Olga James facts for kids

Olga James (born February 16, 1929 – died January 25, 2025) was a talented American singer and actress. She is most famous for her role in the movie Carmen Jones (1954). Later, she also starred in the Broadway musical Mr. Wonderful. You might also remember her from The Bill Cosby Show, where she had a regular part.

Olga James's Early Life and Schooling

Olga James was born in Washington, D.C., on February 16, 1929. Her father played the saxophone. Her mother was a dancer who performed on the Chitlin Circuit. This was a special group of venues for African-American entertainers.

Olga's parents separated when she was young. Her mother later got married again. Olga was raised by her grandparents for a while. 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. Even though Olga studied opera, she loved singing songs by Mozart. She also enjoyed German lieder and French chansons.

Olga James's Acting and Singing Career

Olga's first professional job came in 1952. She was hired for an opera called Four Saints in Three Acts. This show was performed at a festival in Paris. After returning to New York, she joined a popular all-black show. It was called Larry Steele's Smart Affairs. This show played at Club Harlem in Atlantic City.

While touring, Olga was asked to audition for a movie. It was Otto Preminger's film Carmen Jones (1954). This was an all-black musical based on Georges Bizet's opera Carmen. Olga played Cindy Lou, who was Joe's fiancée. Joe was played by Harry Belafonte. After the movie became a hit, Olga performed in nightclubs. She also made her TV debut in 1955 during a Harlem Globetrotters basketball game.

In 1956, Olga made her Broadway debut. She starred opposite Sammy Davis Jr. in Mr. Wonderful. During this show, she became friends with actress Frances Taylor. Frances was dating jazz musician Miles Davis. One night, Frances took Olga to see Miles perform. There, Olga met saxophonist Julian "Cannonball" Adderley.

Olga saw Cannonball again four years later in Los Angeles. This was before she went on an international tour in 1960. Two years later, in March 1962, she went with her friend to see him perform again. They started dating and got married on June 28 at New York City Hall. They also had a surprise church wedding in Florida. Cannonball's parents arranged it. They spent their honeymoon at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach. They stayed together until Cannonball's death in 1975.

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

Olga James's 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.

Olga James's Vocal 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