Anthony James (actor)

Early life

James was born James Anthony in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in 1942, the only child of Greek immigrants George Anthony (1893–1951) and Marika Palla (1913–2008). He later reversed the order of his given name and surname for his acting career.

Career

James made several guest appearances on the CBS-TV western series Gunsmoke during the series' run, appearing in different roles, most often playing the character of Elbert Moses. Other shows he has guest-starred on include: Hawaii Five-O; The High Chaparral; Bonanza; The Rookies; Buck Rogers in the 25th Century; Holmes and Yo-Yo; Quincy, M.E.; and CBS's Beauty and the Beast.

James has also appeared in a number of major feature films. His first major role was as Ralph, the diner counterman in 1967's In the Heat of the Night. Subsequent film appearances included P.J. (1968) and ...tick...tick...tick... (1970). James is also known for his role as one of the lynch mobsters in High Plains Drifter (1973), as well as the films Burnt Offerings (1976), Blue Thunder (1983), Nightmares (1983), and The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear (1991).

James also appeared in Poison's 1988 music video for their song "Fallen Angel."

He retired from acting in the early 1990s with his last film role in Clint Eastwood's 1992 Oscar-winning western, Unforgiven. He has since concentrated on painting. In 1994, he published a book of art and poetry, Language of the Heart. His autobiography, Acting My Face, was published in 2014.

Select filmography