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Today we remember Thaddeus “Ted” Budny Jr. (August 10, 1936 – November 13, 1960) — a young man whose love for adventure, talent, and determination carried him from the busy neighborhoods of New York City to the rugged landscapes of the American West, and finally onto television screens across the country. His life was brief, but it burned bright with passion, courage, and unforgettable spirit.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Ted grew up in Greenpoint and attended St. Anthony’s Parochial School before continuing on to Chelsea High School in Manhattan. But even as a city kid, his heart belonged to open skies, dusty trails, and the freedom of horseback riding. The rhythm of hooves called to him more than anything else, and he dreamed of a life far from the crowded streets of New York.
That dream carried him west — all the way to Tucson, Arizona, a place where the culture of ranches, horses, and wide-open spaces shaped his next chapter. Ted found work at Tanque Verde Ranch and other local ranches, molding himself into a skilled rider and ranch hand. He didn’t just ride horses — he lived the lifestyle. He learned to rope calves, handle broncs, and master the craft that made him stand out in a region full of cowboys and seasoned hands.
This authentic skill, combined with his natural charisma, began catching the eye of film crews. Tucson was a hotspot for Western movies, and Ted started appearing as an extra in productions shooting on location. It didn’t take long before his talent moved him from the background to the real attention of actors and filmmakers.
One moment changed everything:
Ted met teen idol Ricky Nelson on the set of Rio Bravo.
What began as a chance encounter slowly grew into a sincere friendship, one that opened a remarkable door in Ted’s life. Through that connection, Ted landed the role of “Zeke”, one of Ricky’s fraternity brothers, on the legendary television series “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.” Appearing in multiple episodes from 1958 to 1960, Ted brought youthful energy, Western charm, and genuine warmth to the screen. For a young man in his early twenties, he was living the dream — a life filled with acting, adventure, friendships, and the promise of a rising career.
But Ted’s story, full of possibility, came to a heartbreaking end far too soon.
On Sunday, November 13, 1960, Ted joined his friend and co-star Skip Young, along with two young women, for a day trip to Catalina Island aboard Skip’s 22-foot cabin cruiser. What began as a simple outing on the water would turn tragic on the journey back to Los Angeles.
As evening fell, the boat struck the breakwater at San Pedro with devastating force. The impact tore the vessel apart, sending everyone into the cold, rough waters. Skip and his girlfriend managed to swim to shore and alerted the Coast Guard. The young woman who had been with Ted was found after nearly thirty minutes of drifting in the dark waves — shaken, but alive.
Ted, however, had suffered a fatal blow, likely hitting the rocks during the crash. Though he was wearing a life preserver, he was rendered unconscious and drowned. His body was later discovered about 500 yards from the wreckage.
He was just 24 years old.
Ted Budny had traveled across states, across careers, across dreams — from a boy with a love for horses to a young actor in Hollywood’s golden era. His life was full of potential, friendships, and the kind of ambition that inspires those who hear his story.
Today, his memory rests at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York, a final resting place close to where his journey began.
We honor Ted Budny not for the tragedy that ended his life, but for the courage, passion, and authenticity that shaped it. A young man who chased his dreams with everything he had. A cowboy at heart. A rising star. A spirit taken too soon, yet never forgotten.
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