Joe Higgins (actor)

Joe Higgins (March 20, 1925 – August 16, 1998) was an American character actor best known for his role as the gravel-voiced, frustrated small-town sheriff in a long-running series of television commercials for Dodge automobiles in the 1970s and 1980s. He was often seen leaning on a Dodge pickup truck, delivering lines like "Yep!" and "Didn't get 'em all, did ya, Hotchkiss?"

Higgins began his career as a radio announcer in his native Logansport, Indiana, before transitioning to television in the 1950s. He appeared in numerous television shows, often in supporting roles that showcased his comedic timing and distinctive voice. These included appearances on shows such as The Twilight Zone, Gunsmoke, The Andy Griffith Show, Petticoat Junction, The Beverly Hillbillies, Hogan's Heroes, The Rockford Files, and Magnum, P.I.. He also had recurring roles on shows like Best of the West and Bret Maverick.

In addition to his television work, Higgins appeared in several films, including Hang 'Em High (1968) and Oklahoma Crude (1973). Although never a leading man, his presence on screen was often memorable, and he brought a unique charm to his characters.

Higgins died in 1998 in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 73. While he had a long and varied career, he is most fondly remembered for his iconic portrayal of the Dodge sheriff, a role that made him a familiar face to millions of television viewers.