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
James Wall (comedian) James Wall (comedian) James "Jimmy" Lee Wall (1863-June 12, 1927) was an American actor and singer, best known as a comedian and minstrel. Wall was born in Toronto, Canada, to English parents. Raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he first performed in blackface in a school fundraiser. At age 17, he had his first paid performance in Minneapolis. Soon after, he left to begin his career in acting and singing. Wall worked as an entertainer for the next 46 years. He was an actor, singer, blackface comedian, and vaudeville entertainer. He performed throughout the United States, but especially in the American South.