James Best, The Dukes of Hazzard sheriff, dies at 88

James was best known for his role as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane on ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’.

James Best died on Monday night after a brief illness and complications of pneumonia, according to his official website. The 88 year old actor was best known for his role in ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ as Sheriff Rosco who is seen chasing the Duke boys. 

James Best was the youngest of eight brothers and a sister was born as Jewel Franklin Guy in Powderly, Ky. After the death of his parents Lena Mae Everly Guy and Larkin Jasper Guy he spent some time in an orphanage after which he was adopted still a young boy by Essa and Armen Best and moved with them to his new home in Corydon, Indiana. 

His adoptive parents named him James and as a young boy he learnt boxing and marksmanship with assorted firearms. His first play was ‘A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.’

Original ‘Dukes Of Hazzard’ cast members (l-r) Ben Jone, Sonny Shroyer, Catherine Bach and James Best. / Credit: Getty Images

After that James joined the army and there he developed a liking of the theater. So he joined the military theatrical company. After that he left the army and went on to New York City with eyes set on Broadway. 

James has a number of movies to his credit such as Winchester and The Left-Handed Gun. He also starred in films such as The Caine Mutiny and classic TV shows such as Rawhide and I Spy. James married to actress Dorothy Collier in 1986 and he is survived by her along with son Gary Allen Best and daughters JoJami Best Tyler and daughter Janeen Damian.