Actor Clifton James, who all of us gearheads know him best from the Dukes of Hazzard TV Show died at his daughter`s home in Gladstone, Ore at age 96. According to his daughter, the cause of death was complications caused by diabetes. Even though James was born in the Northwest, he often played a very convincing Southerner. One such notable role is the cigar-chomping prison floor-walker in the classic movie with Paul Newman – “Cool Hand Luke.” He also had the opportunity to play in not one but two Bond movies. One role was Sheriff J.W. Pepper in the Bond film from 1973.
He delivered an amazing performance and became such a great hit that the Bond writers made a role just for him for the next Bond movie in 1974. We know actor Clifton James from Dukes of Hazzard as a sheriff as well. He met with real sheriffs from the South in order to prepare for the role in both Bond films. After serving in the US Army in WW2 and receiving a Bronze Star, a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts, he went to college where he acted in plays. This inspired him a lot and he decided to start an acting career which proved to be a great venture and left a huge legacy behind him.
Take a look at his full bio and all the films he`s shot, here!
