Olga James facts for kids

Olga James (born February 16, 1929 – died January 25, 2025) was an American singer and actress. She was most famous for her role in the 1954 film Carmen Jones. Later, she also acted in the Broadway musical Mr. Wonderful. She also had a regular role on The Bill Cosby Show.

Early Life and Education

Olga James was born in Washington, D.C., on February 16, 1929. Her father played the saxophone, and her mother was a dancer. Her parents separated when she was young. Olga was raised by her grandparents for a time.

Later, she was accepted into Juilliard, a famous music school in New York City. She then moved to Newark, New Jersey, to live with her mother. At Juilliard, Olga became friends with another singer, Leontyne Price. Olga studied opera but enjoyed singing songs by Mozart and French songs.

Acting and Singing Career

Olga James started her professional career in 1952. She was hired to perform in an opera called Four Saints in Three Acts in Paris. After returning to New York, she got a singing job in a show called Smart Affairs in Atlantic City.

While touring, she was asked to audition for the film Carmen Jones (1954). This movie was an all-black musical based on the opera Carmen. Olga played Cindy Lou, who was the fiancée of Joe, played by Harry Belafonte.

After the movie's success, Olga James performed in nightclubs. She also made her television debut in 1955 during a Harlem Globetrotters basketball game. She was managed by the Harlem Globetrotters owner, Abe Saperstein.

In 1956, Olga made her Broadway debut. She starred alongside Sammy Davis Jr. in the musical Mr. Wonderful. During this show, she became friends with actress Frances Taylor. Frances introduced Olga to jazz musician Julian "Cannonball" Adderley.

Olga and Julian started dating and got married on June 28, 1962. They even had a surprise church wedding in Florida. They stayed together until Julian's death in 1975.

From 1969 to 1971, Olga James had a regular role on The Bill Cosby Show. In 1972, she also did voice-over work for the cartoon series Sealab 2020.

Personal Life

Olga James was married twice. Her first husband was jazz musician Julian "Cannonball" Adderley. They were married from 1962 until his death in 1975. Her second husband was folk musician Len Chandler. They were married until his death in 2023.

Olga James passed away in Los Angeles on January 25, 2025. She was 95 years old.

Vocal Performances

Olga James lent her voice to several recordings:

• 1954: Carmen Jones (From the Original Soundtrack)
• 1956: Sammy Davis Jr. / 1956 Broadway Cast – Mr. Wonderful
• 1972: Cannonball Adderley Presents the Nat Adderley Sextet Plus Rick Holmes – Soul of the Bible
• 1972: The Cannonball Adderley Quintet – The Happy People
• 1974: David Axelrod – Heavy Axe