Actor and specialist horse stuntman Bobby Hoy, best known for his role as Joe Butler in the western series, The High Chaparral, has died, aged 82.
Hoy had a natural affinity for horses and specialised in stunts involving them, but he also worked in fight scenes, with cars and performed high falls.
His acting career began in the 1950s. He has acted as a double for such greats as Tyrone Power, Tony Curtis and Lee Marvin.
From 1949 to 2005, he either acted or carried out stunts in more than 150 films or television series.
However, he was best known for his role as the endearing and faithful ranch hand Joe Butler in the highly successful western, The High Chaparral.
He was born in New York City and rode horses regularly from the age of seven on a ranch in the Catskill Mountains. He later worked part-time there until he enlisted, at the age of 18, as a marine late in 1944.
A website devoted to Hoy said he acted in more than 67 movies and 75 television shows.
He performed with such actors as Clint Eastwood, Cary Grant, Gene Hackman and Goldie Hawn.
Following his discharge from military service in 1946, he worked as a cowboy on a Nevada ranch.
His first film work was in a movie called "Ambush" in 1949, in which he jumped horses over high fences and performed saddle falls.
He also co-founded The Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures and was a life member.
Hoy received the Golden Boot award for his contribution to the western genre.
He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Kiva, and his son, Christopher.
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