News Archives - Page 17 of 70

25 Million Dollar Sheriff

Dukes of Hazzard fans may remember an episode called “10 Million Dollar Sheriff” where Rosco inherits money by mistake. Here in the real world, James Best, who played Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane, is saying there’s been a mistake, alright, and Warner Bros. made it.

A lawsuit filed by Best against TimeWarner states that he has been shorted his share of royalties from Dukes of Hazzard merchandise. Specifically, merchandise that bears his likeness. Best was entitled to 5% of these proceeds. (is that 50% of 50% of 50%?) The dispute arises from the lack of accounting by Warner Bros; Best has received $175,000 in the past 30 years from merchandise sales – but he reckons he should have received 5 to 25 million.

Doing the math roughly, Warner is saying it made 3.5 million from Dukes merchandise with Best’s likeness – while Best is saying they probably made more like…a billion.

Best’s claim also includes a share of merchandise revenue from any Dukes product with Flash on it. Adding the dog to the show was his idea and he held 50% ownership of the pooch.

We took a quick look at what we could find with Sheriff Rosco’s likeness, and came up with the following: packaging for Mego action figures, back cover cases for Columbia House VHS tapes, the front artwork for The Dukes of Hazzard music CD, and DVD box back covers for Seasons 1, 2, 3, and 7. There were also a number of metal TV trays, wastebaskets, and…heck, we can’t count all the stuff Warner Bros authorized back in the day with Rosco on it.

But Warner Bros is going to have to count it, and disclose it, to settle this lawsuit. Best claims he made numerous efforts over the years to obtain fair accounting, without success.

Tom Wopat and John Schneider sued Warner Bros over merchandising revenue during the 5th season of the show. The dispute resulted in a temporary walkout by the two actors and the introduction of temporary replacement stars, Byron Cherry and Christopher Mayer. It was eventually resolved to Wopat and Schneider’s satisfaction, and the replacements were given the heave-ho without fanfare.

We will keep you posted as this story continues. Who knows…maybe ol’ Rosco will get his “pension” here, after all! And what a pension it could be.

Christopher Mayer, “Vance Duke” Reported Dead

Christopher Mayer, who portrayed “Vance Duke” on The Dukes of Hazzard during the strike of Tom Wopat and John Schneider, has been reported dead. The sudden passing of the 57-year old actor is being reported by entertainment media sources, as per the disclosure of his fiancee, Catherine Irvine.

Mayer died unexpectedly on Saturday July 23. The cause has not been released. Mayer was actively working on a new film project at the time. We will share further details as we receive them.

Dukes of Hazzard fans everywhere are expressing heartfelt condolences to Mayer’s family and loved ones. Vance Duke, you were taken away from us too soon.

*UPDATE* Byron Cherry, who played Coy Duke, has made reference to Mayer’s passing in a recent Facebook update. While the Facebook page is private, a copy of the entry has been provided to us:

“I’m so sad to say that my best friend, buddy, pal Chris Mayer “Vance Duke” passed away suddenly. He was so special to me and my kids and family. He will be so missed and I pray that we all just remember him for all that he did to put a smile on our face. He was just 01 great guy and I’m just so thankful that I knew him at all. He taught me so much about life and Jesus and how to live life. It will be hard knowing I can’t just pick up the phone and call him for a good laugh and inspiration. We will meet again.”

Well said, Byron.

Happy Birthday Rosco!

Yes, another birthday! July 26 marks the 85th birthday of James Best, known to Dukes of Hazzard fans the world over as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane. In addition to delighting us as Rosco since 1979, Jimmie is also a reknown actor, director, screenwriter, painter, fisherman, animal lover, poet, military veteran, teacher, mentor, online gamer, and all-around cuss.

If you had told Jimmie in 1979, that in 2011, he’d still be dressing up as Rosco and going “khee khee khee” to amuse people, or be autographing yet another General Lee, or greeting fans by the thousands at Dukes of Hazzard events…he’d probably have said you were crazy. Out of your mind.

After all, James Best has nearly 300 film credits to his name through his roles in movies and television. He has co-starred with Hollywood legends like Paul Newman, Jimmy Stewart, Burt Reynolds, and Jerry Lewis. He has taught motion picture technique to scores of successful actors. He remains active in film making, starring in the sequel to the cult classic Killer Shrews.

Why then, would the role of Rosco P. Coltrane remain so prominent?

Because The Dukes of Hazzard itself would remain an international sensation, with a fan base that continues to grow with every syndicated re-run of the series. From airing on CBS, to TNN, to CMT, to home release on DVD’s, to references in pop culture, The Dukes of Hazzard is as popular today as it was over 30 years ago.

Rosco P. Coltrane, the inept, gleefully corrupt, yet dedicated Sheriff of Hazzard County would prove to be one of the most iconic characters of the show. This speaks to the talent and creativity of James Best, who breathed life into the role with trademark inflections, utterances and expressions that gave Rosco an unforgettable persona.

Rosco’s goofball style reminds us of the kid in all of us. Rosco never completely grew up, with every “hot pursuit” as exciting as the first. He made being Sheriff look like a helluva good time. And despite his human failings of greed and dishonesty, he remained loyal to his dog, his sister, and his brother-in-law. Underneath that badge of graft and cowardice, there was a heart.

Fans have a special affection for Rosco P. Coltrane, and they always will. That affection translates into an honest reverence and affection for James Best. We love ya, Jimmie. Happy Birthday, and God Bless.

Enos Attracts Pretty Girls!

Daisy Duke has competition! This pretty gal in the photo is Alyssa, the 2011 Rock Island County Fair Queen. Unable to resist a man in Hazzard County uniform, she’s seen here with Sonny Shroyer, otherwise known as Deputy Enos Strate, during his appearance in East Moline, Illinois on July 19. Sonny was accompanied by a General Lee and a Hazzard County patrol car. It was all part of “Dukes of Hazzard Night” at the Quad City Speedway.

Sonny’s a genuine good ol’ boy, and his charm lights up a room wherever he goes. If you didn’t get a chance to meet him yet, you’ll have another opportunity at Hazzard Homecoming on August 13 & 14 in Sperryville, Virgina. More on that soon!

Covington Car Show to Benefit Troops

Have a General Lee, a Hazzard County patrol car, or a classic car you’d like to show off? There’s an outfit in Georgia who would love to see you.

Operation Sandbox is a non-profit group that makes care packages for our troops serving overseas. This group benefits by an upcoming car show called “Hazzard County Supports Our Troops”, in Covington, GA, on July 30 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

There is no registration fee. The event is free to the public. There is no advance registration for car owners, just come with your car and sign in before 4:00 p.m.

Here’s how the show benefits the troops. Instead of cash fees or admissions, donations of food and hygiene products are requested for care packages. Food suggestions include single-serving drink mixes, microwavable mac n’ cheese cups, microwave popcorn, trail mixes, dried fruit snacks, gum, beef jerky, and similar items. Hygiene product suggestions are travel-sized shampoos/conditioners and all the usual travel-sized stuff you’d need yourself on a trip.

It’s appropriate to have a Dukes of Hazzard themed car show in Covington. This area of Georgia is where The Dukes of Hazzard began; the first five episodes of the first season were filmed here. The Covington town square is recognizable to any long-time Dukes fan, and General Lees are a natural complement to the scenery.

If you can’t make the show, consider supporting Operation Sandbox with a donation, or even a card with kind words for a military service member. Visit their website for more information about what they do. Our gratitude goes out to all of those who are serving our country.