Texas Renaissance Festival Founder George Coulam Dies

George Coulam, the 87-year-old founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival, was found dead at his Todd Mission, Texas home, with the cause of death under investigation. Coulam, also known as 'King George,' built the festival into one of the largest Renaissance-themed events in the U.S. over its 50-year history. His death follows a series of setbacks, including being voted out as mayor and a failed $60 million sale of the festival that led to a court order for him to complete the sale and pay $22 million in damages, a dispute covered in the HBO docuseries 'Ren Faire.' Festival officials expressed condolences and affirmed that the 2025 season will proceed as planned. The investigation into Coulam's death is ongoing. The future ownership of the festival remains uncertain amid the ongoing legal process.