Sid James attack while performing on stage at the Sunderland Empire Theatre; he died in hospital an hour later. Some, including comedian Les Dawson, claim to have seen the ghost of James at the theatre, and subsequently refused to appear at the theatre again. James was born Solomon Joel Cohen on 8 May 1913, to Jewish parents in South Africa, later changing his name to Sidney Joel Cohen, and then Sidney James. His family lived on Hancock Street in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. Upon moving to the UK later in life, he claimed various previous occupations, including diamond cutter, dance tutor and boxer; in
Elis James Elis James Owain Elis James (born 3 November 1980) is a Welsh comedian and actor originally from Haverfordwest. He grew up in Carmarthen and later lived in Cardiff. He is now based in London. He is bilingual in Welsh and English and has performed stand-up in both languages. James was born in Haverfordwest and grew up in Carmarthen, Wales. He has two younger sisters. James's mother worked with the father of Welsh comedian Rhod Gilbert and the mother of Welsh musician Euros Childs. Prior to becoming a professional comedian, James engaged in various forms of employment, including temp work, charity