Buddy VanHorn

1928 - 2021

August 1928 - May 2021 Wayne (Buddy) Van Horn passed away on May 11, 2021 at the age of 92. Buddy worked as a professional horseman, stuntman, actor, stunt coordinator, and film director during his 60+ year career working in TV, movies and on stage. He was a Charter member of the Stuntmens Association where he made lifelong friends.Buddy was born on the back lot of Universal Studios in Universal City, California where his father worked as a veterinarian for the studio's horses & large animals. He began riding at a young age and liked to tell stories about riding his pony for miles in the undeveloped valleys and canyons surrounding North Hollywood. Like the rest of his family, Buddy became a skilled horseman at an early age and those skills served him well during his early TV and movie career.Buddy earned his way into the business by working as a movie extra riding horses. When he was 21 and working on his second movie he was handed his draft notice while sitting on the back of a horse. He served in the US Army for 2 years in Germany during the Cold War then returned to the states and continued working in the TV and film business in the early 1950s.A highlight of Buddys early career was his role as Guy William's stunt double in Walt Disney's Zorro TV series (1957-1958). It allowed Buddy to use his fencing and equestrian skills during all 39 episodes. The 1960s brought additional stunt double roles with well know leading men including Gregory Peck, Jimmy Stewart & Lee Marvin. In 1967 Buddy began working with Clint Eastwood as his stunt double. Buddy worked with Clint and the Malpaso Team on more than 30 movies over the next 44 years. He really enjoyed being a part of the Malpaso family where he worked as a stuntman, stunt coordinator and director. Buddy was thankful for all the opportunities & memories made at Malpaso Productions.Buddy had a passion for both horses and golf. His love of golf started in the 1950's and he was an excellent player, although I'm sure he'd argue that.Buddy is survived by his wife Konne, two daughters Erika and Jennifer; and five grandchildren, Morgan, Cade, Hayden, Cole, and Landon.A private family service was held at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills