Clifton James

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' (qv) in the James Bond adventures _Live and Let Die (1973)_ (qv) and _The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)_ (qv).He may have perfected a Southern drawl, however 'Clifton James' (qv) was actually born on May 29, 1921 in Spokane, Washington. A graduate of the Actors Studio, he regularly appeared in guest roles on television series, including _Gunsmoke (1955)_ (qv), _Bonanza (1959)_ (qv) and _The Virginian (1962)_ (qv). He was also busy in the cinema with minor roles in classy productions, such as _Cool Hand Luke (1967)_ (qv), _Will Penny (1967)_ (qv) and _The New Centurions (1972)_ (qv). After his 007 escapades, James remained busy putting in a great dramatic performance in _The Deadly Tower (1975)_ (qv), played another loud-mouthed Sheriff in the action comedy _Silver Streak (1976)_ (qv) and was superb as team owner Charles Comiskey in the dramatization of the 1919 Chicago White Sox scandal, _Eight Men Out (1988)_ (qv).His other roles include that of a wealthy Montana baron whose cattle are being rustled in _Rancho Deluxe (1975)_ (qv), and as the source who tips off a newspaper reporter ('Bruce Willis' (qv)) to a potentially explosive story in _The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990)_ (qv). He had been quieter in his later years, but showed he could still contribute an enjoyable performance in the wonderful 'John Sayles' (qv) movie _Sunshine State (2002)_ (qv). James died at age 96 from complications of diabetes at his home in Gladstone, Oregon on April 15, 2017.::[email protected]