Biography for
Clifton James (I) More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

29 May 1921, Spokane, Washington, USA

Birth Name

George Clifton James

Height

5' 11" (1.80 m)

Mini Biography

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 in the James Bond spy adventure Live and Let Die (1973), plus his character returned to assist 007 again in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974).

He may have perfected a Southern drawl, however Clifton James was actually born in New York in May 1921, a graduate of the Actors Studio and was regularly appearing in guest roles on 1950's / 60's TV shows including "Gunsmoke" (1955), "Bonanza" (1959) and "The Virginian" (1962). He was also busy in the cinema with minor roles in classy productions, such as Cool Hand Luke (1967), Will Penny (1968) and The New Centurions (1972). After his 007 escapades, James remained busy putting in a great dramatic performance in The Deadly Tower (1975) (TV), played another loud-mouthed Sheriff in the action comedy Silver Streak (1976) and was superb as team owner "Charles Comiskey" in the dramatization of the 1919 Chicago White Sox scandal, Eight Men Out (1988).

He's been quieter in recent years, but recently showed he could still contribute an enjoyable performance in the wonderful John Sayles movie Sunshine State (2002).

IMDb Mini Biography By: firehouse44@hotmail.com

Spouse

Laurie Harper

(May 1951 - present) 6 children

Trade Mark

Frequently plays the stereotypical "Fat Southern Sheriff"

Trivia

Has mastered an impeccable (and unmistakable) Southern accent, despite having been born in New York City.

Is best remembered for playing the stereotypical Redneck cop Sheriff J.W. Pepper in the James Bond films Live and Let Die (1973) and The Man with the Golden Gun (1974). He played basically the same character in Superman II (1980) although his name is never mentioned (He's referred to simply as "sheriff").

Made his Broadway stage debut as the warm-hearted construction foreman in William Saroyan's "The Cave Dwellers".

A graduate of the University of Oregon.

Served five years with the U.S. Army during World War II.

Personal Quotes

[on redneck sheriffs] I noticed they love their stomachs. They stick them out, they're really proud of their stomachs.

Where Are They Now

(August 2010) Resides in New York City.