Actor who played ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ sheriff dies at age 88

In this June 4, 2005 file photo, “Dukes of Hazzard” cast member James Best sings during the DukesFest 2005 at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. AP

RALEIGH, North Carolina — The prolific actor best known for his role as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane on “The Dukes of Hazzard” has died. James Best was 88.

His wife, Dorothy Best, said Tuesday that Best died Monday night in hospice care from complications of pneumonia.

Best starred on the television series that ran from 1979 to 1985. He was the lawman chasing the Duke brothers.

Dorothy Best says they’d been married 29 years and that he’s survived by children and grandchildren.

She said he was an incredible man and an incredible talent.