Disney Icon Dean Jones Dies at 84

Actor Dean Jones, known for his role in Disney’s The Love Bug, The Shaggy D.A., and That Darn Cat, has passed away at the age of 84.

His publicist, Richard Hoffman, revealed his cause of death was complications from Parkinson’s disease.

Jones first few film roles included 1956’s Somebody Up There Likes Me, which starred Paul Newman, and the Elvis Presley film Jailhouse Rock. He was featured in many comedic films, including The Million Dollar Duck, Snowball Express, Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo, and Beethoven, as well as many television series.

He also appeared in many Broadway productions and was part of the original cast of Stephen Sondheim’s Company. His first appearance on stage was alongside Jane Fonda in There Was a Little Girl. Jones was also in a stage and film version of Under the Yum-Yum Tree.

Jones, who appeared in ten Disney films, was inducted into the Disney Legends Hall of Fame back in 1995.

In addition, Jones founded Christian Rescue Committee, now known as Christian Rescue Fund. The organization aims to help persecuted Christians and Jews.

Jones is survived by his wife Lory Basham Jones, three children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.