Sid James (1913-1976)

Sid James (born Solomon Joel Cohen; 8th May 1913 - 26th April 1976) was a South African, British-based actor and comedian, who made his name as Tony Hancock's co-star in Hancock's Half Hour and also starred in the popular Carry On films. He was known for his trademark "dirty laugh" and lascivious persona. In 1967, James was intending to play Sergeant Nocker in Carry On Follow That Camel, but suffered a massive heart attack and was replaced by the American comic actor Phil Silvers. In the same year in Carry On Doctor James was shown mainly lying in a hospital bed, owing to his real-life health scare. Meanwhile his success in TV situation comedies continued, now heading the cast, notably in Taxi!, George and the Dragon, Two In Clover, and Bless This House. He suffered a heart attack on 26th April 1976, during the opening night of The Mating Season at the Sunderland Empire Theatre. The technical manager (Melvyn James) called for the curtain to close and requested a doctor, whilst the audience (unaware of what was happening) laughed, believing the events to be part of the show. He was taken to hospital by ambulance, but it was too late. James, then 62, was cremated and his ashes scattered at Golders Green Crematorium. PUBLIC DOMAIN News item.

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• (1913-1976)

[hammys123]

god bless him ,i miss so much the british sense of humour so well captured by the carry on films. this country has gone to the dogs now. a total disgrace.

[swollower]

At least he passed away the way he would off wanted.On stage in the arms of a beautiful woman with laughter in the throats of the audience.R.I.P Sid you are still missed.

[dermotoblong]

wha wha wha!!

[rankingtrevor]

Did Sid James ever look youthful LOL

[funkyfox63]

Sid and the carry on team were great but didn't he look really old for his age?

[rODIUMuk]

Sid james was a comedy triple O G

[bensimps123]

he wanted barbara windsor and said he'd rather die then not have her after there affair ..so his wife still talks like she was the only 1

[misterspigot88]

I've just bought the entire 'Hancock's Half Hour' TV collection. Sid was SO good in this. They played off of each other beautifully. And contrary to many stories, he and Tony Hancock were incredibly close - even after their professional parting.

[sweetypie000]

He was the mutz nuts.

[TheKenfig]

Great guy who like many of his generation of entertainers, worked too hard at a time when real good work was vital ; live tv etc. He also played hard too which the story of which was on his face. What a legacy of super fun work he left for us with the likes of Bless This House also being available on dvd

[DVBartram]

Thanks for this vid. Sid is one of my favourites. Dave B



[SandyR569]

i miss him also