Windows on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Park: Wally Boag

As we begin the final day for performances of “A Salute to the Golden Horseshoe Review” during “Limited Time Magic” at Disneyland park, I am reminded of the cast who made the original long-running stage show in Frontierland a special piece of Disney history. Specifically, I think about Wallace Vincent “Wally” Boag, who starred as Pecos Bill, the travelling salesman, for nearly 27 years and 40,000 performances.

For Wally, it all began in 1955 when a friend told him about auditions for the “Golden Horseshoe Revue” at Disneyland. He got the role along with a two-week contract. Soon, he was performing at least three shows a day and was one of Walt Disney’s favorite comedic actors. Wally’s talents were also featured on television in “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color,” as well as motion pictures, including “The Absent-Minded Professor,” “Son of Flubber” and “The Love Bug.” He even provided the voice of the Audio-Animatronics parrot, Jose, for the Enchanted Tiki Room.

“In many ways, Wally Boag was the heart of Disneyland in the early days,” Disney Legend Marty Sklar told D23. “It was not only show business, it was the spirit and exuberance Wally brought to every performance, day in and day out. We all knew that Walt loved to watch Wally in the ‘Golden Horseshoe Revue.’ I’m sure I saw Wally’s wild and crazy Pecos Bill act at least 100 times — to this day, 50 years later, I can remember many of his lines, and they are still funny because I can see Wally’s hilarious antics and impeccable timing. No wonder Steve Martin talks about Wally as one of his comedy inspirations.”

Wally retired in 1982 and was honored with a Window on Main Street, U.S.A., above Carnation Café. The inscription aptly reads “Theatrical Agency – Golden Vaudeville Routines – Wally Boag, Prop.” In 1995, Wally was named a Disney Legend.