James Hampton was an American actor, director, and screenwriter, known for his long career as a versatile character actor in film and television productions. His popularity grew in the 1960s with his role as the bumbling bugler Hannibal Dobbs in the sitcom *F Troop*. In film, he achieved significant recognition for his portrayal of "Caretaker" in *The Longest Yard* (1974), which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year – Actor. His most iconic roles include Harold Howard, the protagonist's father in *Teen Wolf* (1985), and his intense dramatic performance as Doyle Hargraves in *Sling Blade* (1996). In addition to acting, Hampton was a prolific television director, directing numerous episodes of successful series such as *Evening Shade* and *Designing Women*, solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted professional in the entertainment industry.