Sid James, the renowned British comedy actor, initially gained prominence as a sidekick to the groundbreaking Tony Hancock, both on radio and television. Born Solomon Joel Cohen in Johannesburg, South Africa, James arrived in England in 1946, accompanied by his second wife, after serving with the South African Army during World War II.
Before becoming an aspiring actor, James claimed to have boxed in his youth, which may have contributed to his distinctive features. However, he was actually a well-respected hairdresser in his native country, earning him the nickname "one take James" in the trade.
James quickly established himself as a talented and professional actor, constantly in demand for small parts in British post-war cinema. In 1960, he made his debut in the fourth Carry On film, taking the lead role in Carry on Constable and went on to appear in a further 18 Carry On films, as well as various stage and television spin-offs.
Despite reportedly not getting along with Carry On co-star Kenneth Williams, the two often played adversaries on-screen, particularly in the historical parodies Carry on Up the Khyber and Carry on Don't Lose Your Head. James, however, was respected and revered by almost everyone he worked with, and contrary to popular myth, a true gentleman.
An addiction to gambling played a significant role in James' workaholic schedule and subsequent heart attack in 1967. He was soon back in action, playing a hospital patient in Carry on Doctor, able to spend most of the film in bed. Tragically, James suffered a second and fatal heart attack on stage in Sunderland, England, on April 26, 1976, leaving behind three children and his third wife, Valerie, who had stood by him despite his affair with Carry On co-star Barbara Windsor, saying, "He always came home to me."
