Actor James Hampton, best known as the bumbling bugler of "F Troop" and Michael J. Fox's understanding dad in "Teen Wolf," died Wednesday from complications due to Parkinson's, his family and agent said.

The Lone Star state native and Forth Worth resident was 84.

He spent his final years mentoring local drama students and devoting himself to charity work, according to a family statement.

"It came as no surprise that James continued to receive fan mail from all over the world almost weekly," the family said.

Hampton played bugler Hannibal Dobbs on "F Troop," which ran for just two seasons on ABC, between 1965 and 1967, but went on to enjoy cult devotion in syndication.

Hampton was one of seven actors who appeared in at least 63 of that show's 65-episode run. Only 98-year-old Larry Storch, who played Cpl. Randolph Agarn, is alive today, according to the IMDb.

On the big screen, Hampton's best known role was on the 1985 comedy "Teen Wolf" as Fox's on-screen dad who was forced to tell his son that they're descended from werewolves.

Hampton also kept busy behind the camera, directing his long-time friend Burt Reynolds in 16 episodes of the early 1990s CBS sitcom "Evening Shade."

>>> LAIR <<<

I always liked him too albeit a long time since I saw him in anything.

RIP

The comedy was so good in F Troop. Kind of perplexed that the other stars of F Troop are deceased.

I searched and found out indeed, most of the cast has passed away. Sweet Melody Patterson died in 2015 at age 66..

There was a lot of hilarious sub plots in F Troop that made it funny.
I hope someone plays taps for him.

RIP Dobbs, I enjoyed you very much!

One of those guys who's face we all know but who's name few knew.

I can still sing the F-Troop theme song out loud and not miss a note.

He came across as one cool dude ... and apparently he was irl. A rare quality these days.

He was a perfect choice for his role in Slingblade. RIP.

Wow, that's bad. I watched F Troop regularly as a kid. I need to search for that on my Roku. Share with the kids.

quote:

Originally posted by Gallo Pazzesco:
One of those guys who's face we all know but who's name few knew.

I can still sing the F-Troop theme song out loud and not miss a note.

He came across as one cool dude ... and apparently he was irl. A rare quality these days.

" The end of the Civil War was near
When quite accidentally,
A hero who sneezed abruptly seized
Retreat and reversed it to victory.

His medal of honor pleased and thrilled
his proud little family group.
While pinning it on some blood was spilled
And so it was planned he'd command F Troop.

Where Indian fights are colorful sights
and nobody takes a lickin'
Where pale face and redskin
Both turn chicken.

When drilling and fighting get them down,
They know their morale can't droop.
As long as they all relax in town
Before they resume with a bang and a boom
F Troop.

source: https://www.lyricsondemand.com...es/ftrooplyrics.html "

James Hampton, who was a strong Christian, came to speak one Sunday about 15 years ago at the church my wife and I were attending at the time.

During his talk about faith, he discussed the trials and tribulations he went through trying to gain a solid hold in the acting business, and whether faith or fate played a greater role in determining success in a very difficult profession.

When Hampton finally got an audition for a TV show, he prayed like crazy. After he was chosen for the part of Corporal Hannibal Dobbs in F Troop, he read the background abstract all of the cast members were given to familiarize themselves with the basic premise and the show's various characters.

As Hampton read the description of the U.S. Army fort, he stopped. He read it again:

Company A
F Troop

When he'd been drafted into the U.S. Army, that was the exact place he was assigned.

Damn, watched F Troop growing up. He was great in The Longest Yard as well. The original one!!