Olga James
Olga James Adderley-Chandler (February 16, 1929 – January 25, 2025) was born into a musical family – her father played the saxaphone, her mother was a dancer – James would attend Julliard in New York City where she studied opera. She made her professional debut in 1952 in Paris, performing in the opera Four Saints in Three Acts.
After returning to America, James was hired to perform in the all-Black revue at Atlantic City’s Club Harlem. It was while performing in the revue that she got
Two years after Carmen Jones, James gave her first and only Broadway performance in 1956’s Mr. Wonderful, playing the character Ethel Pearson, who sings the title song.
Through her high-profile performances in film and on Broadway, James became a prolific and popular nightclub performer. She met and, in 1962, married the saxophonist Julian 'Cannonball' Adderley, their union lasting until his death in 1975. In 1990, James married singer and civil rights activist Len Chandler, who died in 2023.
Born
Feb 16, 1929
Washington, D.C., United States of America
Died
Jan 25, 2025
Known For
Acting
Movies
4 acting
0 crew
Popularity
0.5
Known For
Add to Watchlist
Movie will be added to your watchlist