Blustery, stocky, loud although often genial character actor who has created a niche for himself playing often frustrated and fast talking Southern characters... most noticeably as Sheriff J.W. Pepper alongside Roger Moore in the James Bond spy adventure Vivre et laisser mourir (1973), plus his character returned to assist 007 again in L'homme au pistolet d'or (1974).
He may have perfected a Southern drawl, however Clifton James was actually born on May 29, 1921 in Spokane, Washington, a graduate of the Actors Studio and was regularly appearing in guest roles on 1950s-60s television series including Gunsmoke (1955), Bonanza (1959) and Le Virginien (1962). He was also busy in the cinema with minor roles in classy productions, such as Luke la main froide (1967), Will Penny, le solitaire (1967) and Les flics ne dorment pas la nuit (1972). After his 007 escapades, James remained busy putting in a great dramatic performance in The Deadly Tower (1975), played another loud-mouthed Sheriff in the action comedy Transamerica Express (1976) and was superb as team owner Charles Comiskey in the dramatization of the 1919 Chicago White Sox scandal, Les coulisses de l'exploit (1988).
He has been quieter in recent years, but recently showed he could still contribute an enjoyable performance in the wonderful John Sayles movie Sunshine State (2002).
