born Sept. 29, 1907, Tioga, Texas, U.S.
died Oct. 2, 1998, North Hollywood, Calif.
U.S. actor and singer.
He made his debut on a local radio show in 1928, hosting his own radio program from 1931. His first film, In Old Santa Fe (1934), launched his career as a cowboy actor. Known as "the Singing Cowboy," he starred in 18 movies, ending with Alias Jesse James (1959). His recordings, including "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1949), sold millions of copies. The televised Gene Autry Show ran from 1950 to 1954.