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
Oliver James (actor) Told" which appear on the film's soundtrack. He played the acoustic guitar and sang the last song in "Raise Your Voice". Oliver James (actor) Oliver James (born Oliver James Hudson; 1 June 1980) is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and actor. James made his acting debut in the made-for-television short film "School's Out" as Dean. He then appeared in an episode for the BBC television series "The Afternoon Play". In 2002, James was cast as the role of Ian Wallace in the teen romantic comedy "What a Girl Wants". The film was directed by Dennie Gordon and co-starred Amanda Bynes.