Sonny Shroyer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sonny Shroyer
Shroyer in 2009
Born	Otis Burt Shroyer Jr. (1935-08-28) August 28, 1935 (age 89) Valdosta, Georgia, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, singer
Years active	1972–2023
Spouse(s)	Paula Shroyer
Children	Chris and Mark Shroyer

Otis Burt "Sonny" Shroyer Jr. is an American actor and singer. He was born on August 28, 1935. Sonny Shroyer has appeared in many TV shows and movies. He is best known for his role as Deputy Sheriff Enos Strate. This character was in the famous TV series The Dukes of Hazzard. He also starred in a short TV show called Enos. This show was based on his Dukes of Hazzard character. Shroyer is married and has two sons, Chris and Mark.

Sonny Shroyer's Early Life and Career

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.

Becoming an Actor

Sonny Shroyer started working as a professional model in 1961. His first movie role was in the 1972 film Payday. For a while, Shroyer almost always played "bad guy" roles. But then he got the part of the kind Deputy Enos Strate. This role was in the very popular TV series The Dukes of Hazzard. The show first aired in early 1979.

The Dukes of Hazzard and Beyond

Playing Enos Strate was Sonny Shroyer's most famous role. His character left The Dukes of Hazzard at the start of the third season. This was to star in his own show called Enos in 1980. The new show was not very successful. It was canceled after only eighteen episodes.

Returning to Hazzard

Shroyer came back to The Dukes of Hazzard in 1982. He stayed with the series until it ended in 1985. During this time, Shroyer also released a children's music album in 1982. The album was titled Back in Hazzard. It included a cover of "You Can't Rollerskate In a Buffalo Herd" by Roger Miller.

Music and Other Roles

Sonny Shroyer also recorded a song called "Children in Need." He sang it with fellow actor Randall Franks for Franks's 2001 CD God's Children. Shroyer and Franks have also made many public appearances together. Shroyer continued acting until he retired in 2023. He played famous people like University of Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant in Forrest Gump. He was also Delbert Birdsong in The Rainmaker. He played Governor Jimmie Davis in the movie Ray. Besides acting, Sonny Shroyer is also a country and gospel singer.

Filmography