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James Hampton, Teen Wolf and The Longest Yard actor, dies at 84

Variety Staff

James Hampton, best known for his roles in F Troop, Teen Wolf and The Longest Yard, for which he earned a Golden Globe nomination, died on Wednesday due to complications from Parkinson's disease, his agent confirmed to Variety. He was 84.

An award-winning actor, director, writer and producer, Hampton enjoyed a career in entertainment that spanned half a century before retiring to his native Texas.

James Hampton

James Hampton died on Wednesday due to complications from Parkinson's disease. WireImage

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Born in Oklahoma City and raised in Dallas, he served in the Army after attending North Texas State College. Shortly after, he landed a role in the hit television series, Gunsmoke.

READ MORE: Michael J. Fox says he's entered a 'second retirement' due to declining health

On Gunsmoke, he met and developed a close relationship with Burt Reynolds. The pair worked together on The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing, The Longest Yard, W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings and Hustle. Hampton also wrote and directed several episodes of Reynolds' CBS sitcom, Evening Shade.

Throughout his career, Hampton played supporting roles in films like The China Syndrome, Teen Wolf Too, Condorman and Sling Blade. He also appeared on Police Academy, Pump Up the Volume and Hawmps!.

James Hampton

James Hampton played Harold Howard in the 1985 film Teen Wolf. Atlantic Releasing Corporation

On TV, he played the hilarious, tone-deaf bugler Hannibal Dobbs on F Troop and appeared on Mama's Family, The Bob Newhart Show, Rawhide, The Guns of Will Sonnet and Who's The Boss? Hampton was also a good friend of Johnny Carson and became a regular guest on The Tonight Show, with over 30 appearances.

Hampton worked behind the scenes too, serving as a recurring director on numerous sitcoms such as Hearts of Fire, Sister Sister, Smart Guy, The Tony Danza Show, Linc's, Boston Common and Grace Under Fire.

His autobiography, What? And Give Up Show Business? was published earlier this year and was met with positive reviews.

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READ MORE: Actors who were too old to play teens in movies

James Hampton

James Hampton starred in Love and the Arctic Station in 1971. Walt Disney Television via Getty

Hampton is survived by his wife Mary, children James, Andrea and Frank and several grandchildren. The family requests donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation in lieu of flowers.

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