Clifton James

Blustery, stocky, loud although often genial character actor who has created a niche for himself playing often frustrated and fast talking Southern characters... most noticeably as Sheriff J.W. Pepper alongside Roger Moore in the James Bond adventures James Bond 007 - Leben und sterben lassen (1973) and James Bond 007 - Der Mann mit dem goldenen Colt (1974). He may have perfected a Southern drawl, however Clifton James was actually born on May 29, 1921 in Spokane, Washington. A graduate of the Actors Studio, he regularly appeared in guest roles on television series, including Rauchende Colts (1955), Bonanza (1959) and Die Leute von der Shiloh Ranch (1962). He was also busy in the cinema with minor roles in classy productions, such as Der Unbeugsame (1967), Der Verwegene (1967) and Polizeirevier Los Angeles-Ost (1972). After his 007 escapades, James remained busy putting in a great dramatic performance in Turm des Schreckens (1975), played another loud-mouthed Sheriff in the action comedy Trans-Amerika-Express (1976) and was superb as team owner Charles Comiskey in the dramatization of the 1919 Chicago White Sox scandal, Acht Mann und ein Skandal (1988). His other roles include that of a wealthy Montana baron whose cattle are being rustled in Rancho Deluxe (1975), and as the source who tips off a newspaper reporter (Bruce Willis) to a potentially explosive story in Fegefeuer der Eitelkeiten (1990). He had been quieter in his later years, but showed he could still contribute an enjoyable performance in the wonderful John Sayles movie Land des Sonnenscheins - Sunshine State (2002). James died at age 96 from complications of diabetes at his home in Gladstone, Oregon on April 15, 2017. - IMDb Mini Biography By: [email protected]