James Best

Date of Birth: July 26, 1926

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: April 6, 2015

Biography

James Best, born Jewel Franklin Guy, was an American actor, writer, and director best known for his role as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane in the television series “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Born on July 26, 1926, in Powderly, Kentucky, Best had a prolific career spanning more than five decades in film, television, and theater. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Best moved to Hollywood, where he was discovered by a Universal Studios talent scout. He made his film debut in 1950 and went on to appear in numerous movies and TV shows. Apart from his signature role in “The Dukes of Hazzard,” Best appeared in classics like “The Twilight Zone,” “Gunsmoke,” and “Bonanza.” In addition to acting, Best was a talented artist, writer, and acting coach. He authored several books and taught acting classes for many years, helping to shape the careers of future Hollywood stars. James Best passed away on April 6, 2015, in Hickory, North Carolina.

5 Interesting Facts about James Best

1. James Best was adopted at the age of three after his mother passed away.

2. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and performed in a military theatre company.

3. Best was an accomplished painter, with his works displayed in galleries across the U.S.

4. He founded the James Best Theatre Center in Los Angeles, where he taught acting.

5. James Best appeared in more than 600 television episodes and 85 feature films throughout his career.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Best

1. “I’m not a method actor, and I believe you can use your own personality to create a character.”

2. “The greatest gift you can give someone is your time.”

3. “I’ve had a tremendous career, and I’ve been very blessed.”

4. “Acting is easy, it’s living that’s hard.”

5. “In teaching, you learn as much as you teach. It’s a two-way street.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, James Best’s net worth was estimated to be around $500,000.

Children

James Best had three children: Gary Allen Best, JoJami Best Tyler, and Janeen Damian. Janeen Damian followed in her father’s footsteps and works in the entertainment industry as a writer and producer.