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
Ron James (comedian) Ron James (comedian) Ron James (born 1958) is a Canadian stand-up comedian. James was born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia; his family later moved to Halifax during his youth. He attended Acadia University, studying history and political science with the intention of becoming a history teacher. During his time there he came under the influence of Evelyn Garbary, who headed the theatre program there, as a result of a course he was taking. After graduating, he moved to Toronto and joined The Second City troupe there, working with them during the 1980s. In 1989, he received a Genie Award nomination