Sonny Shroyer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sonny Shroyer
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Shroyer in 2005
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| Born |
Otis Burt Shroyer Jr.
August 28, 1935 Valdosta, Georgia, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1972–2023 |
| Spouse(s) | Paula Shroyer |
| Children | 2 |
Otis Burt "Sonny" Shroyer Jr. (born August 28, 1935) is an American actor who has appeared in many TV shows and movies. He is most famous for playing Deputy Sheriff Enos Strate in the popular TV series The Dukes of Hazzard. He also starred in a spin-off show called Enos, which was about his character from The Dukes of Hazzard.
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About Sonny Shroyer
Sonny Shroyer was born in Valdosta, Georgia. He went to Florida State University on a football scholarship. Sadly, an injury ended his football career early. He then finished his college degree at the University of Georgia.
Starting His Career
Sonny began working as a professional model in 1961. His very first movie role was in the 1972 film Payday. For a while, it seemed like he might only get roles playing bad guys. But then he got the part of the kind and innocent Deputy Enos Strate. This was for the super popular TV show The Dukes of Hazzard, which started in 1979.
The Dukes of Hazzard and Beyond
Playing Enos Strate was Sonny Shroyer's most well-known role. His character left The Dukes of Hazzard for a short time to star in his own show, Enos, in 1980. However, the Enos show was not a big hit and ended after eighteen episodes.
Sonny returned to The Dukes of Hazzard in 1982. He stayed with the show until it finished in 1985. Besides acting, Sonny also released a children's music album in 1982. It was called Back in Hazzard. He also recorded a song called "Children in Need" with fellow actor Randall Franks.
Later Roles and Retirement
Sonny Shroyer continued acting until he retired in 2023. He played famous people in several movies. He played University of Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant in the movie Forrest Gump. He was also Delbert Birdsong in The Rainmaker. In the movie Ray, he played Governor Jimmie Davis.
Sonny is also a talented country and gospel singer. He is married and has two sons.
Selected Film and TV Roles
Sonny Shroyer has been in many movies and TV shows. Here are some of his most notable roles:
- Payday (1972) – Dabney
- The Longest Yard (1974) – Tannen
- Smokey and the Bandit (1977) – Motorcycle cop
- The Dukes of Hazzard (1979–1980, 1982–1985, TV series) – Enos Strate
- Enos (1980–1981, TV series) – Enos Strate
- In the Heat of the Night (1990, 1993, TV series) – Emory Tanner / Dwight Foster
- Forrest Gump (1994) – Bear Bryant
- American Gothic (1995–1998, TV series) – Gage Temple
- The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! (1997, TV Movie) – Enos Strate
- The Rainmaker (1997) – Delbert Birdsong
- The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood (2000, TV Movie) – Enos Strate
- Ray (2004) – Gov. Jimmie Davis
- The Way Home (2010) – Ed Walker
- Unconditional (2012) – Pauly
