Don Pedro Colley

Don Pedro Colley was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Dukes of Hazzard, Beneath the Planet of the Apes, and THX 1138. He was born on August 30, 1938, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and passed away on October 11, 2017, in the same town.

Personal and Family Life

Don Pedro Colley was born to Muriel and Pete Colley. His father was a pianist, while his mother engaged actively in local politics. He achieved athletic success in high school, especially in track and field, and even tried out for the 1960 Olympics in discus. Colley attended the University of Oregon, where he pursued architecture before discovering his passion for acting when he participated in a friend’s play rehearsal.

Career Highlights

Colley is remembered for significant roles such as Gideon in Daniel Boone and Sheriff Little in The Dukes of Hazzard, which remains his most recognizable character. He also portrayed Ongaro in Beneath the Planet of the Apes and SRT in THX 1138. Throughout his career, Colley actively participated in conventions and events related to his work, maintaining a connection with his fans up until his passing.

Death and Legacy

Don Pedro Colley died peacefully in his sleep on October 11, 2017, after a long battle with cancer at Skylakes Medical Center. His legacy lives on through his memorable performances and contributions to the entertainment industry, alongside his engagement with fans worldwide. He is remembered not just for his work in film and television, but also for his warmth and character.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
THX 1138 1971-03-11 SRT
Sugar Hill 1974-02-01 Baron Samedi
Artifact from the Future: The Making of ‘THX 1138’ 2004-08-14 Self
Crosscurrent 1971-11-19 Freddie Trench
Beneath the Planet of the Apes 1970-04-23 Negro
This Is a Hijack 1973-06-01 Champ
The Legend of Nigger Charley 1972-03-16 Joshua
Piranha 1995-10-01 Leonard
Quest of the Delta Knights 1993-10-01 Black Spy
Dead End 2016-01-01 Sam
Herbie Rides Again 1974-02-12 Barnstorff
Journey of Honor 1991-04-27 Narrator (voice)
Death Scream 1975-09-26 Det. Hughes
Cagney & Lacey: The Return 1994-11-06 Virgil
Black Caesar 1973-02-07 “Craw”
Casino 1980-08-01 Sam
Midnight Massacre 2021-12-12 President Tarquin
From Alpha to Omega: Building a Sequel 2008-11-04 Self
The World’s Greatest Athlete 1973-02-14 Morumba
The A-Team 1983-01-23 Little John
Starsky & Hutch 1975-09-10
The Bionic Woman 1976-01-14
Night Gallery 1970-12-16
Daniel Boone 1964-09-24 Gideon
Little House on the Prairie 1974-09-11
The Bill Cosby Show 1969-09-14 Big Bronson
Ironside 1967-03-28
Search 1972-09-13
Cimarron Strip 1967-09-07
Vanished 1971-03-08 Mercurio
Space Academy 1977-09-10
Nichols 1971-09-16 Joe Cramm
The Dukes of Hazzard 1979-01-26 Sheriff Little
Adam-12 1968-09-21 T. Leeland Sabeth