James Hampton, finest identified for his roles in F Troop, Teen Wolf and The Longest Yard, for which he earned a Golden Globe nomination, died on Wednesday resulting from problems from Parkinson’s illness, his agent confirmed to Selection. He was 84.
An award-winning actor, director, author and producer, Hampton loved a profession in leisure that spanned half a century earlier than retiring to his native Texas.
Born in Oklahoma Metropolis and raised in Dallas, he served within the Military after attending North Texas State School. Shortly after, he landed a task within the hit tv sequence, Gunsmoke.
READ MORE: Michael J. Fox says he is entered a ‘second retirement’ resulting from declining well being
On Gunsmoke, he met and developed a detailed relationship with Burt Reynolds. The pair labored collectively on The Man Who Beloved Cat Dancing, The Longest Yard, W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings and Hustle. Hampton additionally wrote and directed a number of episodes of Reynolds’ CBS sitcom, Night Shade.
All through his profession, Hampton performed supporting roles in movies like The China Syndrome, Teen Wolf Too, Condorman and Sling Blade. He additionally appeared on Police Academy, Pump Up the Quantity and Hawmps!.
On TV, he performed the hilarious, tone-deaf bugler Hannibal Dobbs on F Troop and appeared on Mama’s Household, The Bob Newhart Present, Rawhide, The Weapons of Will Sonnet and Who’s The Boss? Hampton was additionally a great buddy of Johnny Carson and have become an everyday visitor on The Tonight Present, with over 30 appearances.
Hampton labored behind the scenes too, serving as a recurring director on quite a few sitcoms corresponding to Hearts of Hearth, Sister Sister, Good Man, The Tony Danza Present, Linc’s, Boston Widespread and Grace Beneath Hearth.
His autobiography, What? And Give Up Present Enterprise? was printed earlier this yr and was met with optimistic evaluations.
READ MORE: Actors who had been too previous to play teenagers in films
Hampton is survived by his spouse Mary, kids James, Andrea and Frank and a number of other grandchildren. The household requests donations to the Michael J. Fox Basis in lieu of flowers.
For a day by day dose of 9Honey, enroll right here to obtain our prime tales straight to your inbox
Movie star deaths 2021: Stars who died this yr
