"Dukes of Hazzard" Star Revs up Hollywood in New Autobiography - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 10-08-2009, 07:27 PM

New Book by TV/Film Actor James Best Released

Link + Video

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) 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.

catlover79 · 10-08-2009, 07:31 PM

I didn't even know he was writing a book - it sounds great!!

So far, this makes him the second Dukes cast member to publish his memoirs - the other being Ben Jones (Cooter).

Marvo301 · 12-31-2010, 12:55 AM

This sounds like a fascinating read!

10-08-2009, 07:27 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,380	"Dukes of Hazzard" Star Revs up Hollywood in New Autobiography New Book by TV/Film Actor James Best Released Link + Video Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) 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.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads. Last edited by Zoneboy; 10-08-2009 at 07:47 PM.

10-08-2009, 07:31 PM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	I didn't even know he was writing a book - it sounds great!! So far, this makes him the second Dukes cast member to publish his memoirs - the other being Ben Jones (Cooter).
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

12-31-2010, 12:55 AM	#3
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,453	This sounds like a fascinating read!
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin