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
Will Smith (comedian) Will Smith (comedian) William James Smith (born 8 June 1971) is an English stand-up comedian, screenwriter, novelist, actor and producer. As co-writer and co-producer of the HBO sitcom "Veep", he was among the recipients of two Emmys and two Writers Guild of America Awards, and has received nominations for the Golden Globe Award and the Producers Guild of America Award for Best Episodic Comedy. Though born in Winchester, Hampshire, Smith grew up in Jersey and was educated there at Victoria College. His brother is the TV presenter and wine critic Olly Smith. Smith started his career in stand-up comedy, winning