Classic Disney star, Dean Jones, who slipped his way into the family-friendly films, 'That Darned Cat!' and 'The Love Bug,' has passed away. He was 84.
Jones' publicist, Richard Hoffman, confirmed in a statement that the actor died in Los Angeles on September 1, Tuesday. He died due to complications of his Parkinson's disease.
The deceased actor was inducted in the Disney Legends Hall of Fame back in 1995 and he has made appearances in 46 movies, several television shows, Broadway shows and other special appearances over the course of his career.
Jones was among the most successful actors in Hollywood during his time. In fact, his film exceeded $960 million in sales and out of his 10 movies in Walt Disney Production, six of them were all-time favorites.
Besides his popular films 'That Darned Cat!' and 'The Love Bug', his all-time hit movies included 'The Million Dollar Duck', 'Snowball Express', 'Under The Yum-Yum Tree', 'Blackbeard's Ghost', 'Beethoven' and 'Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo', which were all childhood milestones for the millions of Walt Disney loyalists.
The actor, whose real name is Dean Carroll Jones, was born on January 25, 1931. Before he entered the film industry, he once served in the Navy amidst the Korean war and he enrolled in Asbury University situated in Kentucky.
Jones began his acting career as a host in one Alabama radio show, 'Dean Jones Sings'. In 1960, he had his Broadway debut in 'There Was A Little Girl' along with the actress and political activist Jane Fonda.
He first appeared in 'Somebody Up There Likes Me' and 'Jailhouse Rockwith', which he signed under the contract by MGM.
Following his death, some of his friends in the industry have sent their sympathies in social media.
"Very sad about Dean Jones. 'Blackbeard's Ghost' and 'That Darn Cat' were such key films of my childhood." Actor Garth Franklin wront on Twitter.
Very sad about Dean Jones. "Blackbeard's Ghost" and "That Darn Cat" were such key films of my childhood.
— Garth Franklin (@darkhorizons) September 2, 2015
Author and musician, Rafael Reyes also wrote "Dean Jones was a big part of my childhood for all the Disney films he starred in and my adulthood for 'Company' RIP"
Dean Jones was a big part of my childhood for all the Disney films he starred in and my adulthood for "Company". RIP — Rafael Reyes (@rafaelpreyes931) September 2, 2015
Dean Jones is survived by his wife Lory Basham Jones, three children, Michael Pastick, Caroline Jones, Deanna Demaree, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
