The founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival, George Coulam, was found dead at his home in Todd Mission, as revealed by the Grimes County Sheriff's Office. Known affectionately as "King George," Coulam was a pivotal figure in the festival's 50-year history, transforming it into one of the largest of its kind in the United States. As per statements provided to Click2Houston, his body was discovered by a housekeeper at around 9 a.m. However, the details concerning his death are currently limited.
Following a significant legal decision in recent weeks, news of Coulam's death has come as an unexpected development to many. The founder recently faced legal challenges regarding the sale of the Texas Renaissance Festival, with a civil lawsuit culminating in a Grimes County judge's ruling that mandated the sale of the festival following the fallout of a $60 million deal. This crucial verdict, as detailed by KHOU, came after Coulam seemingly retracted an agreement to sell the festival, accepting a down payment and closing costs from a group of buyers before the arrangement went awry.
The festival, which spans six weekends each fall and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, became a significant cultural event in Texas under Coulam's leadership. Click2Houston obtained statements from the Texas Renaissance Festival lamenting the loss of Coulam and highlighting the festival's continued operations for the 2025 season. The festival reinforced its intention to honor Coulam's legacy and maintain the community he built over the years.
In response to Coulam's death, the festival asked for privacy and respect for his family and the broader festival community while they mourn. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of George Coulam, founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival," the festival's statement read, which was shared with KHOU. The festival avoided further comment, stressing the personal nature of this moment, in a time that marked a significant transition for the event's future amidst the recent legal turmoil. As the investigation into Coulam's death proceeds, further updates are expected.
