Quite apart from receiving the Purple Heart, The Bronze Star and The Combat Infantryman Badge in World War II, he was Marshall Dillion on Gunsmoke. Dude was a BADASS.
Yes - he was a 24 time all-star selection, compiled 3630 hits, and is widely considered the best left fielder of all time, and is in the Hall of Fame. But for OUR money, the fact that he played the harmonica on Hee Haw in 1994 AND made an album of harmonica songs? THAT is what makes someone famous.
(d) January 19th, 2013