Born in Naponee, Nebraska Father was horse buyer for the U.S. Army, learned to ride horses bareback because parents could not afford saddles. Attended University of Nebraska and the Emerson College of Oratory. Received the "Golden Boot" award in 1992. The city of Orange, California declared a " Pierce Lyden Day". Also recieved a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Fame. The state of Nebraska gave him the prestigious "Buffalo Bill Award" in 1997. He had divorced once and is twice widowed. His only child, a son, died in 1988.
