Mickey Jones: 'Justified', 'Home Improvement' actor dead at 76

Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Mickey Jones, a television and film actor best known for recurring roles on Justified and Home Improvement and as a drummer for Bob Dylan, has died at the age of 76 following a lengthy illness.

Jones' death was confirmed to Deadline by his representative Cherry Hepburn. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Jean Starr, and their two children.

Jones, who got his start on television by appearing on variety show Rollin' on the River, was a recurring character on Home Improvement as Pete Bilker and most recently starred as Rodney "Hot Rod" Durham on the second and third seasons of Justified.

Other television credits include appearances on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Alice spinoff Flo, M*A*S*H, Baywatch, Entourage. His film credits include roles in Sling Blade, The Beverly Hillbillies, Total Recall, Tin Cup, Shattered Lies and The Last Best Sunday.

The actor first started as a drummer working with Trini Lopez, Johnny Rivers and Kenny Rogers and the First Edition. He later toured with Dylan before the music icon's 1966 motorcycle crash.