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American actor, stuntman, and martial artist Steve James was born on February 19, 1952, and unfortunately died on December 18, 1993. He made an enduring impression on the world of cinema throughout his comparatively brief life and is remembered for his outstanding appearances in action movies.
Early Life
Steve James was born and raised in New York City, and his family had strong ties to the world of entertainment. His father, Hubie James, was a trumpet player, and his uncle, James Wall, portrayed Mr. Baxter on the children’s television series “Captain Kangaroo.” Notably, his godfather was Joe Seneca, a versatile actor who played roles like Danny Glover’s character’s father in “Silverado.” It was Joe Seneca who kindled Steve’s interest in action films by taking him to watch movies on the famous 42nd Street when he was just a child.
After graduating from Power Memorial Academy in 1970, Steve James pursued his education in the arts and film, attending C.W. Post College.
Career
Steve James started working in stage productions and TV advertisements after he finished his studies. However, his career took off when he began performing stunts for several New York-based motion picture productions, including renowned films like “The Wiz,” “The Warriors,” and “The Wanderers.”
In 1980, he made his first recognizable acting debut as the lead in James Glickenhaus’ vigilante movie “The Exterminator.” Steve James is a Vietnam veteran in this film who, along with a character played by Robert Ginty, decides to become a vigilante after being crippled in a street gang attack. The movie was a big hit, earning $35 million at the box office, and it helped Robert Ginty establish himself as a top-action actor.
Following his breakout performance in “The Exterminator,” Steve James regularly took supporting roles in a variety of serious dramas as well as supporting roles in action movies.
He worked on numerous low-budget movies in the early 1980s, such as “He Knows You’re Alone” (1980) and “The Soldier” (1982). Additionally, he appeared in a few episodes of well-known TV shows including “T.J. Hooker” and “E/R.” He portrayed Ptl. Gibbons in the 1983 motion picture “Vigilante.”
One of his well-known roles was as a barfly with Joe Morton, Darryl Edwards, Ren Woods, and Bill Cobbs in John Sayles’ highly praised science-fiction comedy film “The Brother from Another Planet” in 1984.
In the John A. Gallagher-directed 1990 film “Street Hunter,” he played the starring role. The co-screenwriter of this movie, Steve James, expressed excitement about stepping out of the background and taking the starring part. It was clear that he was determined to establish himself as a specialist in the field.
In 1993, his final year, Steve James had an appearance in the comedy “Weekend at Bernie’s II.” Sadly, this was his final movie to be seen in theaters.
What was Steve James’ Cause of Death?
On December 18, 1993, Steve James passed away due to pancreatic cancer. He was just 41 years old at the time.
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