Beyond The Badge: 7 Untold Facts About James Best, The Beloved Rosco P. Coltrane Actor

The iconic image of a bumbling, giggling sheriff chasing a bright orange car is indelibly etched into the minds of television fans, but the man behind the badge was far more complex than his most famous role. While millions remember him as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane from the 1979-1985 hit series The Dukes of Hazzard, actor James Best was a true Hollywood polymath—a decorated war veteran, a prolific character actor with over 80 films to his name, a director, and a highly respected acting coach who mentored future stars.

As of December 2025, the legacy of James Best, who passed away in 2015, continues to be celebrated by classic TV enthusiasts and former students alike. This deep dive moves past Hazzard County to reveal the incredible, multifaceted life of Jewel Franklin Guy, the man who became James Best, and his lasting impact on cinema and television, proving he was anything but a simple country sheriff.

James Best: A Life and Career in Profile (1926-2015)

James Best, born Jewel Franklin Guy, was a quintessential Hollywood character actor whose career spanned over six decades, transitioning seamlessly between Westerns, dramas, and comedy. His most enduring role remains the inept, yet lovable, Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane, a character he refined with his signature giggle and catchphrases like "I'm gonna get them Duke boys!"

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• Full Name: Jewel Franklin Guy (Professionally known as James Best)
• Born: July 26, 1926, in Powderly, Kentucky, U.S.
• Died: April 6, 2015 (Age 88), in Hickory, North Carolina, U.S.
• Cause of Death: Complications from pneumonia.
• Occupation: Actor, Director, Writer, Producer, Acting Coach, College Professor, Artist.
• Years Active: 1950–2014.
• Spouses: Doris Mae Rich (m. 1959; div. 1960), Jobee Ayers (m. 1961; div. 1977), Dorothy Best (m. 1986–2015).
• Notable Roles: Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane (The Dukes of Hazzard), Jim Lindsey (The Andy Griffith Show), Dr. Ben Mizer (The Killer Shrews), The Cat (Shock Corridor).
• Military Service: Served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, attaining the rank of Corporal and serving as a B-17 gunner.

The Versatile Career of a Character Actor: From Westerns to Mayberry

Before he was driving a police cruiser with his basset hound, Flash, James Best was a respected, versatile actor known for playing intense, often menacing, villains in film and television. His early career was heavily focused on the Western genre, where his sharp features and commanding presence made him a natural fit for roles alongside big names.

Best appeared in a staggering number of Westerns, including classics like The Cimarron Kid, Seven Angry Men, and Ride Lonesome. He was frequently cast as the heavy or a conflicted side character, showcasing a dramatic range that his Rosco role rarely allowed. This period established him as a reliable and dynamic character actor in Hollywood.

A Hidden Talent in Mayberry: Jim Lindsey

One of Best’s most surprising and often-forgotten roles was on The Andy Griffith Show. He appeared in a few episodes as Jim Lindsey, a gifted but troubled guitar player. This role highlighted a different side of Best, one that was gentle and artistic, a stark contrast to the bumbling antics of Rosco. Interestingly, Best reportedly lied about his guitar skills to secure the role, a testament to his dedication to his craft.

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His performance as Jim Lindsey, a talented musician passing through Mayberry, is a fan favorite and demonstrates his ability to play a role with sincere depth, a departure from the broad comedy that would later define his fame. This stint on the classic CBS sitcom further cemented his status as a master of the small screen, capable of handling both dramatic and comedic material.

The Legacy of Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane and The Dukes of Hazzard

While James Best had a long and varied career, it was his time as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane on The Dukes of Hazzard (1979–1985) that made him an international star. The show, which revolved around the Duke cousins, Bo and Luke, and their constant evasion of the law, required Best to lean heavily into physical and slapstick comedy.

The character of Rosco was defined by his relationship with his corrupt boss, Boss Hogg, and his loyal, if equally inept, deputy, Enos Strate. Rosco's signature style—the giggling, the constant radio chatter, and his beloved Basset Hound companion, Flash—made him an endearing antagonist. Best himself was instrumental in developing the character's unique mannerisms, adding a layer of humor that prevented Rosco from ever being truly malicious.

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Best's character was so popular that he appeared in the entire run of the series, as well as the reunion movies, solidifying his place in pop culture history. The show, featuring the iconic car General Lee, remains a cultural touchstone, and Best's performance is often cited as a masterclass in comedic timing and character development.

James Best: Hollywood’s Secret Acting Coach and Mentor

Perhaps the most fascinating and least-known chapter of James Best’s life was his highly respected career as an acting coach and university professor. For over 25 years, Best taught drama and acting techniques, sharing his wealth of experience with a new generation of performers.

He founded a renowned school of motion-picture technique, operating it in various locations, including Los Angeles and Florida, where he taught at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. His philosophy focused on helping actors appear more natural and authentic on camera, a technique he had perfected over decades in front of the lens.

Best’s list of students is impressive, including some of the biggest names in Hollywood who credit him with refining their craft. Among the actors he mentored were:

• Burt Reynolds (a close friend and frequent collaborator)
• Clint Eastwood
• Quincy Jones
• Farrah Fawcett
• Lindsay Wagner
• Gary Busey
• Teri Garr

This dedication to teaching and mentoring reveals the true depth of James Best’s commitment to the entertainment industry, not just as a performer but as an educator. He helped shape the careers of numerous stars, ensuring his influence extended far beyond the confines of Hazzard County. He spent his later years residing in Hickory, North Carolina, continuing his work as an artist and writer until his passing.