James, Clifton, SGT

James is a decorated World War II veteran, U.S. Army Combat Infantry Platoon Sergeant Co. "A" 163rd Inf., 41st Div. He served forty-two months in the South Pacific, from January 1942 until August 1945. He spent time in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. His decorations include: Silver Star (citation needed), Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantry Badge and six battle stars. He resides in New York City with his wife of 57 years. He has six children, fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

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 spy adventure Live and Let Die (1973), plus his character returned to assist 007 again in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974).

He may have perfected a Southern drawl, however Clifton James was actually raised in New York. A graduate of the Actors Studio and was regularly appearing in guest roles on 1950's / 60's TV shows including "Gunsmoke" (1955), "Bonanza" (1959) and "The Virginian" (1962). He was also busy in the cinema with minor roles in classy productions, such as Cool Hand Luke (1967), Will Penny (1968) and The New Centurions (1972). After his 007 escapades, James remained busy putting in a great dramatic performance in The Deadly Tower (1975) (TV), played another loud-mouthed Sheriff in the action comedy Silver Streak (1976) and was superb as team owner "Charles Comiskey" in the dramatization of the 1919 Chicago White Sox scandal, Eight Men Out (1988).

He's been quieter in recent years, but recently showed he could still contribute an enjoyable performance in the wonderful John Sayles movie Sunshine State (2002).