Brion James

Brion James

Born:February 20, 1945

Place of Birth:Redlands, California, USA

Died:August 7, 1999

Known For:Acting

Biography

Brion Howard James was an American character actor who left a lasting impact on the film industry with his memorable performances. Born on February 20, 1945, James became known for his role as the menacing Leon Kowalski in the iconic movie "Blade Runner." Standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches, his imposing presence and powerful performances captivated audiences throughout his career.

Beyond his role in "Blade Runner," James showcased his versatility by portraying a wide range of colorful characters in popular American films such as "48 Hrs.," "Tango & Cash," "Silverado," and "The Fifth Element." His ability to embody both villains and complex personalities added depth to the movies he appeared in, earning him a reputation as a talented character actor in the industry.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, James became a familiar face in lower budget horror and action films, where his commanding screen presence and formidable physique set him apart. His on-screen charisma and ability to bring depth to his characters made him a sought-after actor for various roles, showcasing his range and talent as a performer.

With a career that spanned over 100 films, James made a significant impact on Hollywood before his untimely passing at the age of 54 due to a heart attack. Despite his departure, his legacy continues to live on through his memorable performances and contributions to the film industry, solidifying his status as a respected character actor.

Brion James' dedication to his craft and his ability to bring authenticity to each role he undertook left a lasting impression on both audiences and fellow actors alike. His work ethic and commitment to his characters shone through in every performance, leaving a mark on the films he was a part of.

As a versatile actor, James was able to seamlessly transition between genres, showcasing his range and talent in a variety of film projects. Whether portraying a menacing antagonist or a complex anti-hero, he brought a level of intensity and depth to his characters that resonated with viewers.

Despite often being cast as a heavy in films, James brought nuance and complexity to each role, elevating the characters he portrayed beyond mere stereotypes. His ability to infuse humanity and emotion into his performances set him apart as a character actor of exceptional talent.

Brion James' impact on the film industry extends far beyond his on-screen presence, as his contributions to cinema continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike. His memorable performances and dedication to his craft have solidified his legacy as a versatile and talented actor whose work will be remembered for years to come.

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Brion James
Brion James
Brion James

Filmography

Acting

Blade Runner

Blade Runner

Leon

1982

In the smog-choked dystopian Los Angeles of 2019, blade runner Rick Deckard is called out of retirement to terminate a quartet of replicants who have escaped to Earth seeking their creator for a way to extend their short life spans.
48 Hrs.

48 Hrs.

Ben Kehoe

1982

A hard-nosed cop reluctantly teams up with a wise-cracking criminal temporarily paroled to him, in order to track down a killer.
Tango & Cash

Tango & Cash

Requin

1989

Ray Tango and Gabriel Cash are two successful narcotics detectives who can't stand each other. Crime lord Yves Perret, furious at the loss of income they have caused him, plots an elaborate revenge against them.
Red Heat

Red Heat

Streak

1988

A tough Russian policeman is forced to partner up with a cocky Chicago police detective when he is sent to Chicago to apprehend a Georgian drug lord who killed his partner and fled the country.
Silverado

Silverado

Hobart

1985

Four unwitting heroes cross paths on their journey to the sleepy town of Silverado. Little do they know the town where their family and friends reside has been taken over by a corrupt sheriff and a murderous posse. It's up to the sharp-shooting foursome to save the day, but first they have to break each other out of jail, and learn who their real friends are.
Flesh + Blood

Flesh + Blood

Karsthans

1985

A band of medieval mercenaries take revenge on a noble lord who decides not to pay them by kidnapping the betrothed of the noble's son. As the plague and warfare cut a swathe of destruction throughout the land, the mercenaries hole up in a castle and await their fate.
Another 48 Hrs.

Another 48 Hrs.

Ben Kehoe

1990

For the past four years, San Francisco cop Jack Cates has been after an unidentified drug kingpin who calls himself the Ice Man. Jack finds a picture that proves that the Ice Man has put a price on the head of Reggie Hammond, who is scheduled to be released from prison on the next day.
The Player

The Player

Joel Levison

1992

A Hollywood studio executive is being sent death threats by a writer whose script he rejected - but which one?
Striking Distance

Striking Distance

Det. Eddie Eiler

1993

Coming from a police family, Tom Hardy ends up fighting his uncle after the murder of his father. Tom believes the killer is another cop, and goes on the record with his allegations. Demoted to water-way duty Tom, along with new partner Jo Christman, navigate the three rivers looking for clues and discovering bodies. This time the victims are women Tom knows, he must find the killer to prove his innocence.
Enemy Mine

Enemy Mine

Stubbs

1985

A soldier from Earth crashlands on an alien world after sustaining battle damage. Eventually he encounters another survivor, but from the enemy species he was fighting; they band together to survive on this hostile world. In the end the human finds himself caring for his enemy in a completely unexpected way.
Armed and Dangerous

Armed and Dangerous

Anthony Lazarus

1986

After policeman Frank Dooley is framed for theft and loses his job on the force, he joins a security guard agency and teams up with inept former defense lawyer Norman Kane. When the two botch a job guarding a local warehouse, they begin to uncover corruption within the company and their union.
The Postman Always Rings Twice

The Postman Always Rings Twice

Crapshooter

1981

The sensuous wife of a lunch wagon proprietor and a rootless drifter begin a sordidly steamy affair and conspire to murder her Greek husband.
Southern Comfort

Southern Comfort

Trapper

1981

A squad of National Guards on an isolated weekend exercise in the Louisiana swamp must fight for their lives when they anger local Cajuns by stealing their canoes. Without live ammunition and in a strange country, their experience begins to mirror the Vietnam experience.
Nemesis

Nemesis

Maritz

1992

In the future, chaos is rampant as 'information terrorists' threaten to destroy order in society. Alex is a part-man, part-machine LAPD cop who is the best at what he does. When one of the terrorists calls him a machine, Alex questions his humanity and decides to leave the force. His final assignment is to apprehend an old colleague who has stolen some data. However, there is more than meets the eye and Alex must question his allegiance.
Corvette Summer

Corvette Summer

Wayne's Car Wash Henchman

1978

Ken loves to design and build exotic cars. When the High School shop class project car, a fully tricked out dream Corvette, is stolen, he begins searching for it. His search leads him to Las Vegas, where Vanessa, a teenaged prostitute wannabe, helps him try to track it down.
Bound for Glory

Bound for Glory

Pick Up Truck Driver at the Border

1976

A biography of Woody Guthrie, one of America's greatest folk singers. He left his dust-devastated Texas home in the 1930s to find work, discovering the suffering and strength of America's working class.

Production