Denver Pyle

Denver Pyle
Keir Dullea and Pyle (right) in 1962
Born	Denver Dell Pyle (1920-05-11)May 11, 1920 Bethune, Kit Carson County Colorado, U.S.
Died	December 25, 1997(1997-12-25) (aged 77) Burbank, California, U.S.
Cause of death	Lung Cancer
Resting place	Forreston Cemetery in Forreston, Ellis County, Texas
Years active	1947–1997
Spouse(s)	Marilee Carpenter (1955–1970) (divorced) 2 sons Tippie Johnston (1983–1997) (his death)

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 (1895–1988) and his wife Maude (1899–1985); His brother, Willis (1914-2016), 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. Pyle was a drummer and band member until the United States entered World War II, when he joined in the United States Navy.

After the war, Pyle embarked on his film career. He starred in several movies and on television during the 1950s and 1960s.

Pyle guest-starred between 1951 and 1953 fourteen times on the syndicated television series The Range Rider with Jock Mahoney and Dick Jones, appeared as an outlaw in a 1951 episode of the television series The Lone Ranger titled "Backtrail", episode 71, "The Outcast", episode 166, "Woman in the White Mask and episode 187, "Cross of Santo Domingo".