Is There Anyone In Aviation Who Didn't LOVE That Program?

Actor Robert Conrad, known to virtually anyone in the aviation world for playing legendary Marine Aviator Pappy Boyington in the TV series, Baa Baa Black Sheep, has gone west.

Born Conrad Robert Falk, in Chicago, Illinois, Conrad passed away in Malibu, CA, on February 8 at the age of 84. He was the father of 8 children.

Featuring extraordinary footage of a number of real-life F4U Corsairs, the series ran from 1976-1978 and had a healthy run in syndication for many years afterward. Somewhat ficitionalized ('Highly' according to our many conversations with the late Gregory 'Pappy' Boyington), the series became a major hit among aviators of all walks and backgrounds, and Conrad's portrayal was hailed by many as the kind of macho Marine aviator many imagined Boyington to be (though 'Pappy' didn't argue with that characterization... while smiling all the while -- EIC).

Conrad directed three episodes of the series, and went on to win a People's Choice Award for Favorite Male Actor and a Golden Globe nomination for his work playing 'Pappy'.

Baa Baa Black Sheep was later run in syndication as 'Black Sheep Squadron' and provided a wry look at the Marine Corp's Pacific Operation in WWII.

The series was created and produced by Stephen J. Cannell.

The opening credits read: "In World War II, Marine Corps Major Greg 'Pappy' Boyington commanded a squadron of fighter pilots. They were a collection of misfits and screwballs who became the terrors of the South Pacific. They were known as the Black Sheep."

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

FMI: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073961/