James Edwards was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Home of the Brave,” “Patton,” and “The Manchurian Candidate.” He made a significant impact in Hollywood as a pioneering black actor during a time when representation was limited.
Personal and Family Life
James Edwards was born on March 6, 1918, in Muncie, Indiana. He served in the United States Army during World War II and later pursued a career in acting. He was married to Everdinne Wilson from January 29, 1961, until his death in 1970. The couple had one child together. Edwards’ father was a laborer and religious instructor, while his mother was a Baptist minister.
Career
Edwards was a trailblazer in the film industry, becoming the first black actor to play a fighter pilot in the movie “Battle Hymn” in 1957. He was known for portraying dignified characters, despite sometimes playing subservient roles that were common during that era. One of his most memorable performances was in “Home of the Brave” (1949), where he showcased the struggles of African American soldiers.
Death and Legacy
James Edwards passed away on January 4, 1970, in San Diego, California, from a heart attack, just before the release of his last three films, including “Patton” (1970). His contributions to film have been recognized posthumously, as he was one of the early actors to break the stereotype of African American males in Hollywood.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Killing | 1956-06-06 | Track Parking Attendant |
| The Manchurian Candidate | 1962-10-24 | Cpl. Allen Melvin |
| Patton | 1970-01-25 | Sergeant William George Meeks |
| Coogan’s Bluff | 1968-10-02 | Sgt. Jackson |
| The Phenix City Story | 1955-07-19 | Zeke Ward |
| Pork Chop Hill | 1959-05-29 | Cpl. Jurgens |
| Men in War | 1957-05-03 | Sgt. Killian |
| The Set-Up | 1949-03-29 | Luther Hawkins |
| The Steel Helmet | 1951-01-24 | Corporal Thompson |
| Battle Hymn | 1957-02-14 | Lt. Maples |
| The Joe Louis Story | 1953-09-18 | Jack ‘Chappie’ Blackburn |
| The Sandpiper | 1965-06-23 | Larry Brant |
| Bright Victory | 1951-08-01 | Joe Morgan |
| The Young Runaways | 1968-09-11 | Sgt. Collyer |
| Fräulein | 1958-06-08 | Cpl. Hanks |
| The Member of the Wedding | 1952-12-25 | Honey Camden Brown |
| Home of the Brave | 1949-05-12 | Private Peter Moss |
| The Caine Mutiny | 1954-06-24 | Chief Steward Whittaker |
| Tarzan’s Fight for Life | 1958-08-15 | Futa |
| Seven Angry Men | 1955-03-27 | Ned Green |
| Anna Lucasta | 1958-11-01 | Eddie |
| Doomsday Voyage | 1972-02-01 | Coast Guard Officer |
| Blood and Steel | 1959-12-04 | George |
| Night of the Quarter Moon | 1959-03-04 | Asa Tully / lawyer |
| African Manhunt | 1955-01-05 | Native Guide |
| Texas John Slaughter: Geronimo’s Revenge | 1960-03-04 | Batt |
| Anatomy of a Crime | 1969-06-13 | Lt. Wager |
| Legend of the Northwest | 1978-01-01 | |
| Alfred Hitchcock Presents | 1955-10-02 | Ed |
| The Fugitive | 1963-09-17 | Joe Smith |
| Alfred Hitchcock Presents | 1955-10-02 | Convict |