James Nelson Harrell, a renowned figure in the world of theater and film, was born in Waco, Texas to Margaret Teny and Jefferson Whitfield Harrell, the esteemed Chair of the Baylor University Mathematics Department. His educational background was marked by a strong foundation in mathematics, as he graduated from Waco High School and Baylor University, before pursuing a Master's Degree in Drama from Trinity University.
With a passion for acting, Harrell studied under the tutelage of Paul Baker at the original Baylor Theater in the 1930s. This early training laid the groundwork for his future success, as he was later invited to join Michael Chekhov's Acting Studio in Ridgefield, Connecticut in 1940. During his time with the studio, Harrell toured the East Coast, taking on the role of Twelfth Night, only to have his theatrical endeavors interrupted by the attack on Pearl Harbor, which drew the United States into World War II.
Undeterred, Harrell served in the United States Army for four years, his military service taking him to various roles, including a tank company, Headquarters Eighth Service Command, Special Services, and Occupied Japan. Following his military service, Harrell returned to his passion for acting, adopting the stage name "little Jimmy Harrell from Waco, Texas" as he embarked on a prolific career in film and television, appearing in over 75 productions.
In addition to his impressive acting career, Harrell was also a dedicated educator, teaching acting at the Dallas Theater Center and holding leading roles in numerous productions, including the critically acclaimed 'Anse Bundren' in Journey to Jefferson, which toured Paris, Belgium, and Germany. For 24 years, Harrell shared his expertise with students at Southwest Texas State University, retiring in 1994 as an Associate Professor.
