Anthony James was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “In the Heat of the Night,” “Unforgiven,” and “Vanishing Point.” Known for his tall stature and intense screen presence, he often played villains in Westerns and thrillers.
Personal and Family Life
Anthony James was born on July 22, 1942, in Conway, South Carolina. He was the only child of George Anthony and Marika Palla Anthony, who immigrated from Greece in the 1940s. At 18, he moved to Los Angeles with his widowed mother to follow his dream of acting, while they both worked various jobs to support themselves.
Career Highlights
James’s acting career included memorable performances in various films and TV series, portraying characters that often had a dark edge. His most notable works include his roles as a racist diner worker in “In the Heat of the Night” and a gangster in “Unforgiven.” He also branched out into comedy later in his career, appearing in “The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear” to parody his typical villainous roles.
Death and Legacy
Anthony James passed away on May 26, 2020, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, due to cancer. His body was cremated, and his ashes were scattered. Beyond acting, he was also a talented painter, with his artwork displayed in galleries across major cities like New York and Boston.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Unforgiven | 1992-08-07 | Skinny Dubois |
| In the Heat of the Night | 1967-08-02 | Ralph |
| Victory at Entebbe | 1976-12-13 | Gamal Fahmy |
| Vanishing Point | 1971-01-15 | First Male Hitchhiker |
| Sam Whiskey | 1969-04-01 | Cousin Leroy |
| Burnt Offerings | 1976-10-18 | The Chauffeur |
| High Plains Drifter | 1973-04-19 | Cole Carlin |
| The Teacher | 1974-05-29 | Ralph Gordon |
| The Culpepper Cattle Co. | 1972-04-15 | Nathaniel |
| Ravagers | 1979-06-26 | Ravager Leader |
| World Gone Wild | 1987-10-01 | Ten Watt |
| Married… with Children | 1987-04-05 | Adolph Van Pelt |