Our beautiful, wonderful Peggy Stewart, “The Queen of the Bees,” passed away on May 29. We will all miss her, especially my niece Julie Pomilia and her husband Gino. Over the past many years, they spent most Monday nights with Peggy watching movies.
Peggy was born Margaret “Peggy” O’Rourke on June 5, 1923 in West Palm Beach, FL. While in her teens, she moved to Los Angeles to live with her grandmother. Peggy was already an accomplished horsewoman when she made her screen debut at 14, playing the daughter of Joel McCrea and, his real off-screen wife, Frances Dee (what a way to start her career), in 1937’s “Wells Fargo.” Her debut was quickly followed by 12 more films between 1937 and 1943 when she signed a contract with Republic Pictures.
While at Republic, Peggy worked in a lot of Western and several serials (32), including the Western “Utah” which starred my folks, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
Peggy with Roy and Dale
It was while at Republic that Peggy was given the title, Queen of the Bees” as she co-starred with most of the Western actors then under contract with Republic and later (she left Republic in 1947) with Columbia. Between 1947 and 1952 Peggy co-starred in another 12 films. She also appeared with Allan “Rocky” Lane and Wild Bill Elliott in numerous parades, rodeos and state fairs around the USA.
In the early 1950’s, Peggy made the transition from movies to the small screen. She was such a fine actress that she was in great demand and she worked on over 80 different series and 8 made-for-TV films!!!
Peggy also continued to be active in films from the 60’s through 1981 (27 films). She later appeared in “Hollywood, It’s a Dog’s Life” (2004), “The Runaways” (2010), “Dadgum, Texas” (2011) and she played Adam Sandler’s Grandmother in “That’s My Boy” (2012).
Peggy in “That’s My Boy”
This last picture is how I will always think of Peggy, laughing and smiling with joy.
She was a great favorite with the fans attending Western and Film Festivals around the country, especially at Williamsburg, VA and Lone Pine, CA. She always had time to visit and to share stories about their favorite cowboy heroes.
She was a great lady, who led a productive and incredible life. All of us who were privileged to know her are feeling our loss.
Click here to see a wonderful interview visit with Peggy
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Are there any trusted vendors, stores or online sites that I could purchase Roy and Dale items, such as t-shirts, coffee mugs
etc. that I could buy?
Everywhere I look, it’s always John Wayne.
Author
eBay sometimes has items but I don’t know of anyone with a current license. Have you gone to the Roy Rogers website?
Cheryl: It was wonderful to hear from you. I am sorry to hear about Peggy Stewart. It makes me wonder why I am still here when so many wonderful people are gone. I hope all is well with you and your family and that you have had a wonderful summer. You bring back great memories of the Eilers family and the Bible Classes we used to attend. My condolence to everyone at Peggy’s passing. God Bless and Keep You.
Happy Saturday
jkl
Author
Hi Keith, so glad to hear that you’re still around. Are you still in the Chico area?
Larry and I are doing fine, just getting older but, as my dear old dad used to say, “It’s good to be on this side of the grass!”
Stay well, my friend. Cheryl
Wonderful I interview Cheryl. Peggy was so well spoken and her memory of all her career things and anecdotes. Pure joy to listen to. Out of the park Cheryl and thank you so much.
Another note. Will you be writing another book? I have the first two Cowboy Princess. Would love another. Thank you. Joyce Ann
Author
So glad you enjoyed the interview. Peggy was a remarkable lady.
Don’t think I have another book in me but I am currently trying to update the first book and hope to turn both of my books into eBooks. Cheryl
I know this actress because “Utah” is one of my very favorite Roy and Dale movies, and I have always been jealous of her scenes with that handsome Bob Nolan!
It is good to know she had such a long and beautiful and creative life, and I hope her loved ones find some comfort in that as time goes on. God bless you and yours Ms Cheryl.