Actor. He is best remembered for his role as the comical, inept 'Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane' in the television series "The Dukes of Hazzard" (1979 to 1985). Born Jewel Franklin Guy, his cousins from his mother's family side were singers Don and Phil Everly, James was placed in an orphanage following his mother's death when he was only three. He was adopted by a couple with the last name Best and from that point on, he went by their name. His first taste of acting happened with the Theatrical Company, while he was serving with the United States Army during World War II. Following his return home, he focused fully on an acting career and marked his film debut with an uncredited part in the picture "One Way Street" (1950). Over the next two decades, he was cast often in supporting roles, usually as henchmen or other villainous parts. On occasion, he landed a starring role in B films among them "The Killer Shrews" (1958). He had more prominent parts in the Paul Newman vehicle "The Left Handed Gun" (1958), "The Naked and the Dead" (1958) and as Henry Fonda's psychotic gang member in "Firecreek" (1968). Many TV roles were experienced in scores of popular series including "The Fugitive", "The Twilight Zone", "Rawhide", "Bonanza", "I Spy" and "Gunsmoke". During the 1970s, Best formed an association with Burt Reynolds beginning with an episode of "Dan August" (1970), followed by the films "The End" (1977) and "Hooper" (1978). The "Dukes of Hazzard" solidified his place in TV history as "Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane" who can never seem to get the better of the Duke family or win the confidence of ''Boss Hogg" played by Sorrell Booke. In addition to his performing, Best also taught acting classes in Hollywood for twenty-five years.
Actor. He is best remembered for his role as the comical, inept 'Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane' in the television series "The Dukes of Hazzard" (1979 to 1985). Born Jewel Franklin Guy, his cousins from his mother's family side were singers Don and Phil Everly, James was placed in an orphanage following his mother's death when he was only three. He was adopted by a couple with the last name Best and from that point on, he went by their name. His first taste of acting happened with the Theatrical Company, while he was serving with the United States Army during World War II. Following his return home, he focused fully on an acting career and marked his film debut with an uncredited part in the picture "One Way Street" (1950). Over the next two decades, he was cast often in supporting roles, usually as henchmen or other villainous parts. On occasion, he landed a starring role in B films among them "The Killer Shrews" (1958). He had more prominent parts in the Paul Newman vehicle "The Left Handed Gun" (1958), "The Naked and the Dead" (1958) and as Henry Fonda's psychotic gang member in "Firecreek" (1968). Many TV roles were experienced in scores of popular series including "The Fugitive", "The Twilight Zone", "Rawhide", "Bonanza", "I Spy" and "Gunsmoke". During the 1970s, Best formed an association with Burt Reynolds beginning with an episode of "Dan August" (1970), followed by the films "The End" (1977) and "Hooper" (1978). The "Dukes of Hazzard" solidified his place in TV history as "Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane" who can never seem to get the better of the Duke family or win the confidence of ''Boss Hogg" played by Sorrell Booke. In addition to his performing, Best also taught acting classes in Hollywood for twenty-five years.
Bio by: C.S.
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