Steve James

Steve James Actor - Date of Birth 19 February 1952, New York City, New York, USA

Date of Death 18 December 1993, Burbank, California, USA (pancreatic cancer)

Nickname Lurch

Height 6' 1" (1.85 m)

Mini Bio (1) Steve James was often cast in action movies as the hero's sidekick, despite usually being a better actor and fighter than the star. James was raised in New York City, attended C.W. Post College as an Arts and Film major, and upon graduating, became involved in stage work and TV commercials. He started in film as a stuntman, working in such New York productions as Ghostbusters, The Wiz, The Warriors, and The Wanderers. His first major film role was as Robert Ginty's sidekick in The Exterminator; he later played sidekick to such stars as Michael Dudikoff (3 times), David Carradine, and Chuck Norris. His last 2 films were the pilot for the TV series "M.A.N.T.I.S." which aired on the Fox network just a few weeks after his death at age 41 of cancer (of unknown origin) and "Bloodfist V: Human Target" with Don "The Dragon" Wilson which premiered after Steve's death.

- IMDb Mini Biography By: Christine Pan James

Spouse (1) Christine Pan James (26 December 1992 - 18 December 1993) (his death)

James's uncle, James Wall, played Mr. Baxter on "Captain Kangaroo".

Eulogies at James' memorial were delivered by the legendary Sidney Poitier (his wife worked for Mr. Poitier), his father Hubie James, his wife Christine Pan James & his best friend John A. Gallagher.

Was a close friend of director William Friedkin, who described him as "One of the most nicest, toughest and professionnal actor I've ever worked with."

Steve began his love for the arts as a child, playing all of the roles of films his godfather Joe Seneca took him to.

Worked as both a performer and manager at Manhattan's South Street Seaport Theater after graduating from college.

Married to Christine Pan James & has one daughter Debi from a previous marriage.

Practiced fu jow pai (tiger claw) kung fu.

Went to Power Memorial High School in NYC.

Attended Power Memorial High School and C. W. Post College in New York.

Was a film buff and loved the Three Stooges, Sergio Leone, Karloff and Lugosi, Kurosawa, Ford, Scorsese, Coppola, James Bond, and Hong Kong cinema.

"Street Hunter" was his favorite film.

Personal Quotes (1) I don't like getting beat up much in films, but Jackie [Chan] could beat me up anytime. My first influence was Bruce Lee, and then I saw Jackie afterwards, and it was entirely different. When people ask me who I think is the best action star, I don't say Stallone, I don't say Schwarzenegger, I say Jackie. He's my influence, I learn from him, that's why I'm here.