Willie Nelson’s Strange Way of Making Movies! Morgan Fairchild in RED HEADED STRANGER! NORTH & SOUTH

Glamorous Morgan Fairchild is a longtime friend of legendary musician/actor/author Willie Nelson. Morgan dazzled a roomful of friends and fans at The Autry Museum to recall the multiple requests from Willie for her to star with him in an adaptation of his hit song, RED HEADED STRANGER. However, the production kept getting delayed and Morgan was unsure all of the funds were in place. She signed on when she was assured all the monies were raised. But were they really? Once production began, with a script by LONESOME DOVE’S Bill Whitliff, who also signed on to direct, Willie would disappear between takes. Where would the fun-loving star go? Morgan shares her adventures with Willie and also of guest starring in John Jakes' All-Star epic miniseries of the American Civil War, "North and South." Morgan remembers flying to the Charleston location on a private jet with Elizabeth Taylor and of wearing the snug corsets! This is an expanded edition of an interview done Sept 2015.

[@billshute61]

I've always loved Morgan Fairchild's work, and she's also a fascinating and articulate person. She's done it all in her long career. Many thanks for this.

[@davepalmerton2429]

What a lovely lady and working with one of my favorites...Willie Nelson. Great interview with Morgan.

[@JoseRamos-kd9ig]

She's Beautiful ‼️ 💯 Awesome stories ‼️🙏👍👍✌️ I

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Jose

[@docbrown6550]

She is a beautiful Lady.

[@briangoldy8784]

Thanks Rob.........Morgan........My Crush. . Would have Loved to see her in that Corset, She Mentioned, ..........Beautiful Lady. Great Interview,,,,,,,,,

[@richardrosenthal9552]

Morgan Fairchild is an incredible woman with an incredible amount of talent. She is as beautiful today as she was back in the day. She is a wonderful story teller and tells all these stories about movies she has done and actors she has worked with on these movies. I truly enjoyed hearing about Willie Nelson and his movie and about North and South. Rob this type of interview video is always interesting, funny and helps us all to remember the movies and shows we all loved years ago. They also keep our western heritage alive.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Richard. Your comments are very much appreciated.

[@nerblebun]

Ms.Fairchild is one of the few Hollywood celebrities who didn't let fame & fortune go to her head. Treated everyone like they were old friends. Still a terrific Texas gal, and still a doll.

[@blinko656]

God has blessed her was ever lasting beauty. Not only that she is a great actress great sense of humor I love the stories thank you.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Couldn't agree more, blink. Thanks

[@subhashnamey5562]

I enjoy your popular show every week and learn actors names , of course Willie Nelson is a legend . Thank you so much.Watching from India Pune City.Jai Maharashtra.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Subhash. Glad you've become a regular.

[@Ken-dv9uf]

Rob, I absolutely love your Word On Westerns. Look forward to it each week. Been a follower for years. All I can say is that Morgan Fairchild is still absolutely stunning! ❤ Keep up the great videos!!! 👍

[@franksnyder1038]

My Sunday is better now.

[@elizabethbeckman1947]

What an engaging, gracious woman, a remarkable actress, Morgan Fairchild. Thank you for this in depth interview. I'm curious about Willie Nelson's film, and remember well the epic mini-series, "North and South."

[@ericthered760]

Great interview, Rob ! Morgan is both beautiful and a great story-teller. At the time "North and South" aired, I was taking night classes in Richmond, Virginia (one of the scene locales in the series). The series was so popular at the time that the instructor let the class out early enough for people to get home and watch it !! Morgan must've had a kick working with Willie -

[@LoneBullBBQ]

Great video Rob, I'm majorly jealous of you. I had a huge crush on Morgan when I was younger but this video changed my idea of who she was. I never realized she was from Texas and is so down to earth. With the parts she played and how she carried herself, I always thought she was from somewhere like Boston or the northeast. Noticed there was no wedding ring, think this Texan might have a shot? :D

[@JeffElkins]

I recently watched North and South (all series) for the first time. For me David Carradine was a standout as the sadistic Justin LaMotte, as was Terri Garber as the wicked Southern Belle, Ashton Main. However, What a lovely lady Ms. Fairchild is! Thanks again Rob!

[@mjemigh3304]

Thank you for another insightful chat!

[@raychambers3646]

Rob how could you not love her as usual you got the best out of your guest .As an aside they are running Hawkeye and the last of the Mohicans + The Lone Ranger both of there time .

[@arlineabdalian8974]

A truly enthralling interview. Morgan Fairchild is a highly underrated actress. Many thanks, Rob!

[@AceMoonshot]

She always seemed like she'd be fun to work with. And to interview.

[@arlineabdalian8974]

@@AceMoonshot You bet, Ace! A real talent she is.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Yes. Talented and fun!!

[@arlineabdalian8974]

@@AWordonWesterns Agreed, Rob. Many thanks again!

[@SmokeRingsPipeDreams]

Morgan Fairchild, the most beautiful woman in the world.

[@draginfly3000]

She is still beautiful.

[@DC8091]

She still looks good!

[@waynegilchrist1596]

You are twice right Rob, about Morgan Fairchild; one, she just doesn't age and is still so beautiful as years ago when I first started seeing her. Second, I too think of her as a Western star. Willie does have some strange ways of getting things done but he's been, "git en er dun" for a mighty long time.

[@georgejetson3702]

Morgan Fairchild is a national treasure. Thanks for posting!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Our pleasure, Geo. Thanks

[@waynestevenson9613]

Morgan is still delightful and beautiful!

[@scmrjim]

The best Willie Nelson western is "Barbarosa".

[@tectorgorch8698]

By far.

[@SmokeRingsPipeDreams]

I loved that one as well.

[@jimross7648]

As you stated Morgan Fairchild is a beautiful women, who was well known for playing a vixen in many productions. Didn't realize that she could tell her remembrances in such a humorous manner. She is still a vixen, but her story telling abilities make her a charmingly vivacious guest. As always, another great episode.

[@patrickfennell6372]

Remember meeting Willie in the 1980s after he did an outdoor concert in Boston Common. He wanted directions to the fun parts of Boston. He and his friends in the limo were friendly funny and offered us some weed. Don't meet entertainers like that often. He was truly a nice man and put on a great show.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks for sharing, Pat.

[@ronevans852]

All us guys love Morgan way back when one lovely wonderful woman in her pin up days. Wow, Wow.

[@djdiscoworm]

Dang ! She Looks Good !!!!!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Dang right, disco!

[@thomasallen3818]

I’ve known Willie since 1970, and have never known a more genuine person in my life. He’s as honest and loyal as the day is long, on top of being one of the most talented people around.

[@skelva100]

These stories are funny and Morgan put them so well.

[@wiseguymaybe]

I think Morgan is drinking from the same bottle of youth as you are Rob. I had almost forgotten about The Red Headed Stranger. As always great interview, thank you pardner.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, larry. Guess we've shared a nip or two.

[@wiseguymaybe]

@@AWordonWesterns 😄😄😆

[@gardensofthegods]

I have always really liked and admire Morgan Fairchild , very intelligent engaging woman . She looks great but she has had a lot of facial fillers and so much botox that nothing on her face is moving except her eyeballs and her mouth . It looks great at first or in a photo but actually is kind of unnatural looking when you compare it to people who don't get that kind of work done on their face . She's still beautiful and nothing on her face is exaggerated ... no huge lips , no eyebrows way up on the forehead , no Skeletor looking cheek plants ... But , with no disrespect , I really hope Morgan Fairchild will not get any more stuff done to her face and will stop while she's ahead . If she continues to get more she will have what they call pillow face ... that's when they end up having to get the material removed from their face because it is too puffy and sometimes it migrates down into the jowls .

[@wesmcgee1648]

Morgan Fairchild. That's the ticket! I had the opportunity to spend an hour with Willie back in the 90s. He was doing a concert on my police beat and I drove by. Willie was standing alone near his tour bus and I drove up, got out of my unit, and asked him what in the world was he doing standing there by himself. It turned out his road manager was to have some vips come out for an autograph session. The manager forgot about it! We had a great conversation. I jokingly asked Willie if I could look inside his bus. He declined, as I surmised the "atmosphere " inside would probably be rather pungent.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Ha, ha. You've got that right, Wes!

[@johnnewcomb534]

She started as a double for Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde in 67 or 68.An amazing genuine lady.Vrry gracious and down home type .Remember her in various roles and TV shows.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, John. I didn't know that.

[@brinsonopinion]

You would be hardpressed to find a more interesting, compelling, witty and innately glamorous interview than Morgan Fairchild, and this is no exception. Not everyone that beautiful has such a sharp sense of humor about themselves & life in general. Any opportunity to hear her speak is time well spent, congrats on this!

[@suev3339]

What an amazing actress I didn’t know by name. I remember watching North and South, didn’t realize based on books. If I read a book first I’m usually disappointed w/the film adaptation, but when I see a film I want to read the book to get the real story. Some more books for my list of “to read”. She was true to the era willing to wear the corset!

[@devilsden2283]

OMG!....That was one of the funniest interviews ever...love Willie....and what a stunningly beautiful lady Morgan is still!...I do declare, Texas seems to have some of the most beautiful ladies in this great Republic!...excellent post Rob, thank you for all you do sir!

[@ronh8199]

Morgan still looks good at 72.

[@thomasparnell1025]

Morgan Fairchild,What a Beautiful Lady( Still) & A Very entertaining interview for sure; Rob, As Usual, You've hit another Home Run!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Thomas

[@wmunny6799]

Fantastic! Great! What a lady she is! Thx, Mr. Rob Word!

[@spockboy]

Great interview. Morgan looks remarkable. Thanks for posting. : )

[@billlozier5551]

Morgan never sold out and is one beautiful woman inside & out. ..that said, her pin up poster is a classic!omg what a figure.

[@joeburns4294]

Fantastic interview. Morgan Fairchild looked fabulous and loved her stories.

[@frankpitochelli6786]

Wow, she is still as beautiful as ever..!! Good for here.

[@galencox4278]

Ms. Fairchild is still a beautiful woman. Just hope she didn't partake in Willie's other hobby, smoke'n. Hope Willie paid his taxes.

[@IanThaddiam]

Patsy Ann? Oh no no. She was destined to be Morgan. Patsy Ann could never wear that face. Beautiful, ageless and graceful. Enjoyed this a lot, Rob.

[@bjbarlow]

Morgan Fairchild as stunning as ever. Great work Rob.

[@jaketanner20001]

Morgan is still so beautiful and what great actress. Thanks Rob for keeping the West alive.

[@toinimoore3463]

I enjoy Morgan Very Much she’s a wonderful actress and so kind and Thanks to you also helps us all see how willing she is to work on projects that turn into wonderful movies and wants to wear entire fashions of the Civil War before and After , she is indeed talented!

[@thedolt9215]

As usual Rob, a wonderful presentation! LMAO!

[@paulkitt2376]

Thanks again Rob another great one. Willie was in another good western barborossa with Gary busey apparently director Fred schepshi had trouble getting Willie and Gary out of their trailers

[@desertfox3860]

Once again, top notch interview Rob! Thanks for sharing!

[@SSKing-iy8kr]

Yet another incredible interview. Sure didn't know they had to pick up dirt and lay it back down the next day. Folks still complained even though there was a boost in their local economy.

[@scottrackley4457]

One of the most beautiful women ever, up there with Elizabeth

[@luckychucky3426]

I think I fell in love with her she was really delightful to watch and to listen to and she's so beautiful

[@joansmith5870]

Wow, she still is gorgeous. I always enjoyed watching her in everything that she was in. Great interview. Thank you.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it, Joan. Thanks

[@docbrown6550]

Thank you for getting her to do your video. 👍

[@AWordonWesterns]

Our pleasure, Doc. Thanks

[@williambilyeu9801]

Very good interview, as usual, Rob! I remember Morgan Fairchild from a lot of shows. She still looks beautiful, maybe better than 50 years ago.

[@OdeeOz]

holy catfish Rob! Morgan is another ageless actress! How y'all do that? 👍👌👏

[@AWordonWesterns]

Moderation, walking & sunscreen, OD.

[@OdeeOz]

@@AWordonWesterns Oh golly ... 2 of those I never do. 1st & 3rd. LOL

[@jimd8008]

Very Nice Thank you again Rob

[@AWordonWesterns]

You bet, Jim

[@tomsmith5216]

Another homerun, Mr. Word. Morgan Fairchild is still a stunning looking lady, and your interview was like 2 old friends reminiscing.

[@nicoletanis3703]

Morgan Fairchild is very close to a Barbie Doll. She got a contagious smile. She is very talented and a classy actress. She looks great in Western. Thanks, Rob for this wonderful interview.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Nicole. She was lots of fun for me.

[@bobwallace1880]

My wife and I saw the Grand Opening at the Arboretum Theater in Austin. We sat right behind Willie and Morgan at the screening. Then attended Willie's concert at the Hotel next to the theatre. It was raining and we were running across the parking lot when one of Willie's guys stepped out of the bus and waved us in. Another couple was with us, he was our corporate lawyer, button downed and uptight. Willie immediately offered us a doobie that looked as big as a cigar! We declined. The concert was supposed to last 90 minutes but he played over 2 hours. A magical night for us.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Wow. What a memory, Bob. Thanks for sharing.

[@richb313]

Thanks Rob anytime you can get Willie Nelson and Morgan Fairchild in the same post you got me hooked.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, rich

[@jowalnut8822]

I didn't expected Morgan Fairchild to be so funny. Very entertaining to see the real person behind the professionnal vixen that she played so many times.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Jo. She was a nice surprise.

[@ChiefThundermoon]

Willie came to Visalia,Ca. once and he went golfing and the folks at the club could not believe he was there!! He signed my guitar after the show.

[@tomchaput1206]

Morgan was one of my teenage crushes when I first noticed her on a soap opera. So beautiful!

[@mickylawless1941]

Mr. Word, this was an absolute gem of an interview. Thank you to both you and Morgan Fairchild.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Micky

[@mickylawless1941]

@@AWordonWesterns Thought I would share an experience I had at the Gene Autry Museum back in the early 1990’s. My girlfriend of the time and I drove down to California from Montana, trailering a mare to be bred to a Doc O’Lena colt. We dropped off the mare and proceeded down to LA. Two mountain ranch folk headed to the big city. We dropped into the valley, on a packed, bumper to bumper freeway going 70 miles an hour. Up comes a group of Hell’s Angels racing past us between the lanes of what was already fast moving vehicles. So already we felt like fish out of water. Having settled in at our friends house, we decided one day to visit the Gene Autry Museum. I was a typical ranch cowboy from my area. I wore a Bozeman peak style hat, little round antique cowboy glasses, a very large reddish handlebar mustache, white western dress shirt with red silk jacquard wild rag around my neck, new wrangler jeans and cowboy packers by White Boot Company. I’m wondering around the exhibits, just enjoying everything. My girlfriend and our friend were quietly cracking up a little ways away from me. You see, my attire wasn’t exactly “city attire”. Actually, nothing about me was city. A group of museum attendees had started following me around, apparently thinking I was a museum attraction! I remember thinking how odd for these people to be following me around. It wasn’t until I saw my girlfriend laughing that I realized that the group thought I was some kind of live museum attraction. The three of us had a good laugh and then drove to Malibu Beach, had lunch at a Mexican restaurant, where I saw my first up close bikini thong out on the beach. My jaw dropped a wee bit too much, I must confess. Back then, Montana was probably 5-10 years behind the rest of the country. Easily 10-15 years behind California. …Anyway, thank you for keeping Western movies alive.

[@TheWartHawg]

That clip of Morgan in the river was pure magic.

[@mjemigh3304]

Rob- Just in case you are unaware of it, Nick Persoff has passed on. You may want to run the second part of your interview sometime soon. I last emailed him less than a month ago, and it wasn't like him to take this long to respond, so I was afraid something was not right. Wonderful guy. Obviously, at 102, his age was against him, but the news is still saddening.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, MJ. I reposted my zoom with Nicky this morning on FB. We had already announced that THE COMANCHEROS episode with him is running during May. Now that takes on an added level of interest. May he Rest In Peace. He certainly deserves it.

[@mjemigh3304]

@@AWordonWesterns I didn't know that you had a Facebook thing going. Posting here was the only way I knew to get in touch. I'll look for it soon. What a week; we also lost Bobby Rydell, who I worked with many times in the 80s and very early 90s. He was a consummate pro and one of the nicest guys in the entertainment racket. I don't think he did any westerns, though. Oh, well......nobody's perfect.

[@chuckcollins]

Morgan Fairchild is one of the loveliest and nicest people in the world. She made her first appearance in a western on the short-lived "Young Maverick". One of her co-stars in that episode was a still-living Victor Jory!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Ha! Victor!! Thanks, chuck.

[@thedoxinator3934]

😎 Rob, as always another great throwback interview as only you can do it …let the guest talk 👍

[@frankolsen9568]

I agree with all comments below

[@EldenSmith]

That was wonderful Rob. It was great to hear Morgan Fairchild talk about these which I have seen them both. I have always enjoyed the all star cast movies and mini series although I'm sure very expensive and long to do. It's just neat to see where it seems like it takes everyone in the business at the time to pull off such an epic show.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Elden

[@jetgold]

👍

[@stevebuckskinner5482]

I had a mad crush on her ❤

[@AceMoonshot]

If you have not watched Barbarossa then you really should. It is an exceptional movie and he is great in it. No one heard of it because it got sent to production/distribution hell for some reason. I think I'm gonna watch it again asap.

[@AWordonWesterns]

BARBAROSA is by far Willie's best, Ace. It is so rich in character, plot, performances and awesome wardrobe. Like RED HEADED STRANGER, it was also written by LONESOME DOVE scribe, Bill Whitliff. Thanks.

[@AceMoonshot]

@@AWordonWesterns I never got to see it in a theater, due to the aforementioned distribution issues, but I had the movie poster on my wall for decades. Still have it around somewhere. Bill wrote a great story.

[@michaelmakes1225]

Call me a wet blanket,but this was Willie's poorest film,and Morgan was pretty bad in it.probably not her fault... the interview here is wonderful however..she is both eloquent and entertaining.

[@marksheffer625]

Forgot I had a crush on Morgan Fairchild

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad I could help trigger your memory, Mark!

[@marshasullivan4074]

Lovely to see how natural Morgan is. I've read John Jakes Chronicles and North and South. ( not totally accurate, but I loved it) Learnt alot about America's history from those books. Set me in good sted for my trips to the US .

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks for sharing, Marsha

[@kellycoleman715]

Willie taking off on a golf cart with legendary Texas football coach Royal. I can just picture that. Decades ago I was driving north outside of Austin on Hwy. 71 and Willie went roaring by in the opposite direction in (as I recall) a red convertible with the bandana and long red ponytails flying in the wind. He was driving at least 90. I laughed because he was doing PSA’s on TV at the time: “Drive 55 and stay alive.” His folks ran a small grocery in the area at the time and I’m guessing he was going to see them. 😄

[@AWordonWesterns]

Speaking of 90 mph, ole Willie's turning 90 this April and is having a very big shindig at the Hollywood Bowl.

[@ChiefThundermoon]

Hey Rob you know Sylvia Durando?

[@AWordonWesterns]

I do not, Sonny. Do you?