Cast of ‘Blazing Saddles': A Look at the Stars of Mel Brooks' Hilarious Western

The 1974 Western satirical masterpiece Blazing Saddles, directed by the legendary Mel Brooks, not only pushed the boundaries of humor but also challenged prevailing social norms, making it one of the most iconic and influential movies of its time.

Set in the fictional town of Rock Ridge in the American Old West, Blazing Saddles tells the story of conniving Attorney General Hedley Lamarr (portrayed by Harvey Korman), who devises a plan to drive the townsfolk away to make room for a new railroad.

To achieve his nefarious goal, Lamarr appoints a Black railroad worker named Bart (played by Cleavon Little) as the new sheriff, anticipating that the racist townspeople will reject him. However, Bart quickly wins over the townsfolk with his charm, intelligence and quick wit, enlisting the help of the drunken gunslinger Jim (Gene Wilder) to thwart Lamarr’s plans and save Rock Ridge.

Blazing Saddles was the brainchild of Mel Brooks, a comedic genius known for his irreverent humor and boundary-pushing satire. Brooks, along with co-writer Richard Pryor, crafted a script that was equal parts hilarious and thought-provoking, blending slapstick comedy with sharp social commentary.

Gene Wilder as Jim and Cleavon Little as Bart in Blazing Saddles (1974)

Gene Wilder as Jim and Cleavon Little as Bart in Blazing Saddles (1974)

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Produced by Michael Hertzberg, Blazing Saddles faced numerous challenges during production, including studio skepticism about its provocative content and budget constraints. However, Brooks’ vision and the stellar ensemble cast helped overcome these obstacles, resulting in a film that defied expectations and became a cultural phenomenon.

Critical acclaim and commercial success both met Blazing Saddles upon its release. The film drew in audiences with irreverent humor, memorable characters and fearless exploration of taboo subjects such as racism and bigotry.

Despite initial concerns about the controversial content, the film struck a chord with viewers, earning widespread praise for boldness and originality.

Mel Brooks as Governor William J. Le Petomane and Robyn Hilton as Miss Stein in Blazing Saddles (1974)

Mel Brooks as Governor William J. Le Petomane and Robyn Hilton as Miss Stein in Blazing Saddles (1974)

moviestillsdb.com/Warner Bros.

Over the years, Blazing Saddles has attained cult status and is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedies ever made. Its influence can be seen in countless films and television shows that have followed, with its legacy enduring as a testament to the power of comedy to provoke thought and challenge conventions.

Here, we look at the cast of Blazing Saddles.

Cleavon Little as Bart 

Cleavon Little as Bart

1974/1989

moviestillsdb.com/Warner Bros; moviestillsdb.com/Universal Pictures

Born on June 1, 1939, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Cleavon Little played the role of Bart, a quick-witted black railroad worker who becomes the sheriff of Rock Ridge.

Surprisingly, Little got the role over Richard Pryor, who co-wrote the script. Studio executives were apparently nervous over Pryor’s reputation as a racy comedian and thought Little would be a safer choice.

Little got his start on Broadway and in 1970, he starred in the production of Purlie, which earned him a Tony Award. Next came his leading role as Dr. Jerry Noland on the ABC show Temperatures Rising (1972–1974).

After Blazing Saddles, he was a regular on several TV shows including Bagdad Café and True Colors. Tragically, he died in 1992 from colon cancer. He was only 53.

Gene Wilder as Jim: Blazing Saddles cast

Gene Wilder in Blazing Saddles (1974) and then in 2013

1974/2013

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Gene Wilder Wilder, born June 11, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, first gained recognition for his roles in The Producers (1967) and his starring role in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971).

The same year he appeared in Blazing Saddles as Jim, a drunken gunslinger who befriends Bart and helps him save Rock Ridge, he starred in another Mel Brooks film, Young Frankenstein. He followed by buddying up with Richard Pryor in three movies: the 1980 hit Stir Crazy, in which they played a hapless pair jailed for a crime they didn’t commit, as well as See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989) and Another You (1991).

In 1994 he starred in the TV series Something Wilder.  In 2005, he published his memoir Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search for Love and Art.

He died on August 29, 2016. He was 83.

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Harvey Korman as Attorney General Hedley Lamarr 

Harvey Korman in ‘Blazing Saddles’ and then in 2005 at the 3rd Annual TV Land Awards on March 13, 2005 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.

1974/2005

moviestillsdb.com/Warner Bros.; Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty

Korman was best known for his work on The Carol Burnett Show, where he showcased his comedic talents.

Born on February 15, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois, Harvey Korman palyed the role of Attorney General Hedley Lamarr, the scheming villain behind the plot to destroy Rock Ridge.

After Blazing Saddles he starred in his own sitcom The Harvey Korman Show (1980) and then went on to star in Mama’s Family (1983–1984). He also starred in several other comedy films by Mel Brooks including High Anxiety (1977) and History of the World, Part 1 (1981).

His other notable films include Herbie Goes Bananas (1980), Trail of the Pink Panther (1982), and Curse of the Pink Panther (1983). At the end of his career, he was known for his voice work on animated series.

He passed away in 2008 at the age of 81.

Madeline Kahn as Lili Von Shtupp: Blazing Saddles cast

Madeline Kahn in ‘Blazing Saddles’ and then in 1988 at the American Comedy Awards in Los Angeles, California

1974/1988

moviestillsdb.com/Warner Bros.; Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc/Getty

Born on September 29, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts, Madeline Kahn played the role of Lili Von Shtupp, a sultry saloon singer who seduces Bart as part of Lamarr’s plan.

Kahn garnered her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role opposite Ryan O’Neal in Paper Moon (1973). The following year she was nominated again for her role in Blazing Saddles (1974). She continued to act in films like Young Frankenstein (1974) and Clue (1985). In 1998, she lent her voice to the character of Gypsy in A Bug’s Life.

She died of cancer on December 3, 1999. She was only 57.

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Slim Pickens as Taggart

Slim Pickens of Circa 1970s and 1980s

Circa1970s/Circa 1980s

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty; Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch/Getty

Born Louis Burton Lindley Jr.  (he took the stage name Slim Pickens) on June 29, 1919, in Kingsburg, California, Pickens played the role of Taggart, Lamarr’s dim-witted henchman who helps carry out his plans.

A rodeo performer and actor, Pickens showcased his skills mainly playing cowboy roles. He starred in One-Eyed Jacks (with Marlon Brando) in 1961, Dr. Strangelove in 1962, and The Cowboys in 1972.

After Blazing Saddles, he continued to act. He played the evil, limping bank robber in Walt Disney’s The Apple Dumpling Gang and the role of twisted Sheriff Orville in the exploitation cult classic Poor Pretty Eddie. He also provided the voice of B.O.B. in the 1979 Disney science-fiction thriller The Black Hole.

He passed away on December 8, 1983 from a brain tumor. He was 64.

Dom DeLuise as Buddy: Blazing Saddles cast 

Actor Dom DeLuise DeLuise of poses for a portrait in April 1976; again in 2011

1976/2011

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty; Michael Tran Archive/Getty

Born on August 1, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, Dom DeLuise played the role of Buddy, Lamarr’s eccentric and bumbling henchman.

In the 1970s and 1980s, he often co-starred with his real-life friend Burt Reynolds. Together they appeared in the films The Cannonball Run and Cannonball Run II, Smokey and the Bandit II, The End, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

DeLuise was the host of the television show Candid Camera from 1991 to 1992. He also appeared in the TV series Burke’s Law. He also did plenty of voice work including All Dogs Go to Heaven and Spaceballs: The Animated Series.

DeLuise passed away on May 4, 2009. He was 75.

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