Lord James Blears was an American actor best known for his roles in North Shore, Magnum, P.I., and Hawaii Five-O. He was born James Ranicar Blears on August 13, 1923, in Tyldesley, Manchester, England, and passed away on March 3, 2016, in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
Personal and Family Life
Lord James Blears was married to Leonora Adelaina, and together they had four children, including professional surfer Laura Blears Ching. He was a talented swimmer and had aspirations for the 1940 Olympic Games, but his athletic dreams were interrupted by World War II when the games were canceled. During the war, he served in the Merchant Navy, where he faced harrowing experiences, including being torpedoed and captured by enemy forces.
Career Highlights
Lord James Blears, a prominent figure in professional wrestling after World War II, gained fame among the “Lords” who entered the wrestling ring. In the earlier phase of his career, he lived in New York, sharing an apartment with notable wrestlers Sandor Kovacs and Stu Hart. His transition to acting saw him feature in various television shows and films over the years.
Death and Legacy
Lord James Blears died on March 3, 2016, in Honolulu, Hawaii, leaving behind a rich legacy in both the wrestling and acting communities. His contributions to the entertainment industry have been remembered by fans and fellow entertainers alike. With a unique life story, he is celebrated not just for his roles on screen but also for his remarkable resilience during a challenging era.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Endless Summer | 1966-06-15 | Himself |
| The Wrestler | 1974-04-28 | Lord James Blears |
| AWA Super Sunday | 1983-04-24 | “Lord” James Blears (Special Guest Referee) |
| Hawaii Five-O | 1968-09-20 | Arfie Loudermilk |
| North Shore | 1987 | Role not specified |
| Magnum, P.I. | 1980 | Role not specified |