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Sonny Shroyer | |
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.JPG) Shroyer in 2005 | |
| Born | Otis Burt Shroyer Jr. (1935-08-28)August 28, 1935 (age 90) Valdosta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1972–2023 |
| Spouse | Paula Shroyer |
| Children | 2 |
Otis Burt "Sonny"Shroyer Jr. (born August 28, 1935) is an American retired actor who has appeared in various television and film roles. He is best known for his role asDeputy SheriffEnos Strate in the television seriesThe Dukes of Hazzard. He also starred in the short-lived spin-off seriesEnos based around hisDukes of Hazzard character.
Shroyer was born in the town ofValdosta, Georgia. He attendedFlorida State University on afootballscholarship, but his career was cut short by an injury. He finished his degree at theUniversity of Georgia.
He began a career as a professional model in 1961. His first screen role came in the 1972 filmPayday. Shroyer almost becametypecast as a bad guy before landing the role of the naive Deputy Enos Strate in the hitpop culture seriesThe Dukes of Hazzard in 1978 (first broadcast early 1979).
The Dukes of Hazzard role was Shroyer's most visible. His character was written out at the start of the third season to be given a spinoff series titledEnos in 1980. The new show was not a success and was canceled after eighteen episodes. Shroyer returned toThe Dukes of Hazzard at the start of the fifth season in 1982 and remained with the series until it ended in 1985. Shroyer also released a children's album in 1982. The album was calledBack in Hazzard and featured a cover ofRoger Miller's classic, "You Can't Rollerskate In a Buffalo Herd". He also recorded a song "Children in Need" with fellow actorRandall Franks for Franks's 2001 CDGod's Children. He and Franks have made personal appearances together.
Shroyer remained active until he retired in 2023 due to flu related issues. He portrayedUniversity of Alabama coachPaul "Bear" Bryant inForrest Gump, Delbert Birdsong inThe Rainmaker, and GovernorJimmie Davis inRay. He is also acountry andgospel singer.
Shroyer is married and has two sons.
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