Biography
Jimmy Dean was an American country music singer, songwriter, television host, actor and businessman. Born Jimmy Ray Dean on 10 August 1928 in Texas, he rose to fame with his 1961 hit "Big Bad John" and hosted The Jimmy Dean Show from 1963, which gave puppeteer Jim Henson early national exposure with the character Rowlf.
Dean appeared in supporting roles on television, including multiple episodes of Daniel Boone in the late 1960s. His best-known film role was as the reclusive billionaire Willard Whyte in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever (1971). He also founded the Jimmy Dean sausage brand in 1969 and served as its spokesman.
Dean died on 13 June 2010 at his home in Virginia, aged 81.
