Career

James had previously 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: The High Chaparral, Bonanza, The Rookies; the short-lived ABC-TV sitcom Holmes and Yo-Yo, which starred John Schuck, Quincy, M.E. and CBS's Beauty and the Beast, starring Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton.

James has also appeared in a number of major feature films. His first major role was as Ralph, the diner counterman, in the 1967 classic Oscar-winning movie In the Heat of the Night, which co-starred Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger. Subsequent film appearances have included P.J. (which starred George Peppard) (1968), ...tick...tick...tick... (1970). James is also known for his role as one of the lynch mobsters in Clint Eastwood's 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 starred in the Poison's 1988 music-video for Fallen Angel.

He retired from acting in the early 1990s with his last film role in Clint Eastwood's 1992 Oscar-winning western, Unforgiven which starred Clint Eastwood.

Select filmography

• Traitor's Gate (1964)
• In the Heat of the Night (1967)
• P.J. (1968)
• Sam Whiskey (1969)
• ...tick...tick...tick... (1970)
• Vanishing Point (1971)
• The Culpepper Cattle Co. (1972)
• High Plains Drifter (1973)
• The Teacher (1974)
• Hearts of the West (1975)
• Burnt Offerings (1976)
• Victory at Entebbe (1976)
• Return from Witch Mountain (1978)
• Ravagers (1979)
• Wacko (1982)
• Nightmares (1983)
• Blue Thunder (1983)
• The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991)
• Unforgiven (1992)

[ Source: Wikipedia ]