James Marshall was born James David Greenblatt in Queens, New York, USA, to Charlotte (Bullard),a dancer, and William R. Greenblatt, a producer and director. His father, of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, and his mother, with English and Irish ancestry, both played significant roles in the entertainment industry.
Growing up in Bergen County, New Jersey, James moved with his family to the Los Angeles area at the age of 15. He attended Santa Monica High School, where he began to nurture his passion for acting. After high school, James attended acting classes, struggling to break into Hollywood. His father offered to help him, but James refused to take the nepotism route, preferring to make a name for himself in the industry.
James' family has a rich history in entertainment, with his mother being a former Radio City Music Hall Rockette and his sister a musician. Despite this, James was determined to make it on his own, taking on small acting parts and working odd jobs, including as a messenger and a pizzeria employee.
However, James' big break came when director David Lynch cast him in his new series, Twin Peaks. Playing the moody, biker boyfriend of Laura Palmer, James Marshall became a household name, captivating audiences worldwide. This newfound fame led to his first starring role in the 1992 movie Cadence, alongside Martin Sheen and Charlie Sheen.
The success of Cadence propelled James to the silver screen, where he landed his first major movie studio role in the 1992 boxing drama, Gladiator. James underwent rigorous training for three months before even setting foot on set, showcasing his dedication to his craft.
The buzz surrounding James Marshall led director Rob Reiner to cast him alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. in his upcoming film, A Few Good Men. This movie served as an excellent springboard for James' busy acting career, with him continuing to work steadily in television, movies, and features.
In May 1998, James married actress Renee Allman, with whom he has appeared in the features Criminal Affairs and Doomsday Man. Together, they have one child, James David, born in January 2002. The happy family resides in the Los Angeles area, where James continues to work on television movies and film projects.
In addition to his acting career, James is also an accomplished author, artist, and musician, showcasing his versatility and talent in multiple fields.
