Olga James was an actress and singer best known for her performance in the 1954 movie musical “Carmen Jones” opposite Harry Belafonte (1927–2023).
- Died: January 25, 2025 (Who else died on January 25?)
- Details of death: Died at an assisted living facility in Los Angeles of complications from a fall at the age of 95.
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Olga James’ legacy
James was an opera singer who trained at the famed Juilliard School of Music, and when casting began for “Carmen Jones,” she was an obvious choice for the role of Cindy Lou. She was the third star to be cast, after Belafonte and Pearl Bailey (1918–1990), chosen after she sang an operatic aria in her audition. Her character, a country girl engaged to Belafonte’s Joe, is spurned by him when he falls for the title character, played by Dorothy Dandridge (1922–1965). James performed the musical numbers “You Talk Jus’ Like My Maw,” “My Joe,” and “He Got His Self Another Woman.”
The popularity of “Carmen Jones” opened doors for James, though she had few onscreen credits in its wake. She became a popular nightclub performer, and in 1956, she originated the role of Ethel Pearson in “Mr. Wonderful” on Broadway. Starring alongside Sammy Davis Jr. (1925–1990) and Chita Rivera (1933–2024), James sang the title song and dueted on “Ethel, Baby” and “Talk to Him.”
James never returned to the big screen or to Broadway, but she had a recurring role on “The Bill Cosby Show” in the late 1960s and early ‘70s. She played Verna Kincaid, the sister-in-law of Cosby’s character. In 1972, she provided the voice of Mrs. Thomas in the animated series “Sealab 2020.”
James was married to jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley (1928–1975) from 1962 until his death. Later, she was married to folk musician Len Chandler (1935–2023).
Tributes to Olga James
Full obituary: The Hollywood Reporter
