Funeral services were pending today for actor Dean Jones, who was a fixture in classic Disney films such as “The Love Bug,” “That Darn Cat” and “The Shaggy D.A.”
Jones, 84, died Tuesday in Los Angeles from complications of Parkinson’s disease, according to his publicist, Richard Hoffman.
The Alabama native and Navy war veteran made his film debut in 1956 in “Somebody Up There Likes Me,” and appeared the following year in Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock.”
He then appeared on Broadway, opposite Jane Fonda in “There Was a Little Girl.” He also originated the role of Bobby in “Company” and appeared in the national tour of “Showboat.”
His other film credits include “Under the Yum-Yum Tree,” “The Million Dollar Duck,” “Snowball Express,” “Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo,” “Beethoven,” “Other People’s Money,” “Any Wednesday,” “The New Interns” and “Clear and Present Danger.”
He was inducted into the Disney Legends Hall of Fame in 1995.
Jones is survived by his wife of 42 years, writer Lory Basham Jones. They had three children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Christian Rescue Fund, c/o the Jubiliee Campaign USA, 9689-C Main St., Fairfax, VA 22150.
