Brion James was born February 20, 1945, in Redlands, California, to Ida
Mae (Buckelew) and Jimmy James. The family soon moved to Beaumont,
California (between Los Angeles and Palm Springs), where his parents
built and operated a movie theater, where stars such as
Gene Autry would occasionally stop
by. After graduating from Beaumont High School in 1962, Brion attended
San Diego State University, majoring in theater arts. Upon graduation
he moved to New York to study acting while working a variety of jobs to
support himself in the early years. He also did a stint in the National
Guard. He and fellow actor
Tim Thomerson served in the army
together and later made several films together. A veteran of over 100
television and 120+ movie roles, James is best remembered for roles
such as the replicant Leon in
Der Blade Runner (1982), Gen. Munro in
Das fünfte Element (1997), Big
Teddy in Schiffsjunge ahoi! (1994), Max Jenke in
Horror House (1989) (his
personal favorite) as well as countless other parts in films like
Die letzten Amerikaner (1981),
The Player (1992),
Tango und Cash (1989),
Nur 48 Stunden (1982),
Und wieder 48 Stunden (1990),
Enemy Mine - Geliebter Feind (1985) and
Silverado (1985). Brion is survived by
two brothers, Craig James of Scottsdale, Arizona, Chester James of
Beaumont, California and their families.
