John Travolta had a mechanical bull installed in his house two months before production began. He became so good that he was allowed to dismiss the stunt double and do the takes himself.

What happened to the mechanical bull from Urban Cowboy?

A major piece of movie memorabilia from the 1980 John Travolta film "Urban Cowboy" has found a home at a new club in Woodbury, the Woodbury Patch reports. The mechanical bull -- which was one of the centerpieces of "Urban Cowboy" -- has been acquired by Cowboy Jacks.

Did Debra Winger really ride the bull?

Winger's mid-film mechanical bull ride likely made her a star, but just as notable as her swinging her hips atop the bull is the look of pure satisfaction on her face.

Was Urban Cowboy based on a true story?

The original Esquire article centered on the romance between two Gilley's regulars named Dew Westbrook and Betty Helmer. Westbrook and Helmer's real-life relationship became the inspiration for the on-screen romance between John Travolta's and Debra Winger's characters "Bud" and "Sissy".

Where was Urban Cowboy filmed?

The majority of the scenes from Urban Cowboy were shot in Houston, Texas, which provided a unique backdrop for the film. The city's expansive skyline of downtown buildings juxtaposed with the lush countryside of nearby ranches gave a stunningly beautiful contrast that could be seen throughout the movie.

Urban Cowboy (4/9) Movie CLIP - Sissy Rides the Bull (1980) HD

How old was John Travolta when he made Urban Cowboy?

In the summer of 1979, the Houston news and gossip circles were dominated by the presence of one John Travolta, who lived in the city while filming Urban Cowboy in nearby Pasadena. It was only the fourth leading role for the 25-year-old actor, but he was already arguably the world's biggest movie star.

Where was the original Gilley's Bar located?

Gilley's Club. Cryer settled in Pasadena, where his large tent-style honky tonk concept developed into what became Gilley's in 1971, located on a sprawling parcel of land at 4500 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, Texas 77504. It was named after country music artist Mickey Gilley.

Who was the real Sissy from Urban Cowboy?

Urban Cowboy (1980) - Debra Winger as Sissy - IMDb.

What happened to the actress that played Pam in Urban Cowboy?

Her last TV appearance was in a 1994 episode of Due South, after which she formally retired. Smith later provided some narration in the 2010 documentary film Louis Sullivan: The Struggle for American Architecture.

Where was the trailer park in Urban Cowboy?

Scenes from Bud and Sissy's trailer home in “Urban Cowboy,” released in 1979, were shot at a Pico Rivera trailer park. A scene from the 1988 movie “Tequila Sunrise,” starring Mel Gibson, was shot in a riverbed in Pico Rivera. And a scene from “Collateral” in 2004 was shot in Pico Rivera.

Who auditioned for Sissy in Urban Cowboy?

Travolta turned down another movie, American Gigolo, to work on Urban Cowboy. (The Gigolo role went to Richard Gere.) Michelle Pfeiffer auditioned for the part of Sissy before it went to Debra Winger, becoming her first starring role.

What year was the Ford truck in Urban Cowboy?

URBAN COWBOY | Bud's Ford F-250

The white Texas BUD License Plate is produced as seen in the back window of the black 1978 Ford F-250 driven by Bud Davis (played by John Travolta) in the 1980 romantic Western film directed by James Bridges, Urban Cowboy.

Did John Travolta and Sissy Spacek get along?

Spacek had appeared in the 1976 adaption of Stephen King's Carrie as the title character with Travolta in a smaller role. Reunited on the set of Urban Cowboy, the two actors could not get along and Spacek was let go.

Why did Gilley's bar close?

When the "Urban Cowboy" trend faded, so did Gilley's stardom. The nightclub closed in 1989 amid a dispute between Gilley and his partner. A year later, it was destroyed in an arson fire. Gilley rebounded by becoming a regular performer in the country music hotbed of Branson, Missouri, where he built a theater.

Who rode the mechanical bull in Urban Cowboy?

John Travolta had a mechanical bull installed in his house two months before production began. He became so good that he was allowed to dismiss the stunt double and do the takes himself.

Who does Bud end up with in Urban Cowboy?

At the club, Bud meets Sissy (Debra Winger), who asks if he is a real cowboy. They fall in love, and soon after Bud asks Sissy to marry him. Their wedding reception is held at Gilley's, and they immediately move into a brand new mobile home.

Who was the rich girl in Urban Cowboy?

Attractive actress who has played Sadat's wife and Gloria Swanson in the TV miniseries' "Sadat" (1983) and "The Kennedys of Massachusetts" (1990) respectively. Smith's feature career began auspiciously with the role of John Travolta's rich girlfriend in "Urban Cowboy" (1980).

Who played Bud's aunt in Urban Cowboy?

Brooke Alderson: Corene Davis

Jump to: Quotes (1)

Who is Sissy's boyfriend in Urban Cowboy?

After moving to Pasadena, Texas, country boy Bud Davis (John Travolta) starts hanging around a bar called Gilley's, where he falls in love with Sissy (Debra Winger), a cowgirl who believes the sexes are equal.

Did Debra Winger star in Urban Cowboy?

Winger's first major role was in Thank God It's Friday, followed by Urban Cowboy in 1980, for which she received a BAFTA nomination and a pair of Golden Globe nominations (for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, and Best New Star).

What happened to Scott Glenn?

Career. Glenn spent eight years in Los Angeles, California, acting in small roles in films and doing TV stints, including a TV movie Gargoyles. In 1978, Glenn left Los Angeles with his family for Ketchum, Idaho, and worked as a barman, huntsman, and mountain ranger, occasionally acting in Seattle stage productions.

What happened to Debra Winger?

She famously quit Hollywood, after feuding with Richard Gere and Shirley MacLaine, and currently plays Ruth, the mother of an LA teacher in “Mr. Corman” on Apple TV+.

Does Gilley's Bar in Texas still exist?

Gilley's store is based in Pasadena, TX not far from the original location of the world famous honky-tonk! Though the club is no longer in operation there are three other Gilley's, in Las Vegas Nevada, Dallas Texas and Durant Oklahoma.

Is Gilley's Bar still in business?

Gilley's, the Treasure Island restaurant with one of the best Strip views of the Formula One Grand Prix, has been closed by the Southern Nevada Health District.

Was Urban Cowboy filmed at Gilley's Bar?

Yes, the movie was filmed in the Houston area, much of it at Gilley's, a honky-tonk that had room for 6,000 people — and one very popular mechanical bull. The entrance to the original Gilley's nightclub in Pasadena. It was named after co-owner and country music star Mickey Gilley.