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Cactus Pryor, Austin radio and TV pioneer, dead at 88
Cactus Pryor, Austin’s original funnyman who pioneered local radio and television, died Tuesday afternoon.
He was 88.
The cause was complications from a recent fall and Alzheimer’s disease. He fell and broke his leg earlier this month while living at an assisted living facility in Buda.
With family around him, Pryor died at Hospice Austin’s Christopher House, where he was moved recently.
When Austin got its first local TV broadcast on KTBC in 1951, the folksy humorist was the first face that viewers saw. Until 2008, he did commentaries on KLBJ radio about old Austin haunts and personalities.
Lately, the station has reaired his old commentaries, a tribute to his lasting popularity and connection to listeners.
“The funniest person ever in Austin,” said former radio colleague Dale Dudley of KLBJ-FM.
He was everything to everyone, it seems. He emceed President Lyndon Johnson’s parties for world leaders at the LBJ Ranch. He had small parts in two John Wayne movies, “The Hell Fighters” and “The Green Berets.” He escorted stars like Raquel Welch, Lucille Ball and Dean Martin on promotional tours. His wit made him an in-demand after-dinner speaker and roaster of politicians and entertainers.
He used disguises. In 1971, he appeared as Count Krag Jansen at a gala at the new Highland Mall. The American-Statesman photographed and identified him as a dignitary from Denmark. The next day, the newspaper had to note that Pryor had duped everyone again.
One of Pryor’s last gifts to his beloved Austin was his 2007 announcement to his listeners on KLBJ that he had Alzheimer’s disease, in which he encouraged others with the disease to keep “living and laughing.”
Keeping true to himself, Pryor joked about the disease in an interview with the American-Statesman:
“My doctor has told me that I will be losing my memory because of a certain disease. I don’t buy that,” Pryor said at the time, “ There will come a time I won’t even recognize my own family. No way. Me forgetting the name of my wife, ah, Jewell, ah, Peggy, or was it Harriet? No, that’s my sister who lives in Santa Monica, no, San Antonio.”
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By rod weinand
September 7, 2011 4:51 PM | Link to this
Remembering the Austin Christmas Album 'Yes Virginia there is Santa' What a sweet man.
By Bon Mallari
September 1, 2011 8:17 PM | Link to this
Cactus you will always be a part of our family history, I know that you are in heaven training your labs Macho,Yeller ...we will always think of you..the Mallari family
By Bon Mallari
September 1, 2011 8:06 PM | Link to this
Cactus you will always be a part of our family history, I know that you are in heaven training your labs Macho,Yeller ...we will always think of you..the Mallari family
By Bon Mallari
September 1, 2011 8:03 PM | Link to this
Cactus you will always be a part of our family history, I know that you are in heaven training your labs Macho,Yeller ...we will always think of you..the Mallari family
By Bon Mallari
September 1, 2011 8:01 PM | Link to this
Cactus you will always be a part of our family history, I know that you are in heaven training your labs Macho,Yeller ...we will always think of you..the Mallari family
By Shaela Leggett-Wilson
September 1, 2011 3:51 PM | Link to this
I only had the pleasure of meeting Cactus Pryor on one occasion -- the funeral of my grandfather and his good friend (Jimmy Grove); but I have enjoyed listening to his wit and charm via the airwaves my entire life. He will be dearly missed. My deepest condolences to the Pryor family.
By Shaela Leggett-Wilson
September 1, 2011 3:46 PM | Link to this
I only had the pleasure of meeting Cactus Pryor once - at my grandfather and his good friend, Jimmy Grove's, funeral; but I enjoyed listening to his wit and charm via the airwaves my entire life. He will be dearly missed. My deepest condolensces to the Pryor family.
By Johnny Gonzales
September 1, 2011 1:28 PM | Link to this
Born and reared here in Austin Texas, as a kid I remember meeting Cactus Pryor on the Uncle Jay Show as well. Kids could be on the show on their birthday and would recieve a mini-loaf of Buttercrust Bread, a 2J's wooden nickel, and got to meet Uncle Jay, Cactus, and Packer Jack. I never forgot his face. He was always a funny man. As a teenager I started my own band called Johnny and the Sensations I was fortunate enough to be around him on several occasions thru Tv, political campaigns, and at Austin Aqua Festival. Condolences to all the Pryor Family and may Cactus rest in peace. Johnny Gonzales
By Mike in Austin
August 31, 2011 3:22 PM | Link to this
"Thermostrockermortimer" was apparently code for "I love you" to Lady Bird Johnson...
By moses p. saldana, sr.
August 31, 2011 12:32 PM | Link to this
I'm happy to say that I too was one of the fortunate customer's of Cactus Theatre on the beloved E. 6th! Were I met the then not too funnie vato Richard "Cactus" Pryor, where I can still see the late Mr. Skinny sitting quietly in the ticket booth. You could see the young Cactus seemed to always having ants inside his *****, always on the move--guess that's when he went out of town, etc. Came back to ATX and restarted his chosen career like-a-house-on-fire! Mr. Pryor,Jr. truly put the local radio/tv happenings on the historical entertainment catalog.
Cactus you've done your work here on Earth--so now it's time for you to have a Peaceful Thanks/Gracias for the wonderful memories.
I extend our condolences to the Pryor families and other relatives.
By Jim Gough
August 31, 2011 12:17 PM | Link to this
It seems I've known Cactus all my life. As an original Austinite, he was always my hero of the airwaves. We became great friends over the years, and I consider him one of the biggest contributors to my career in the voice-over business. Both my wife Gail and I played music on the old Catus Pryor TV show in the 1950's. Cactus will always be remembered as the REAL Austin! God Bless him!
Jim Gough / retired adman/ Liberty Hill, TX
By Catherina Arellano
August 31, 2011 10:00 AM | Link to this
I just want to say that You will be missed my Condolences to all the Family as I remember growing up and it seem you were every where yes that smile
By jerry
August 31, 2011 5:42 AM | Link to this
thermosstrockamortomer??? class act and never knew a stranger
By Gdubaus
August 31, 2011 1:01 AM | Link to this
Brought my wife home to Texas from Atlanta... So I'm not a 'Texan' to her. My boys are thanks to the insight Cactus provided in his broadcasts and the fine council of my Father in Law are pure Texas. God bless you Cactus and John.
We got a glimpse of where you are going by your fine words on how to live as Texans.
God bless you and your family.
By Gdubaus
August 31, 2011 1:01 AM | Link to this
Brought my wife home to Texas from Atlanta... So I'm not a 'Texan' to her. My boys are thanks to the insight Cactus provided in his broadcasts and the fine council of my Father in Law are pure Texas. God bless you Cactus and John.
We got a glimpse of where you are going by your fine words on how to live as Texans.
God bless you and your family.
By Gdubaus
August 31, 2011 12:58 AM | Link to this
Brought my wife home to Texas from Atlanta... So I'm not a 'Texan' to her. My boys are thanks to the insight Cactus provided in his broadcasts and the fine council of my Father in Law are pure Texas. God bless you Cactus and John.
We got a glimpse of where you are going by your fine words on how to live as Texans.
God bless you and your family.
By Gdubaus
August 31, 2011 12:56 AM | Link to this
Brought my wife home to Texas from Atlanta... So I'm not a 'Texan' to her. My boys are thanks to the insight Cactus provided in his broadcasts and the fine council of my Father in Law are pure Texas. God bless you Cactus and John.
We got a glimpse of where you are going by your fine words on how to live as Texans.
God bless you and your family.
By Gdubaus
August 31, 2011 12:56 AM | Link to this
Brought my wife home to Texas from Atlanta... So I'm not a 'Texan' to her. My boys are thanks to the insight Cactus provided in his broadcasts and the fine council of my Father in Law are pure Texas. God bless you Cactus and John.
We got a glimpse of where you are going by your fine words on how to live as Texans.
God bless you and your family.
By Gdubaus
August 31, 2011 12:55 AM | Link to this
Brought my wife home to Texas from Atlanta... So I'm not a 'Texan' to her. My boys are thanks to the insight Cactus provided in his broadcasts and the fine council of my Father in Law are pure Texas. God bless you Cactus and John.
We got a glimpse of where you are going by you fine words on how to live as Texans.
God bless you and your family.
By onetodo
August 31, 2011 12:14 AM | Link to this
The passing of Cactus is as tragic a loss as the quality of life, in Austin, that Cactus loved so much ! I will always remember his humor and his great contribution to that special quality of life that Austin once had, in great abundance. My deepest condolences to his wife and Family
Joe R.
By Serena Kirby Formby
August 30, 2011 9:42 PM | Link to this
RIP Cactus!
I have a fond memory of Cactus.
When I was a "plant lady" in the 80's... KLBJ was one of my clients. Cactus and I had a cute conversation while I was taking care of the plant in his office... one of many I would take care of. I was telling him how he needs to talk to his plant?
Later, he mentioned our conversation and thanked me, on the radio during his show. I was so pleased and honored!
He was a sweetheart!
After that... I would see him once and a while... he always told me that his plant said to tell me thank you. :-)
We will all miss you Cactus.
By John
August 30, 2011 9:33 PM | Link to this
I met Cactus in February 2006, when he walked into an art gallery where I was performing music. I told him my dad had been a big fan for many years. Cactus smiled and respectfully requested, "Shake his hand for me." I was struck by the class of this living legend.
By Rachel Martinez
August 30, 2011 9:23 PM | Link to this
I remember Mr Pryor from the Uncle Jay Show , this was one TV show I remember watching after school when I was in the 2nd grade.
My deepest condolences to the Pryor Family
By Russ Smith
August 30, 2011 9:15 PM | Link to this
Thermostrockermortimer.
By Don Scott
August 30, 2011 8:59 PM | Link to this
I lived in Austin from 1974 to 2001. Cactus Pryor is one of the fondest memories I have of Austin! He was what can be described with one word, Genuine! Long Live His Memory!!!
By Carol Goodwin
August 30, 2011 8:35 PM | Link to this
Cactus Pryor was a true talent and comedian who was much loved by all who heard and or knew him. I loved the TV ads he did with Dr Gerald Mann! I know he spoke at the funeral service for a dear lady I worked for, Ann Hastings. Now they are reunited. He made life a bit lighter and
I think all who experienced him for any time, appreciated his gift of humor. May he rest in peace!
By Carl
August 30, 2011 8:21 PM | Link to this
Heaven finally gets a great storyteller. You will be deeply missed, but I look forward to the day I tune you in again in the great beyond.
By Russ Smith
August 30, 2011 7:54 PM | Link to this
thermostrockermortimer
By Amy Delaney
August 30, 2011 7:17 PM | Link to this
What a legend and someone larger than life. I have not spoken with Cactus since he did the eulogy for my grandmother's(Ruth Goddard)funeral 10 years ago, but he has been in our thoughts for the past few years. I never thought of Texas Footbal or my grandmother without thinking of Cactus and all the stories. God bless you Cactus and have a safe trip. My deepest sympathies to his family.
By Bill Smith
August 30, 2011 6:27 PM | Link to this
Cactus was a Joy. Always great to see or talk with. Kind and gentle, wise and funny. I'll always remember his friendship with John Henry Faulk, another Austin gift to humanity. How many times did Cactus come out to help a friend or raise money for a good cause? He will be missed.
By NICKI TYLER
August 30, 2011 6:10 PM | Link to this
What a wonderful man and the true spirit of Austin. A little wierd, a lot of funny, articulate and quick whitted, this handsome and memorable gentle spirit will live on in our hearts. I was always a huge fan of the little "Thermosmarkamortimor" quibs on the radio and loved the Noon show in the 70's with Barbara Miller. God Bless this beautiful family and may Cactus dance with the Angels!
By Nicki Tyler
August 30, 2011 6:04 PM | Link to this
What a wonderful man and the true spirit of Austin. A little wierd, a lot of funny, articulate and quick whitted, this handsome and memorable gentle spirit will live on in our hearts. I was always a huge fan of the little "Thermosmarkamortimor" quibs on the radio and loved the Noon show in the 70's with Barbara Miller. God Bless this beautiful family and may Cactus dance with the Angels!
By Sharon Allen Toth
August 30, 2011 5:57 PM | Link to this
I just enjoyed reading these comments - an interesting glimpse into the history of Austin and some of its residents as well as Mr. Pryor. I was a broadcast intern at KNOW/KCSW for a short period while attending college at SWT. in the 70s, now a weekly newspaper publisher. I just did a little weekly human interest feature for KNOW/KLBJ, but unfortunately, never met him, but I think a lot of us who didn't felt like we had.
By Joseph Benham
August 30, 2011 5:51 PM | Link to this
I never tired of seeing Cactus fool audiences with his Scandinavian dignitary act. One of the best was at the meeting of Texas League officials, sportswriters and broadcasters, where he was introduced as the commissioner of the Scandinavian League. He told one whopper after another, including the fact that short summers in the Far North force the teams to play DAILY TRIPLE-HEADERS in order to finish the full season ahead of the hard winter. My colleagues were taking copious notes, and the San Antonio News Sports Ed whispered, "This will make a fabulous column!" In Amarillo, he provoked businessmen at a dinner to the point of apoplexy by praising Swedish state-owned companies as superior to private-sector firms.
His stories about working for LBJ would make a great book.
What a legacy! Good Night, Sweet Prince, and Flights of Angels Sing Thee to Thy Rest.
Joseph Benham, proud ex-AP staffer, Kerrville TX
By Bob Griffith
August 30, 2011 5:43 PM | Link to this
Thermerstrockimortimer, my friend.
By Night Raider
August 30, 2011 5:40 PM | Link to this
Cactus, we all loved you. God speed!
By Paul Weyland
August 30, 2011 5:35 PM | Link to this
One of the best. The words "Thank you" hardly feel appropriate. I bow three times, slowly and deeply, with profound respect in the direction of Cactus Pryor.
By Bob Griffith
August 30, 2011 5:33 PM | Link to this
What a tremendous person. Never failed to lift my spirits after listening to him.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
By Coleen Toungate Nelson
August 30, 2011 5:32 PM | Link to this
Cactus, I sit here and think about all the times you made me laugh, and the time my brother and I were on your TV show. and your sweet smile, you will be forever missed in the hearts of your children friends and admirers...thanks for all the memories of laughter and your quick wit, my thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends, what a huge loss, Austin has had today...but what a great gain, Heaven has right now, with him and my dad, crackin' jokes and dancin' a jig...
By Paul Weyland
August 30, 2011 5:32 PM | Link to this
One of the very best. The words, "Thank You" hardly feel adequate. I bow three times, slowly and deeply, with profound respect and deep appreciation in the direction of Cactus Pryor.
By Mary
August 30, 2011 5:24 PM | Link to this
Gone but never forgotten.
By Rich Upton
August 30, 2011 5:17 PM | Link to this
I am a newcomer to Austin (21 years). So sorry to hear Cactus' passing. It was great to hear that beautiful voice for 21 years, Sandra Bullock - you missed your chance.
By Joseph Benham
August 30, 2011 5:12 PM | Link to this
I never tired of seeing Cactus in his Scandinavian dignitary role. One of the best was at the meeting of Texas League officials, sportswriters and broadcasters, where he was introduced as the Commissioner of the Scandinavian League. Among other things, he explained that because of short summers in the far north, the teams had to play triple-headers EVERY DAY! Some of my colleagues took copious notes, and the Sports Editor of the San Antonio News whispered, "This will make a fabulous column!" In Amarillo, he provoked some businessmen at a dinner to the point of apoplexy by telling them that the state-owned companies in Sweden were superior to the private firms. etc. etc.
His stories about working for LBJ would have made a great book in themselves.
What a legacy he leaves. Good night, Sweet Prince, and Angels Sing Thee to Thy Rest.
Joseph Benham, former AP Bureau Chief, Kerrville TX
By Michael Hart
August 30, 2011 5:05 PM | Link to this
I had the opportunity to work with Cactus a couple of times over the years. Truly one of the greats. My sincere condolences to the family.
By moses p. saldana, sr.
August 30, 2011 5:05 PM | Link to this
this 80-year old east austin native, has always considered Mr. Pryor as one-of-a-kind person, hardworking/caring. I first met him @ one of austin's orginal movie house's located down downtown on our beloved east 6th street. Cactus's dad aka Skinny was the owner of this beautiful, memorable place, Cactus played the role of manager, who's right-hand-man was a big fella named Herman.
all this took place during WWll, our shoe shine boxes was not allowed into the movie house, whereas sometime, we'd give the old man a free shoe shine and he'd let on in gratis!
Cactus, will be greatly missed by many of the original austin citizens, and some non-citizens of our beautiful austin, texas.
May this funny guy forever rest in Peace! Our sincere condolences go out to his family, and other relatives.
By billy hendrix
August 30, 2011 5:04 PM | Link to this
cactus coached me in farm league and little league down at barton springs old little league fields.......he was quite a person and a real cut up.....I remember the thermostrockermortimer and the tongue in the side cheek making those funny sounds in our dugout and on tv.........great man...cactus,uncle jay,packer jack,paul bolton great memories of a young austin..........our condolences to the family...........
billy hendrix and family
By Michael Hart
August 30, 2011 4:58 PM | Link to this
After moving to Austin in September of 1979, I went to work for the old KOKE Radio Station. One of my first appearances for the station was at an event to raise money for the Humane Society. Cactus was the emcee and the special guest was Amanda Blake, Miss Kitty on "Gunsmoke." Cactus had the folks laughing all night. One of the great ones. My sincere condolences to the family.
By nancy wilcox
August 30, 2011 4:55 PM | Link to this
when I was a child in the 60's Cactus's brother Arthur became a family friend--he had the uncanny ability to speak and spell backwards really fast and he was so funny. I only got near Cactus one time and thought he was a character. Too bad the old Austin town feeling has been replaced by " keep Austin weird"
By nancy wilcox
August 30, 2011 4:55 PM | Link to this
when I was a child in the 60's Cactus's brother Arthur became a family friend--he had the uncanny ability to speak and spell backwards really fast and he was so funny. I only got near Cactus one time and thought he was a character. Too bad the old Austin town feeling has been replaced by " keep Austin weird"
By GSloan
August 30, 2011 4:54 PM | Link to this
The booming voice of Austin radio broadcasts is no doubt teaching lessons in heaven - Cactus Pryor, you will be dearly missed by all. may light perpetual always shine upon you and may eternal rest be granted to you always.
By Ca
August 30, 2011 4:54 PM | Link to this
What will we do? There isn't a building in all of Austin big enough to hold all of Cactus' friends for a tribute!
By nancy wilcox
August 30, 2011 4:53 PM | Link to this
when I was a child in the 60's Cactus's brother Arthur became a family friend--he had the uncanny ability to speak and spell backwards really fast and he was so funny. I only got near Cactus one time and thought he was a character. Too bad the old Austin town feeling has been replaced by " keep Austin weird"
By Elladean and Chuck
August 30, 2011 4:52 PM | Link to this
We were classmates of Cactus at old Austin High at 12th and Rio Grande. He was a funny guy, even then. There are so few of us left and now he has gone. We have a letter he wrote us from Rockport a couple of years before the Alzheimer's appeared. We save it because it is a classic. Hope he and Windy Winn are together now. And there were the midnight shows at his Dad's theater after high school dances. Only in Austin.
By Phil Reynolds
August 30, 2011 4:51 PM | Link to this
The world is a smaller place.
By Elladean and Chuck
August 30, 2011 4:51 PM | Link to this
We were classmates of Cactus at old Austin High at 12th and Rio Grande. He was a funny guy, even then. There are so few of us left and now he has gone. We have a letter he wrote us from Rockport a couple of years before the Alzheimer's appeared. We save it because it is a classic. Hope he and Windy Winn are together now. And there were the midnight shows at his Dad's theater after high school dances. Only in Austin.
By Ca
August 30, 2011 4:49 PM | Link to this
What will we do? There isn't a building in all of Austin big enough to hold all of Cactus' friends for a tribute!
By Larry
August 30, 2011 4:47 PM | Link to this
A piece of Austin has died. -30-
By Michael Hart
August 30, 2011 4:44 PM | Link to this
Not too long after I moved to Austin in 1979 and went to work for the old KOKE Radio Station, one of my first appearances was at an event to raise money for the Humane Society. Cactus was the emcee and the special guest was Amanda Blake from the television western, "Gunsmoke." Cactus kept the folks laughing all night. One of the great ones. My sincere condolences to the family.
By billy hendrix
August 30, 2011 4:40 PM | Link to this
cactus coached me in farm league and little league down at barton springs old little league fields.......he was quite a person and a real cut up.....I remember the thermostrockermortimer and the tongue in the side cheek making those funny sounds in our dugout and on tv.........great man...cactus,uncle jay,packer jack,paul bolton great memories of a young austin..........our condolences to the family...........
billy hendrix and family
By Jojo
August 30, 2011 4:39 PM | Link to this
Cactus Pryor IS a true pioneer here in Austin, Texas. He will truly be missed but not forgotten.
By BeerCan
August 30, 2011 4:38 PM | Link to this
How sad. He brightened all of our lives. He was in a sense the town crier for Austin.
By Michael Hart
August 30, 2011 4:36 PM | Link to this
After moving to Austin in 1979, one of my first appearances for the old
K-O-K-E Radio station was an event for the Humane Society, which featured Cactus and Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty from "Gunsmoke").
Cactus kept the folks laughing all night. One of the great ones. My deepest condolences to the family.
By John
August 30, 2011 4:35 PM | Link to this
A true Texan and a real gentleman - they don't make'em like him anymore !!
By w. keith sharp
August 30, 2011 4:34 PM | Link to this
What a loss for the legends of Austin. He was our town jester.
So glad i saw him and Coach Royal speak a few years back.
They are Royalty to those over 45 here in Austin. His Aunt was my first baby sitter in the early 60's. I was told he used to play with me when he visited his Aunt. I conceived a "Parkbench Politicians" skit for him and John Henry Faulk a few years before John died. Wish it had gotten produced. Guess they have a lot to catch up on now. R.I.P. Cactus.
By Laura Payne
August 30, 2011 4:30 PM | Link to this
Cactus was a gem in the crown of Austin. He will be fondly remembered by all those he touched.
By Kyla
August 30, 2011 4:28 PM | Link to this
So sorry to hear this!! I listened to him for years, and he will always be remembered. My sincere sympathies go out to his family & friends.
By Merry CAlderoni
August 30, 2011 4:27 PM | Link to this
As a student at U.T. in 1961-64 i was one of Cactus Pryor's assistants in crime. I would portray his Russian ex-ballerina wife who he had rescued and taken to live in Denmark. This was a trip to show her (me) America for the first time. He was and Admiral in the Danish Navy, I think. I would mingle among all the women during cocktail hr. pretending not to understand or speak a word of English, and listen in to some hot gossip , even in the ladies room. Then during his speech he would relate some of these hilarious little secrets and surprise surprise! I made $40.00 a banquet and a free , wonderful meal, (not bad when you are working your way through school.) and best of all spend a couple of hours with a generous , talented and funny man.
I was also a bull whip expert, and he found many venues for me,including the United Nations Delegation Meetings at the LBJ Ranch. We had a fabulous time, because of Mr. Cactus Pryor. (and received a check too) He hired me to perform for President and Mrs. Jack Kennedy at the LBJ ranch, the date was cancelled as he was
assassinated the day before our performance was to occur. I will Never forget when Cactus called to tell me NOT to come to the ranch or I would be sequestered for 3 days, as a suspect. Can you believe it?
Yes, I DO remember Cactus Pryor !
By Dick Ellis
August 30, 2011 4:26 PM | Link to this
Cactus was the reason many of us young broadcasters came to Austin in the first place. Hearing him on the air with "Packer Jack" Wallace, Jay Hodgson and all of the others was magnetic. God bless you, Cac. Thanks for the memories.
By David McClintock
August 30, 2011 4:26 PM | Link to this
Condolences to Austin and the world at the passing of Cactus Pryor. One of his endearing and long-lasting characteristics was the amazing breadth of his interests and influence. His humor sometimes masked his great humanity.
By Robert
August 30, 2011 4:24 PM | Link to this
Thermosrockermortimer.
By Larry Todd
August 30, 2011 4:24 PM | Link to this
We were working for oppostive TV stations in the late 60's, but he always treated like I was "somebody." I respected him and we laughed together and he taught us how to laugh at ourselves. I shall always remember him and admire his talent and honesty. LT
By original Austinite
August 30, 2011 4:23 PM | Link to this
A reunion between Cactus, Packer Jack, and don't forget... Uncle Jay! Thanks to Cactus for all the entertainment you brought us over the years, and for giving the city and KLBJ the humor of your son, Don. My condolences to the family for your - and our - loss.
By Barbara Miller
August 30, 2011 4:22 PM | Link to this
My mentor, my friend, my son's Godfather. He changed the course of my life by selecting me to be his co-host on "The Noon Show", 1978-'82. For 4 years we sat side by side daily and conducted a variety of interviews, all when TV was live. He taught me so, so much.
By Douglas
August 30, 2011 4:22 PM | Link to this
RIP Cactus. Thermostrockermortimer.
By Raul Ramos
August 30, 2011 4:18 PM | Link to this
Mr. Pryor represented everything that was good and special about Austin. We were really fortunate to have him in our midst for so long. We shall not see his like again. He was an Austin original. A true icon who will be forever missed.
By Gregory
August 30, 2011 4:18 PM | Link to this
So sorry to hear that. Been in Austin since 1956. Cactus was the first TV personality I saw. What a great history he has with Austin. My deepest condolences to the family.
By Devin Guerra
August 30, 2011 4:18 PM | Link to this
Caatus was a local legend and a wonderful human. His wit and humor will be missed. He was a great guy!
By Mary
August 30, 2011 4:16 PM | Link to this
A great personality and what courage to announce he had this disease...he will be truly missed and my deepest sympathy to his family.
By Jody
August 30, 2011 4:15 PM | Link to this
God bless you Cactus...a mentor, a friend, a hero. Condolences to your family as well.
By old man
August 30, 2011 4:13 PM | Link to this
Rest in Peace. You will be long remembered by the people who grew up in Austin. I'd like to have seen the reunion between Cactus and Packer Jack.
By peck Young
August 30, 2011 4:13 PM | Link to this
Cactus has been a great, funny and important part of my entire life. He will be fondly remembered and sincerely missed. Cactus was as much an Austin icon as UT or the Capitol.
By Kay
August 30, 2011 4:09 PM | Link to this
Another of the great ones...he will be missed. My deepest sympathies to his family.