Rodeo Hall of Fame legend Lecile Harris passed away last night after finishing the last night of the Dixie National Rodeo in Jackson, where Harris had been performing his rodeo clown routine for over 20 years.
According to a statement on Harris’ Facebook page: “With immense and unbelievable sadness, I regret to inform everyone that Lecile Harris passed peacefully in his sleep last night after completing the Dixie Nationals Rodeo in Jackson, Mississippi.”
Harris performed at more than 100 rodeos each year and was known around the world for his signature ending to his performance called “The Original Bulldancer” in which he would dance in the rodeo arena with a bull.
Harris began his rodeo career bullfighting in the 50’s and 60’s. His unique and skillful performances transformed bullfighting from spectacle to art form as he dazzled crowds with his ability to entertain, and his ability to control the animals he worked with. He also worked on various TV shows, including a regular role on “HEE HAW” and movies like “The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James” and “W.W. and the Dixie Dance Kings” with Burt Reynolds.
