“Dukes of Hazzard” Actor Gary Graham Has Died
on Jan 23, 2024
Gary Graham, who portrayed Denny in the first episode of Dukes Of Hazzard, passed away at the age of 73.
His ex-wife, actress Susan Lavelle, announced his death in a Facebook message posted shortly after 1 a.m. today. No cause of death was provided.
Lavelle expressed the profound grief she, her daughter, and Graham’s wife of nearly 25 years, Becky, are experiencing. She noted that Becky was by his side when he passed.
Becky later confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Graham died of cardiac arrest on Monday (Jan. 22) at a hospital in Spokane, Washington.
Remembering Gary Graham
Describing Graham as “funny” with a “sarcastic sense of humor,” Lavelle highlighted his kindness, dedication to beliefs, devout Christian values, and pride in his daughter, Haylee. Acknowledging the suddenness of his passing, Lavelle requested prayers for their daughter as she navigates through grief. She concluded her Facebook post with a heartfelt message:
“Fly high into the heavens, Gar! Thank you for our journey and for the gifts you left me in acting, my love of horses, and most importantly, our daughter.”
Several of Gary Graham’s professional peers expressed their condolences on social media, sharing their thoughts and memories about the late actor.
View this post on Instagram
This is how I will always remember Gary Graham. He was so very much fun to work with. Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/EWbN4f9TS3
— Robert Meyer Burnett, Viceroy of Verisimilitude (@RMBee) January 23, 2024
“Startrek.com” published a new article titled “Remembering Gary Graham, 1950 – 2024” to pay tribute to the late actor.
A Storied Career
Gary Graham, with a career spanning five decades since the 1970s, contributed to numerous projects in both television and movies.
Born in Long Beach, California, Graham initiated his acting career with a role in the 1980 CBS mini-series Scruples, adapted from the Judith Krantz novel and featuring Lindsay Wagner. Notably, he portrayed a “hitman” on the television show Moonlighting, co-starring with Bruce Willis.
Graham also appeared as the character Travis in the episode: “Showdown at Casa Diablo: Part 1” of Walker, Texas Ranger.
Most notably, Graham played the character of Ambassador Soval, a Vulcan diplomat, in the science fiction series, Star Trek: Enterprise, which aired from 2001-2004.
Television and Film Highlights
Graham accumulated over 38 TV roles and participated in more than 40 movies. His diverse career included other memorable roles in projects like Alien Nation, where he portrayed Detective Matthew Sikes alongside Eric Pierpoint, and All the Right Moves, where he played a significant role as Tom Cruise’s on-screen brother.
Gary Graham’s legacy spans a rich tapestry of contributions to the entertainment industry, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew his work. Please join us in extending our condolences to Graham’s family, friends, and countless fans all over the world.
