Let's make this birthday one to remember.

72 years old (Born on July 31, 1952)

Happy Birthday, Alan Autry! From patrolling the streets of Sparta as Bubba Skinner in *In the Heat of the Night* to bringing humor and warmth into our living rooms with appearances on *Grace Under Fire*, you've covered it all. Whether wearing a badge or crafting witty one-liners, your iconic characters always deliver unforgettable moments.

While recent years have seen you take leadership roles both on-screen and off—proving that once a sheriff, always authoritative—we suspect you're forever ready to save (or stir up) small-town drama. May today bring cake sweeter than Sparta's sweet tea and celebrations worthy of an onscreen finale!