<Tr> <Th> Years active </Th> <Td> 1947--1997 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Spouse (s) </Th> <Td> Marilee Carpenter (1955--1970) (divorced) 2 sons Tippie Johnston (1983--1997) (his death) </Td> </Tr> <P> Denver Dell Pyle (May 11, 1920--December 25, 1997) was an American film and television actor . He was known for portraying Briscoe Darling Jr. in several episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, and playing Jesse Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard from 1979 - 85 . </P> <P> Pyle was born in Bethune, Colorado on May 11, 1920 to farmer Ben H. Pyle (1895--1988) and his wife Maude (1899--1985); His brother, Willis (1914 - 2016), was an animator known for his work with Walt Disney Animation Studios and UPA . After graduating from high school, Pyle briefly attended Colorado State University, but dropped out to enter show business . Pyle was a drummer and band member until the United States entered World War II, when he joined the United States Navy . </P>

Who played uncle jesse in dukes of hazzard