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James Hampton: Teen Wolf and F Troop star dies aged 84 of Parkinson’s-related complications

Actor played Michael J Fox’s father in cult Eighties teen movie

Isobel Lewis
Friday 09 April 2021 03:29 EDT
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Hampton in 2012
Hampton in 2012 (WireImage)

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Teen Wolf star James Hampton has died aged 84 from complications related to Parkinson’s disease.

The Golden Globe-nominated actor died at his home in Fort Worth, Texas, a spokesperson for his family told The Hollywood Reporter.

Born in 1936, Hampton rose to fame in the 1960s on Western comedy series F Troop, in which he starred as Private Hannibal Dobbs for 63 of the 65 episodes airing from 1965 to 1967.

He also starred alongside Doris Day on The Doris Day Show as Leroy B Simpson between the years 1968 and 1969.

In 1985, Hampton appeared opposite Michael J Fox in Teen Wolf, playing the lead’s father Harold who reveals to his son that he is also a werewolf. He reprised the role in sequel Teen Wolf Too and the subsequent animated TV series.

Candice Bergen and Hampton in 1970’s Soldier Blue
Candice Bergen and Hampton in 1970’s Soldier Blue (Avco Embassy/Kobal/Shutterstock)

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Hampton directed several episodes of sitcoms including Sister, Sister.

During the 2010s, he had roles in films such as The Last Ride and Big Stone Gap. His autobiography, titled What? And Give Up Show Business?, was published earlier this year.

He is survived by his second wife, Mary Deese, three children and many grandchildren.

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