Steve James (actor)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Steve James
Born February 19, 1952
New York City, New York
Died December 18, 1993 (aged 41)
Burbank, California
Occupation Film, television actor

Steve James (February 19, 1952December 18, 1993) was an American actor. He starred mostly in low-budget action films such as the American Ninja series, The Delta Force (1986), The Exterminator (1980), and Enter the Game of Death (1978). James also starred as Kung Fu Joe in the 1988 comedy/spoof I'm Gonna Git You Sucka.

Contents

[edit] Biography

James was born and raised in New York City. His uncle was James Wall, who played Mr. Baxter on the children's television series Captain Kangaroo. He attended C.W. Post College as an Arts and Film major. Upon graduating, he became involved in stage work and TV commercials. James started his film career off as a stuntman for such New York based film productions as The Wiz, The Warriors, and The Wanderers.

James was also close friends with actor Michael Dudikoff (the two met while shooting American Ninja) and director William Friedkin, who described him as "One of the most nicest, toughest and professional actors I've ever worked with."

Steve James died of pancreatic cancer in Burbank, California, at age 41. His last role was in the pilot for the TV series M.A.N.T.I.S.. The pilot first aired on Fox just a few weeks after his death. Eulogies at James' funeral service were delivered by Sidney Poitier and director-writer S.C. Dacy.

[edit] Filmography

[edit] Movies

[edit] Television

  • M.A.N.T.I.S. (1994) (pilot) .... Antoine Pike
  • Riverbend (1990) .... Major Samuel Quentin
  • Pee-wee's Playhouse (1989) TV Episode .... Derek
  • C.A.T. Squad: Python Wolf (1988) .... Bud Raines
  • C.A.T. Squad (1986) .... Bud Raines
  • Moonlighting; episode "Symphony in Knocked Flat" (1986) .... Mohammed "Boogaloo" Brown
  • The Atlanta Child Murders (1985) (mini-series) .... Policeman #1
  • Muggable Mary, Street Cop (1982) .... Park Slasher-Rapist
  • Arthur Hailey's Hotel; episode "Love and Honor" (1985) .... Kaz
  • All My Children (1970) .... Guard Pinkston (1984)
  • The Dukes of Hazzard; episode "Danger on the Hazzard Express" (1984) .... Carney
  • T.J. Hooker; episode "Night Vigil" (1984).... Coach Cassius Isley

[edit] Stunts

[edit] Writer

  • Street Hunter (1990)

[edit] External links

Languages