James Bolam facts for kids

James Christopher Bolam (born 16 June 1935) is a well-known English actor. He is famous for many roles on television. These include Terry Collier in The Likely Lads and its sequel Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?. He also played Jack Ford in When the Boat Comes In. Younger viewers might know him best as Grandpa in the CBeebies show Grandpa in My Pocket. James Bolam has also appeared in many films and plays. He has been nominated for important acting awards. These include the British Academy Television Award for Best Actor and the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor.

About James Bolam

Early Life and Training

James Bolam was born in Sunderland, England, on 16 June 1935. His father, Robert Alfred Bolam, was from Northumberland. His mother, Marion Alice Drury, was from County Durham. James went to Bede Grammar School in Sunderland. He later attended Bemrose School in Derby.

Before becoming an actor, James trained to be an accountant. He then studied acting at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. He was a top student there, winning a gold medal and the Margaret Rawlings Cup. To pay for his studies, he worked hard. He washed dishes at night in restaurants while studying during the day.

Starting His Acting Journey

James Bolam's first professional acting job was at the Royal Court Theatre. He was an understudy, meaning he learned a role so he could perform if the main actor couldn't. He started appearing on screen in the early 1960s. His first TV roles included shows like Z-Cars.

He also acted in films such as A Kind of Loving and The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner. Both films were released in 1962. In The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, he played the best friend of the main character.

Becoming a Star

James Bolam became very well-known for his role as Terry Collier in the TV series The Likely Lads. He starred alongside Rodney Bewes, who played Bob Ferris. This show was popular from 1964 to 1966. James also helped adapt the TV scripts for a BBC Radio version.

Before the sequel, Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?, he appeared in films like Half a Sixpence (1967) and O Lucky Man! (1973). The sequel series, which continued the adventures of Bob and Terry, aired in 1973 and 1974. It also included a 45-minute Christmas Eve special in 1974. In 1975, he was part of another BBC Radio series based on the show. A film version, The Likely Lads, was released in 1976.

Later Career and Notable Roles

In 1976, James Bolam returned to serious drama. He played Jack Ford in the BBC Television series When the Boat Comes In, which ran until 1981. After this, he mostly appeared in comedies and comedy dramas. These included Only When I Laugh (as Roy Figgis) from 1979 to 1982. He also starred in The Beiderbecke Affair (as Trevor Chaplin) in 1985.

He played the main character in Andy Capp. Other notable roles were in Second Thoughts (as Bill MacGregor), Born and Bred (as Dr. Arthur Gilder), and New Tricks (as Jack Halford). In 2002, he played Ronnie Stribling in the BBC comedy-drama Bedtime.

On the radio, in 1978, he played Willie Garvin in a BBC World Service adaptation of a Modesty Blaise book. He provided the voice for The Tod in the animated film The Plague Dogs (1982). He also narrated the football documentary Three Lions for BBC One before Euro 2000. In 2006, he portrayed a former Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, in a BBC documentary. He played Grandpa in the popular CBeebies show Grandpa in My Pocket. His stage work includes performances at the Chichester Festival Theatre and on the London stage.

Personal Life and Interests

James Bolam lives in Wisborough Green, West Sussex, and Chiswick, London. He is married to actress Susan Jameson, and they have one daughter. He enjoys playing golf and is a member of the Stage Golfing Society. He has also supported local environmental causes, speaking out on issues important to his community. In 2009, James Bolam was appointed MBE for his contributions to drama.

Film Roles

Television Roles