Who Is James Best? Age, Biography, and Wiki
James Best was born on July 26, 1926, in Powderly, Kentucky, USA. He gained fame as an American actor, musician, and artist, with a notable career spanning over five decades. Best is perhaps best known for his role as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane on the iconic TV series "The Dukes of Hazzard." His charisma and talent endeared him to fans around the world. He passed away on April 6, 2015, at the age of 88, leaving behind an enduring legacy in film and television.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 26, 1926 |
| Age | 88 Years |
| Birth Place | Greenville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 6 April, 2015 |
| Died Place | Hickory, North Carolina, U.S. |
Popularity
James Best's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his lifetime, James Best stood at a height of approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and had a robust build, maintaining a weight around 160 pounds (73 kg). His physical presence, combined with his talent, made him a recognizable figure both on-screen and off.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
James Best was married twice. He first married actress Doris Dowling in 1958 but later divorced. Subsequently, he tied the knot with Dorothy Best, who remained his partner until his passing in 2015. As for his personal relationships, James was known to be quite private, and details about any previous boyfriends or relationships remain largely undisclosed in public records.
In 1962, he played the part of Art Fuller in the episode "Incident of El Toro" on CBS's Rawhide; and in 1963, he returned to play Willie Cain in the episode "Incident at Spider Rock." Best made two guest appearances on Perry Mason.
In 1963, he played title character Martin Potter in "The Case of the Surplus Suitor," and in 1966 he played defendant and oilman Allan Winford in "The Case of the Unwelcome Well." He appeared on a long list of other television series in the 1950s and 1960s, including Wagon Train (three times), Laramie (three times), The Adventures of Kit Carson, Th
e Rebel, Bonanza, Sheriff of Cochise, Pony Express, Rescue 8, The Texan, Gunsmoke, Have Gun – Will Travel, The Barbara Stanwyck Show, Tombstone Territory, Whispering Smith, Trackdown, The Rifleman, Cheyenne, Stagecoach West, Wanted: Dead or Alive, Overland Trail, Bat Masterson, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Combat!, The Green Hornet ("Deadline for D
eath"), The Mod Squad, I Spy, The Fugitive, and Flipper.
He made a guest appearance on former costar Anne Francis's series Honey West in the 1965 episode "A Matter of Wife and Death".
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, James Best's net worth was estimated to be around $500,000. Much of his wealth was accumulated through his extensive career in acting, directorial roles, and various artistic endeavors. Best was also involved in numerous television and film projects that contributed to his financial stability, reflecting his success in the entertainment industry.
Career, Business, and Investments
James Best's acting career took off in the 1950s, and he appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his lifetime, including "The Twilight Zone," "The Andy Griffith Show," and "Gunsmoke." His most notable role as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane in "The Dukes of Hazzard" solidified his status as a beloved television personality. In addition to acting, Best was a talented musician and artist, often showcasing his artwork in galleries. He later founded the James Best Theatre Company, where he mentored aspiring actors and directed theater productions.
Jewel Franklin Guy (July 26, 1926 – April 6, 2015), known professionally as James Best, was an American television, film, stage, and voice actor, as well as a writer, director, acting coach, artist, college professor, and musician.
During a career that spanned more than 60 years, Best was known for his high-pitched, exasperated voice, who performed not only in feature films, but also in scores of television series, his appearances were almost all on Western programs, as well as appearing on various country music programs and talk shows.
He played Captain Thorne Sherman in both The Killer Shrews (1959) and its spin-off, Return of the Killer Shrews (2012). Television audiences, however, perhaps most closely associate Best with his starring role as the bumbling Sheriff Rosco P.
Coltrane in the action comedy series The Dukes of Hazzard, which originally aired on CBS between 1979 and 1985. He reprised the role in 1997 and 2000 for the made-for-television movies The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! and The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood (2000).
Social Network
James Best was active on several social media platforms during his later years, connecting with fans and promoting his projects. He often shared insights into his life and career, making use of platforms like Twitter and Facebook. His engagement with fans helped to sustain his popularity long after his passing.
In 1961, he guest-starred in the Alfred Hitchcock Presents episode "Make My Death Bed". In 1963, he was cast as the courageous Wisconsin game warden Ernie Swift in the episode "Open Season" of another CBS anthology series, GE True, hosted by Jack Webb. In the story line, Swift's character faces the reprisal of organized crime after he tickets a gangster for illegal fishing.
Education
James Best's education included studying at the University of Kentucky and the Actors Studio in New York City. His training laid a foundation for his impressive acting career, enabling him to develop the skills required to succeed in the competitive world of Hollywood.
An acting coach too, Best taught drama and acting techniques for more than 25 years in Los Angeles. He also served as artist-in-residence and taught drama at the University of Mississippi (Oxford) for two years prior to his stint on The Dukes of Hazzard.
