Dean Jones, Original Star of Broadway's COMPANY and More, Passes Away at 84

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that actor Dean Jones passed away of Parkinson's disease yesterday, September 1, 2015 in Los Angeles. He was 84. Jones, who was inducted into the Disney LEGENDS Hall of Fame in 1995, appeared in 46 films, 5 Broadway shows, and numerous television series and specials.

Jones, who started his career as the host of a local Alabama radio show, DEAN JONES SINGS, and as a producer of stage shows, parlayed his skill as a light comedian into such films as THE LOVE BUG, UNDER THE YUM-YUM TREE, THAT DARN CAT, THE SHAGGY D.A., THE MILLION DOLLAR DUCK, SNOWBALL EXPRESS, HERBIE GOES TO MONTE CARLO and BEETHOVEN.

Born Dean Carroll Jones on January 25, 1931 in Decatur, Alabama, the only child of Guy and Nolia Jones, he served in the Navy during the Korean War and attended Asbury University in Kentucky, which awarded him an honorary degree in 2002.

Jones made his Broadway debut in THERE WAS A LITTLE GIRL with Jane Fonda in 1960 followed by UNDER THE YUM-YUM TREE in the same year. Jones' other Broadway credits include the original role of "Bobby" in Harold Prince/Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY, and as "Cap'n Andy" in the national tour of Harold Prince's SHOW BOAT. He also toured in the one-man play, ST. JOHN IN EXILE, directed by Emmy Award winning director, Dan Curtis (War and Remembrance). Many critics called it a "masterpiece."

Jones' film grosses exceeded $960 million and six of his ten films for Walt Disney are on Variety's all-time hit list. Under contract at MGM, Jones made his film debut in SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME and JAILHOUSE ROCK with Elvis Presley soon followed. Jones' films include the film version of UNDER THE YUM-YUM TREE, ANY WEDNESDAY, THE NEW INTERNS, NEVER SO FEW, OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY, WHEN EVERY DAY WAS THE FOURTH OF JULY, A BRUSH WITH TIME and Tom Clancy's CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER. Jones made his television debut in STAGECOACH WEST, followed by ENSIGN O'TOOLE and numerous other television shows and specials.

Jones founded Christian Rescue Committee (now Christian Rescue Fund) an organization which provides a way of escape to Jews, Christians and others persecuted for their faith. Jones' other charitable activities included international child-care and world hunger.

Devoted to his cherished family, Jones is survived by his wife of 42 years, writer Lory Basham Jones; three children, Caroline Jones, Deanna Demaree and Michael Pastick; 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Christian Rescue Fund c/o Jubilee Campaign USA, 9689-C Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22150.

Watch him perform "Being Alive" from COMPANY below!