Denver Pyle

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Denver Dell Pyle (May 11, 1920 – December 25, 1997) was an American film and television actor. He was known for portraying Briscoe Darling Jr. in several episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, and playing Jesse Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard from 1979-85.

Pyle was born in Bethune, Colorado on May 11, 1920 to farmer Ben H. Pyle and his wife Maude; His brother, Willis, was an animator known for his work with Walt Disney Animation Studios and UPA. After graduating from high school, Pyle briefly attended Colorado State University, but dropped out to enter show business, moving to Los Angeles in 1940. He worked as a drummer and band member until the United States entered World War II, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Pyle was wounded in action in the Battle of Guadalcanal and received a medical discharge in 1942. Near the end of the war, he served in the United States Merchant Marine.

In 1955, Pyle married Marilee Carpenter, a production assistant at 20th Century Fox. They had sons David and Tony. Marilee and Denver divorced in 1970. In 1983, Pyle married Tippie Johnston. That union lasted until his death.

Pyle died of lung cancer on Christmas 1997. Memorial services were held January 6, 1998, at First Baptist Church in Waxahachie, Texas. He is buried in an unmarked grave at the Forreston Cemetery in Forreston, Texas. His remains are interred beside those of his second wife's parents, J.T. Johnston and Erin Birch Johnston. CLR

Denver Pyle is known for work in acting across film and television. New Release currently presents 22 verified screen credits connected to this profile.

Selected work includes The Dukes of Hazzard (1979), Grizzly Adams (1977), Guardian of the Wilderness (1976), Welcome to L.A. (1976), Escape to Witch Mountain (1975), The Doris Day Show (1968), 5 Card Stud (1968), Bonnie and Clyde (1967). The recorded credits span 1950 to 1979, including 11 movies and 11 TV shows.

The filmography below lists available titles, release years and known roles. This profile is updated as additional verified information becomes available.