 1990s. His passing in 1994 would have been a significant loss for Faydean and the entire Taylor family.

Legacy

Faydean Taylor Tharp passed away on July 15, 2002, at the age of 70. While she may not have sought the spotlight like her father and brother, her role in the Taylor family was no less important.

Family Historian

In many families, there’s often one person who takes on the role of keeper of family history and traditions. While we don’t have specific information, it’s possible that Faydean, with her more private lifestyle, may have played this crucial role for the Taylors.

Connection to Hollywood History

Through her father and brother, Faydean had a unique connection to Hollywood history. She witnessed firsthand the evolution of the entertainment industry from the Golden Age of Hollywood through the rise of television and beyond.

Preserving Privacy

In an era where the children of celebrities often become celebrities themselves, Faydean’s choice to lead a more private life is noteworthy. Her ability to maintain privacy while being connected to well-known public figures demonstrates a strength of character and a clear sense of personal boundaries.

Conclusion

Faydean Taylor Tharp’s life, while less public than that of her famous father and brother, was no less significant. She represents an important part of the Taylor family story – a reminder that behind every public figure, there’s a network of family members who support, ground, and shape them.

Born into a family that would become part of Hollywood royalty, Faydean chose a different path. Her life serves as a counterpoint to the glitz and glamour of show business, highlighting the value of privacy and family bonds.

While details about Faydean’s life may be scarce, her existence enriches our understanding of the Taylor family. She reminds us that every family, no matter how famous, is made up of individuals with their own unique stories and choices.

Faydean Taylor Tharp may not have sought the limelight, but her role in her family’s story is an important one. She represents the quiet strength that often exists behind the scenes, supporting and shaping the more visible members of a family. In remembering Faydean, we gain a more complete picture of the Taylor family and a deeper appreciation for the diverse roles people play within their families and communities.