Dukes Of Hazzard Star James Best Dies Aged 88

Dukes of Hazzard actor James Best, who played bumbling Sheriff Rosco P Coltrane in the hit show, has died aged 88.

Best passed away on Monday after a short battle with pneumonia.

He got his acting break during the Second World War when he joined a military theatrical company while stationed in Germany.

He appeared in films like One Way Street and on TV's Annie Oakley before landing the role of Boss Hogg's hapless and much-tormented sidekick in the Dukes of Hazzard.

Tom Wopat, who starred as Luke Duke in the TV show, said: "The work he did with Sorrell Booke (Boss Hogg) probably defined our show as much as the car chases.

"He was a fine actor, director and mentor, and an even better friend. He will be greatly missed."

John Schneider, who played Bo Duke, said: "I learned more about acting in front of a camera from Jimmie Best in an afternoon than from anyone else in a year.

"When asked to cry on camera, he would say, 'Sure thing…which eye?' I'm forever thankful to have cut my teeth in the company of such a fine man."

After retiring from acting, Best taught at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

He is survived by his wife Angela, three children and three grandchildren.