James Fox, the second of three sons, was born to Robin Fox, a theatrical agent, and Angela Worthington, a talented actress who also went by the stage name Angela Fox. Fox's brothers, Edward and Robert, also pursued careers in the entertainment industry, with Edward becoming an acclaimed actor and Robert a successful producer.
As a child, James Fox began his acting career, using his real name until he reached his early twenties. He then trained at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama, honing his craft and preparing for a successful career in the performing arts.
However, Fox's early twenties saw a significant departure from his acting career, as he left the industry for nine years to pursue Christian vocational work from 1970 to 1979. During this time, he dedicated himself to his faith and explored a different path.
Fox's personal life is also filled with notable family connections. His niece, Emilia Fox, is a talented actress in her own right, and he has a half-brother, Daniel Chatto, who is also an actor.
In his personal life, Fox has been married to Mary Piper, with whom he has four sons: Thomas, born in 1975; Robin, born in 1976; Laurence, an actor, born in 1978; Jack, born in 1985; and a daughter, Lydia, born in 1979.
In addition to his acting career, Fox has also written a book, "Comeback: An Actor's Direction", which was published in 1983. This book offers a unique insight into his journey as an actor and his experiences in the entertainment industry.
