Dean Jones was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Disney films such as “That Darn Cat!”, “The Love Bug”, and “The Ugly Dachshund”. He became a well-known figure in family entertainment.
Personal and Family Life
Born on January 25, 1931, in Decatur, Alabama, Dean Carroll Jones had a mobile childhood, moving often due to his father’s job with a railroad company. He dropped out of school at 15 to pursue his passion for singing. Jones was married twice; his first marriage to Mae Inez Entwisle ended in divorce, and they had two daughters. He later married actress Lory Patrick in 1973 and adopted her son, Michael.
Career
Dean Jones began his career after serving in the U.S. Navy and quickly made a name for himself in the film industry. Although he initially played more serious roles, he became recognized as a comedic actor in Disney movies starting with “That Darn Cat!” in 1965. Over the years, he appeared in numerous Disney features, showcasing his charm and versatility.
Death and Legacy
Dean Jones passed away on September 1, 2015, in Los Angeles, California, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. He is remembered for his contributions to family entertainment and his memorable performances in classic Disney movies.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Never So Few | 1959-12-07 | Sgt. Jim Norby |
| The Ugly Dachshund | 1966-02-16 | Mark Garrison |
| The New Interns | 1964-06-01 | Dr. Lew Worship |
| That Darn Cat! | 1965-12-02 | Zeke Kelso |
| The Million Dollar Duck | 1971-06-30 | Professeur Albert Dooley |
| Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo | 1977-06-24 | Jim Douglas |
| Beethoven | 1992-04-03 | Herman Varnick |
| The Shaggy D.A. | 1976-12-17 | Wilby Daniels |
| The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit | 1968-12-16 | Fredrick ‘Fred’ Bolton |
| Clear and Present Danger | 1994-08-03 | Judge Moore |