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 Young (comedian) pronounced dead at the scene. In 2013 a biographical play about Young was shelved after the "Sunday World", a sensationalist Belfast tabloid, published unsubstantiated allegations that he had been involved in child abuse. The following is a list of plays in which Young performed in the premiere production. James Young (comedian) James Alexander Young (23 June 1918 – 5 July 1974), better known as Jimmy Young or simply Our Jimmy, was a Northern Irish actor and comedian born in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland and brought up in Belfast. He performed on stage and television. His comedy records sold over a quarter