Film and TV character actor James Best, probably best known to TV audiences as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane on the hit CBS primetime series "The Dukes of Hazzard," has a new autobiography, "Best in Hollywood: The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful" with Jim Clark from BearManor Media now available.
Los Angeles, CA October 7, 2009 -- Film and TV character actor James Best, probably best known to TV audiences as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane on the hit CBS primetime series "The Dukes of Hazzard," has a new autobiography, "Best in Hollywood: The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful" with Jim Clark from BearManor Media now available.
Fasten your seatbelts, as Best, who was a Universal Studios contract player early in his career, reveals a bumpy ride through Hollywood's fast lane in this fascinating look at the early glory days of Hollywood up until today.
James Best's life is an amazing journey from orphanage in Kentucky through World War II, serving in post war Germany and getting his start as a stage actor with Arthur Penn (who would later direct him with Paul Newman in the film "Left Handed Gun") to building a lifelong career in TV and Film and forging unforgettable relationships with Hollywood legends Paul Newman, Burt Reynolds and Jerry Lewis.
The book is filled with an incredible collection of photographs of James from his work in nearly 90 films including the pivotal galley scene with Humphrey Bogart in "The Caine Mutiny." His filmography boasts dozens of well-known classics and Westerns. He truly shares the good, the bad and the beautiful side of the Hollywood he has known for decades.
The book is full of surprises, too-- from his dating a Hollywood icon to finding out the identity and celebrity connection of his birth mother to sharing his lesser-known talents of poetry and painting.
"I decided to write this book to share my own personal journey living the American Dream," declares James Best. "I hope it can inspire, as well as provide an honest, historical depiction of how Hollywood once was…and perhaps could be again someday."
James also shares his experiences as a writer, producer and teacher. He was the first to offer Motion Picture Technique acting courses in Hollywood to some well-known celebrities (Quentin Tarrantino, Gary Busey). He also shares some incredibly private and personal anecdotes of legendary Hollywood icons (Jimmy Stewart, Tony Curtis, Rock Hudson) whom he befriended throughout his long career. Much like his tough-guy film roles, Best holds back no punches at today's Hollywood for having lost her beautiful luster.
While James Best is well known for his Western and dramatic work ("Shenandoah," "Ride Lonesome," "Sounder"), he's had key roles in classic comedies, such as, "Three on a Couch" with Jerry Lewis and "Hooper" with Burt Reynolds.
In television, Best has appeared in over 600 TV shows, such as "The Twilight Zone", "Gunsmoke" and "The Fugitive," and had a featured role in two popular "Andy Griffith Show" episodes that still resonate with fans to this day. Of course, his most famous TV role is the Sheriff of Hazzard County working for Boss Hogg chasing the Duke boys and their famous ride, the General Lee, in "The Dukes of Hazzard." Best spills the beans on the cast and the real antics off-screen.
For more info on James Best and his new book, visit his official website at www.JamesBest.com. To arrange press interviews with James Best, please contact Liz Motley.
"Best In Hollywood: The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful" by James Best with Jim Clark from BearManor Media is available for purchase online at JamesBest.com, Amazon.com and at select book retailers nationwide.
