(WHNT) – Actor James Best, who is best known for his role as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” died Monday night (April 6). He was 88 years old.
Best died in Hickory, North Carolina after suffering from a brief illness, according to his professional website jamesbest.com.
The youngest of eight brothers and sisters, James Best was born Jewel Franklin Guy in Powderly, Kentucky on July 26, 1926. His mother died three years later and he spent a short time in an orphanage before being adopted by Essa and Armen Best. They asked him what he wanted to be called, and he said “Jimmie.”
Best learned boxing skills from his adoptive father and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during his early life.
He later acted in New York, moving to films and stayed busy with roles in 83 films through his career.
His role as Rosco P. Coltrane made James Best a household name.
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