Biografia

Nicknamed "One Take James" because he nearly always did it right the first time. He was also earning the highest daily rate of any character actor in the UK.

He suffered a second heart attack while appearing in "The Mating Game" at the Empire Theatre, Sunderland. He died in the ambulance before reaching the hospital.

Was famous for using branded products in the "Carry On" films and advertising them. In Carry On Again Doctor, he opened a cupboard to reveal it was full of Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch Whisky.

Career prior to acting was as a top ladies' hairdresser in South Africa.

In the late 1960s he attended a show business house party near the Thames and, according to a TV news bulletin, was the hero of the hour because a fire broke out and James kept dashing back indoors to help others to safety. Apparently, the emergency services had to restrain him from re-entering the fire.

Comedy is hard work and I am not really a comedian ... I need funny people around me to get the best out of myself.

I didn't want to go to the States because I think there are too many blokes like me in the States.

Stardom is no perishin' use to me. If I had stardom people might get the idea that I was too expensive and stop offering me some of those small character parts that help the old bank balance.

I don't refuse any part, providing I can do something with it and the lolly's good.

I'm the eternal dirty old man.

Carry on Dick (1974) - £5,000

Carry on Girls (1973) - £5,000

Carry on Abroad (1972) - £3,500

Carry on Matron (1972) - £5,000

Carry on at Your Convenience (1971) - £5,000