Dew Westbrook was the inspiration for Bud: Urban Cowboy showed how it was to be a young person, hanging out in a bar and working. It's a lifestyle that's not the same—but is the same—anywhere else in the country. It's like Saturday Night Fever.

What is the true story behind the Urban Cowboy?

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".

What was the inspiration for Urban Cowboy?

The movie was Urban Cowboy, based on the life and loves of Pasadena's own Dew Westbrook, whose fortunes have come full circle since Aaron Latham wrote the “Urban Cowboy” story for Esquire magazine in 1978 as well as the screenplay for the 1980 movie that featured the world's most famous mechanical bull.

Did John Travolta really ride the 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.

Is Gilley's in Houston still open?

Welcome to Gilley's

Though the club is no longer in operation there are three other Gilley's, in Las Vegas Nevada, Dallas Texas and Durant Oklahoma. The club was a phenomenon back in the day and spawned a movie called the Urban Cowboy featuring John Travolta and Debra Winger.

EXCLUSIVE: John Travolta Looks Back on 'Urban Cowboy' 35 Years Later

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.

Who is the bad cowboy in the Urban Cowboy?

Wes is the main antagonist of the 1980 movie, Urban Cowboy.

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 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.

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.

Why is it called Urban Cowboy?

Origin of Urban-cowboy

The term is borrowed from the title of a popular 1980 movie starring John Travolta and Debra Winger and featuring several country music performances.

What happened to Gilley's bar?

Gilley won the court case, and Cryer was ordered to pay Gilley $17 million. The dispute permanently closed Gilley's, ending an 18-year run that saw country music become mainstream in large part due to the club's widespread fame. On July 5, 1990, a fire quickly spread throughout the main building, destroying the club.

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).

Are you a real cowboy line from Urban Cowboy?

Quotes. Sissy : You a real cowboy? Bud : Well that depends on what you think a real cowboy is? Sissy : Know how to do 2-step?

What city was Urban Cowboy set?

About Urban Cowboy

The film takes us on Bud's captivating journey from his humble Texas hometown to the bustling city of Houston, where he secures a job at the renowned Gilley's Club, a local honky-tonk bar.

Why did Glenn quit?

Glenn was one of the unfortunate characters to be killed by Lucille, Negan's bat, and in front of his expectant wife, no less. Yeun has since opened up about why he left TWD, telling Variety that he wanted the chance to explore playing different characters.

Who is West Hightower in the Urban Cowboy?

Urban Cowboy (1980) - Scott Glenn as Wes Hightower - IMDb.

Who was West in Urban Cowboy?

Theodore Scott Glenn (born January 26, 1941) is an American actor. His roles have included Wes Hightower in Urban Cowboy (1980), astronaut Alan Shepard in The Right Stuff (1983), Commander Bart Mancuso in The Hunt for Red October (1990), and Jack Crawford in The Silence of the Lambs (1991).

Who is the convict in the Urban Cowboy?

Bud likes to ride the mechanical bull at Gilley's. Released convict and rodeo bullrider Wes Hightower (Scott Glenn) impresses Sissy with his skills. He teaches her after Bud forbids her to ride. It's hard to like Bud especially at the beginning.

Is Urban Cowboy a good movie?

After this movie, dressing as cowboys and cowgirls and bull riding became very popular. As the film is really a good 1980s film. A classic to say the least.

What was the bar in Urban Cowboy?

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.

When did John Travolta wear a wig?

There's always been something a little ... off about John Travolta's do – and now we know why! It turns out the Grease superstar has been wearing a wig since the early 2000s, and over those years Travolta has turned out some truly interesting toupees.

What is Buds truck in Urban Cowboy?

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

What nationality was John Travolta?

His father was a second-generation Italian American with roots in Godrano, Sicily, and his mother was Irish American. He grew up in an Irish-American neighborhood and said that his household was predominantly Irish in culture.