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 |