The star of the Carry On series of films, Sid James originally came to prominence as sidekick to the ground breaking British comedy actor Tony Hancock, on both radio and then television. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa and named Solomon Joel Cohen, James arrived in England in 1946, second wife in tow, having served with the South African Army during World War 2. By now an aspiring actor, James claimed to have boxed in his youth, perhaps to explain his craggy features, but was certainly a well respected hairdresser in his native country. Known in the trade as "one take James", he became a very talented and professional actor, constantly in demand for small parts in British post-war cinema. In 1960 James debuted in the fourth of the Carry On films, taking the lead role in _Carry on, Constable , saying, "He always came home to me".
Arrived in Britain on Dec 25th 1946, spending his army demob money on one-way tickets. Once described as "The man with a face like an unmade bed!". Voted (some time ago) to have the worlds dirtiest laugh.
Career prior to acting was as a top ladies hairdresser in South Africa.
Sid and Meg had a daughter Reine (named after Sids mother)
Frequently remembered as a former boxer, but he never actually was! People got that impression that he had been a boxer from his craggy features and bulbous nose.
He is the father of Stephen James, a musician and sound technician who appeared on Fortran 5s debut album "Blues", in October 1991. The song "Bike" heavily sampled Sids voice and distinctive laugh. Also, Sidney James portrait appears on the album cover.
Collapsed and died on-stage of a heart attack while appearing in "The Mating Game" at the Empire Theatre, Sunderland.
Was the regular sidekick-cum-bte noir of Tony Hancock throughout the six series of the radio series "Hancocks Half Hour". Likewise, became Hancocks regular pal in the TV series "Hancocks Half Hour" , until the final series when Hancock decided it was getting too much like a double act.
Sid was nicknamed "One take James" because he nearly always did it right first time. He was also earning the highest daily rate of any British character actor.
In late 1960s, he attended a showbusiness houseparty near the Thames and, according to a TV news bulletin, was the hero of the hour because fire broke out and Sid kept dashing back indoors to help others to safety. Apparently, the emergency services had to eventually restrain him from re-entering the fire.
Was infamous for using branded products in the Carry On films and advertising them. In one particular film he opened a cupboard to reveal a cupboard full of Johnny Walker Red Label Scotch Whisky.
Had an affair with "Carry On..." series star Barbara Windsor from 1973 until his death in 1976. Their life together is chronicled in the movie Cor, Blimey! . Ms. Windsor is an advisor to the cast.
His daughter, Sue James , is a childrens TV Producer.
Suffered a serious heart attack in 1967, and was therefore replaced by Phil Silvers as the star of Carry On... Follow That Camel .
His son, Steve James is a music producer.
His best friends were his Carry On co-stars Patsy Rowlands and Peter Butterworth.
Was friends with Laurence Harvey until they worked on The Silent Enemy together. According to the book "A Biography Of Sid James", James was offered the role of Chief Petty Officer Thorpe on the recommendation of Harvey, but their friendship ended during the filming. He found Harvey to be "pompous and full of his own importance".
His grandson James Wichall is a Sound Engineer.
He received top-billing in 17 of the 19 "Carry On" films in which he appeared. Frankie Howerd had that honour in Carry on Doctor and Carry on Up the Jungle .
He has two roles in common with Richard Burton : (1) Burton played Mark Antony in Cleopatra while James played him in Carry on Cleo and Burton played King Henry VIII of England in Anne of the Thousand Days while James played him in Carry on Henry . In both cases, James wore the costume which had originally been worn by Burton.
He died only one day after Carol Reed , who directed him in both A Kid for Two Farthings and Trapeze .
Although he was 61 years when he played Dick Turpin in Carry on Dick , Turpin was only 33 when he was hanged on April 7, 1739.
Was unable to appear in Carry on Behind , as he was touring Australia for a theatrical production of The Mating Season.
Was supposed to play Sergeant Ernie Knocker in Carry On... Follow That Camel , but was busy with "George and the Dragon" . Less than two weeks into the shooting schedule, he suffered a heart attack. The role went to Phil Silvers.
Was supposed to play Detective Sergeant Sidney Bung in Carry on Screaming! , but dropped out due to illness. The role went to Harry H. Corbett.
Harold Pinter wanted him to play Max in "The Homecoming" and he was Lionel Bart s first choice to portray Fagin in "Oliver!". James also turned down the role of Archie Rice in a South African theatre version of "The Entertainer", saying, "I couldnt hope to come anywhere near Oliviers performance.".
The first time he headed a cast list as star of a film was Carry on Constable.
He had a famously antagonistic relationship with Carry On co-star Kenneth Williams. Williams was particularly scathing and personal about Jamess acting ability (as revealed in his postumously published diaries), while James found Williamss loud and attention-seeking behaviour annoying.
Comedy is hard work and I am not really a comedian . . . I need funny,people around me to get the best out of myself.
