James Best dead: Dukes of Hazzard sheriff dies aged 88

The actor passed away after complications with pneumonia

James Best in The Dukes of Hazzard (Everett Collection/REX)

James Best, the actor best known for playing Sheriff Rosco P Coltrane on The Dukes of Hazzard, died on Monday night.

Best was 88, and suffered complications from pneumonia, according to a report in the Charlotte Observer.

As well as acting, he also taught drama at the University of Central Florida and in Los Angeles for many years. During his years in the classroom, he taught the likes of Lindsay Wagner, Roger Miller, Glen Campbell, Quentin Tarantino and Regis Philbin.

The obituary posted on his website says that he had led a "charmed life".

His Dukes of Hazzard co-star Tom Wopat said: "He was a fine actor, director and mentor, and an even better friend. He will be greatly missed."