Dean Jones Death Tribute: Stars Pay Their Respects To The Star Of Disney’s ‘The Love Bug’

Dean Jones, who played the racecar driver in "The Love Bug ," died on Tuesday in Los Angeles. Complications from Parkinson's disease have been identified as the cause of his death, spokesman Richard Hoffman said. He was 84.

Dean Jones was best known for his leading roles in several Disney family comedies of the 1960s and '70s. He was also a part of Stephen Sondheim's "Company" on Broadway.

"The Love Bug" star Dean Jones took to singing and acting after a stint in the Navy during the Korean War.  NYTimes.com reported that Dean started his career as a teenage radio host and performer in musical revues. Later, he made his Broadway debut along with Jane Fonda.  But, it was in 1960s that he found his niche.

He was cast in Walt Disney Company's "That Darn Cat!" in 1965. Reporters told that Walt Disney himself had hired him after being awestruck by his performance in a 1962-1963 NBC sitcom named "Ensign O'Toole."

Later, Mr. Jones became the face of Disney's film brand, along with child star Hayley Mills. "That Darn Cat!" was followed by "The Ugly Dachshund," "Monkeys, Go Home!,"  "The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit," and "The Shaggy D.A.," reported the nytimes.com.

Dean was best known for his role as a racecar driver Jim Douglas in "The Love Bug." This 1968 Disney Movie revolved around a Volkswagen Beetle with a mind of its own. He repeated the role in 1977 sequel "Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo" and a 1982 TV series, "Herbie, the Love Bug."  

In 1997, "The Love Bug" was remade as a TV movie, Dean Jones again played Jim. Later, Bruce Campbell took over his role.

After his death on Tuesday, his fans, friends and family members took to the social media to pay their respects.

"RIP Dean Jones. Hoping you ride Herbie into Valhalla," British screenwriter and director Edgar Wright tweeted.

"In loving memory of Dean Jones- for those of you unfamiliar treat yourself with this iconic, breathtaking vocal perf," tweeted Glee star Darren Criss.

"The Love Bug" star Dean Jones is survived by wife Lory and his three children.