Oscar James
Biography
Oscar James is a Trinidadian actor based in the United Kingdom, best known for his British television work. Born in Trinidad, he moved to the UK in the 1950s and worked as a taxi driver and a gymnast before turning to acting. He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company as its fourth black member and was the first black actor cast as Macbeth, and in 1972 he co-founded Temba, a black British theater company. In 1978 he became the first black actor on Emmerdale Farm, and he played Tony Carpenter among the original cast of EastEnders from 1985 to 1987. His films include Black Joy (1977) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005).
84years old
Turns 85 on July 25in 286 days
- Born Trinidad
- Star sign: LeoThe sign runs July 23 to August 22
Movie Career
- Films
- 6
- Career span
- 20 years1970 to 1990
First and latest
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A first
During a time when roles for black actors were scarce, James kept going and became the fourth black actor in the Royal Shakespeare Company. He was also the first black actor to take on Macbeth.
Behind the camera
In 1972 James and fellow actor Alton Kumalo started Temba, the first black British theater company. Its name came from the Zulu word for hope, and it put on the first British production of Athol Fugard's Sizwe Bansi is Dead.
A first
James was the first black actor on the ITV soap opera Emmerdale Farm, appearing in 1978 as Antony Moeketsi, an African teacher whose pupil was Seth Armstrong, whom he taught to read.
Oscar James movies on Netflix
Best known for
The films on Netflix they are best known for, with the part played in each.
Worked with
Oscar James shares two films with Fulton Mackay, and one with each of the others. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Michael Caine's page
Ringo Starr's page
Marianne Stone's page
Albert Finney's page
Billy Connolly's page
All films by Richard Stanley
Michael RitchieDirector, 1 film, 1981
All films by Michael Ritchie
Mickey RoseDirector, 1 film, 1981
All films by Mickey Rose
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.