Sorrell Booke

American Actor, 1930-1994

About Sorrell Booke

Sorrell Booke was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1930, the son of a local physician. From a young age, he discovered his passion for entertaining, encouraged by his family to perform impressions and tell jokes at family gatherings. Booke pursued higher education at Yale and Columbia University, where he not only honed his acting skills but also mastered five languages.

During the Korean War, Booke served in counter-intelligence, utilizing his linguistic abilities to great effect. This experience highlighted his intelligence and versatility, traits that would later define his acting career.

Booke is best remembered for his iconic role as Jefferson Davis “Boss” Hogg on the popular television series The Dukes of Hazzard (1979). Despite the larger-than-life persona of his character, Booke’s performance was marked by a subtlety and intelligence that often went unrecognized. His portrayal of Boss Hogg became a defining element of the show, endearing him to audiences.

Sadly, Sorrell Booke passed away from cancer in 1994, shortly after celebrating his 64th birthday. His contributions to television and his memorable performances continue to be celebrated by fans and the entertainment industry.