Archives

Contribute to Our Research

Betty Taylor, 1919-2011

At times, the workings of the cosmos are so peculiar as to be completely inscrutable. And so it is that Betty Taylor, who brought Slue Foot Sue to life for thirty years at Disneyland’s Golden Horseshoe Jamboree, passed away within a single day of her fellow performer of over 40,000 shows, Wally Boag.

Taylor debuted at Disneyland in 1956, and performed there five days a week until her retirement in 1986 (Boag having retired in 1982). Her more than 45,000 performances helped make the Golden Horseshoe Jamboree not only a legendary Disneyland experience, but also the most-performed stage show of all time.

I suppose it’s strange to view the passing of two individuals who lived such long and rich lives as tragic, but one can’t help but to feel that way when two very unique and special people have passed out of this world.

Again, perhaps its best to let Betty’s work speak for itself. Her she is in 1962, performing her signature number, Bill Bailey.

I have one question, though – how many of you fellows who grew up out California way also grew up nursing a crush for Ms. Taylor? I have a feeling that quite a few of you did…

Related Posts...

4 comments to Betty Taylor, 1919-2011

  • I believe the record is for the 45,000 performances, not longest run. Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap opened in the West End of London in 1952, and has been running continuously since then. However it has only reached about 24,000 performances so far.

  • AHA… excellent point, and I shall correct. Thanks!

  • RO93461

    Wow. Betty was so MGM and so 40’s. Solid professional performer. I always loved watching her roam the room with the heart shaped mirror and strain the sound system with her high notes. I worked behind the theater so we always comp’ the cast free coffee and stuff. Always so nice. We will miss the Divine Miss T of the Horseshoe.

  • wokcreative

    Unbelievable that they both went, so close together. Very strange that it happened that way. Both will be greatly missed. It is nice to already see a few great tributes to her.

Leave a Reply to MichaelCancel reply