Oscar James facts for kids

Oscar James (born July 25, 1942) is an actor from Trinidad. He lives in the United Kingdom. He has had a long and interesting career. Many people know him best for acting on British television. He was one of the first 23 actors in the BBC show EastEnders. He played the character Tony Carpenter for more than two years.

Early Life

Oscar James was born in Trinidad. He grew up in a family that didn't have much money. In the 1950s, he moved to the United Kingdom. At first, he worked as a taxi driver. He also washed dishes and was a gymnast. But he always wanted to be an entertainer. He followed his dream and became an actor.

Acting Career

When Oscar James started acting, it was hard for black actors to find roles. But he kept trying and became very successful. He was the fourth black actor to join the famous Royal Shakespeare Company. He was also the first black actor to play the main role in the play Macbeth.

In 1972, he helped start the first black British theatre company. It was called Temba. The name "Temba" means "hope" in the Zulu language. This company wanted to show new plays written by black writers from Britain and South Africa. Temba put on the first British show of Athol Fugard's play Sizwe Bansi is Dead.

TV Shows and Films

Oscar James has been in many TV shows. Some of his early roles were in Softly, Softly (1966) and Love Thy Neighbour (1975). He also appeared in Minder (1979) and Tales of the Unexpected (1981).

In 1978, he was the first black actor to appear in the ITV show Emmerdale Farm. He played Antony Moeketsi, a teacher from Africa. Antony taught another character, Seth Armstrong, how to read.

Oscar James is most famous for his role as Tony Carpenter in EastEnders. He was one of the original actors when the show started in 1985. He stayed on the show until 1987.

He has also been in other popular TV shows. These include Casualty (1996), Lovejoy (1994), and The Bill (2006). He was also in Doctors in 2002 and 2005.

Oscar James has acted in several movies too. He was in the 1977 film Black Joy. He also played the shopkeeper in the 2005 movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This was the film where Charlie Bucket finds the last Golden Ticket.

In 2004, Oscar James acted in a radio play called Oxford Road: the Story. He also starred in the TV film Elmina's Kitchen in 2005.

Personal Life

Oscar James lives in North London.

Notable Film Roles

• Black Joy (1977) - Jomo
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) - Shopkeeper