Sorrell Booke was a talented and versatile actor who performed on stage, screen, and television. He acted in more than 100 plays and 150 television shows, and is best known for his role as corrupt politician Jefferson Davis “Boss” Hogg in the television show The Dukes of Hazzard. But behind his iconic character, there was a man who struggled with a deadly disease that eventually claimed his life. This article will explore how Sorrell Booke died of colorectal cancer and what his legacy is.
Early Life and Education
Sorrell Booke was born in Buffalo, New York, on January 4, 1930, the son of a local physician. As a child, he entertained patients in his father’s waiting room, and began acting on radio at nine. As a young radio actor, he was known for his impersonations. He won a radio contest for mimicking the voice of Adolf Hitler, and appeared regularly as an actor on local radio stations WGR and WEBR. He attended Bennett High School and was valedictorian of the Class of 1946.
Booke enrolled in Columbia University at 16, and performed in Shakespearean plays in Columbia’s drama club. He graduated from Columbia at 19 in 1949, and received a Master of Fine Arts at the Yale School of Drama. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War for two years as a counterintelligence officer. He spoke five languages fluently, including Japanese.
Career and Fame
After his Army service, Booke appeared off-Broadway in The White Devil and had his first television role in the series Omnibus. His Broadway debut was in 1956, in Michael Redgrave’s production of The Sleeping Prince. One prominent early role was that of Senator Billboard T. Rawkins in the 1960 revival of Finian’s Rainbow. He also appeared in the films Black Like Me, A Fine Madness, What’s Up, Doc? and Fail-Safe.
In 1962, he starred in the Broadway musical Fiorello! as the title character. Aside from his film roles, he appeared on numerous television shows such as Gunsmoke, Cannon, Ironside, Route 66, Hawaii Five-O, The Rockford Files, Full House, The Guiding Light and 12 O-Clock High. He worked as a voice actor in the 1980s and early 1990s. Booke also was a guest conductor at the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Booke received an Emmy nomination for his appearance in Dr. Kildare in the episode “What’s God to Julius?”. He appeared in an episode of Mission: Impossible from the first season in 1966. Booke appeared in two early episodes of MAS*H, as General Barker in “Requiem for a Lightweight” and “Chief Surgeon Who?”; the latter marked the debut of the character Corporal Klinger, with whom Booke’s character had previously dealt. He also had a recurring role in All in the Family as Mr. Sanders, personnel manager at Archie Bunker’s workplace, Prendergast Tool and Die Company.
But his most famous role was that of Jefferson Davis “Boss” Hogg in The Dukes of Hazzard from 1979 to 1985. Boss Hogg was the greedy and corrupt commissioner of Hazzard County who often schemed against the Duke family and their allies. Booke was only slightly overweight and had to wear a fat suit to play Boss Hogg, making him five feet around. The show’s producers supported the comedic chemistry between Booke and his co-star James Best, who played Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane. They often allowed the actors to ad-lib their scenes together.
Illness and Death
Booke was married to Miranda Knickerbocker from 1958 to 1973 and had two children: Alexandra and Nicholas. He was a close friend of his co-star James Best until his death.
Booke suffered from colorectal cancer for several years before he died. He kept his illness private and continued to work until his health declined. He died on February 11, 1994, at the age of 64, in Sherman Oaks, California. He is interred at the Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California.
According to Wikipedia, he was survived by a brother, two children, and one grandson.
Legacy and Tribute
Sorrell Booke was a beloved actor who brought joy and laughter to millions of fans with his memorable performances. He was praised for his versatility, intelligence, and subtlety as an actor.
His role as Boss Hogg made him a pop culture icon and a part of television history. His character has been referenced or parodied in many other shows and movies such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, and The Lego Movie.
His co-stars and friends have paid tribute to him over the years. John Schneider, who played Bo Duke, said: “I’ve heard people say why they love the show over and over. There was a real sense of family for what they used to call appointment television.”
James Best, who played Rosco P. Coltrane, said: “He was a wonderful actor, a scholar, and a friend. We all loved him dearly.”
Catherine Bach, who played Daisy Duke, said: “He was a very kind man and a very giving actor. He always made you look good and he had wonderful comic timing.”
Sorrell Booke will always be remembered as the lovable villain who made us laugh and cheer with his antics on The Dukes of Hazzard. He was a true star who left a lasting impression on the hearts of many.
