James Bolam is one of Britain’s most enduring actors. Known for his subtle style and iconic roles, he has left an indelible mark on British television. With a career spanning six decades, Bolam remains a respected figure both on and off the screen.
Who Is James Bolam?
James Bolam is a veteran British actor who has made a significant impact on the UK television landscape. With his career starting in the 1950s, Bolam’s performances have earned him a loyal fan base. He is best known for his roles in iconic sitcoms and dramas such as The Likely Lads, When the Boat Comes In, and New Tricks. His ability to portray both comedic and dramatic roles with equal finesse has solidified his place as one of the UK’s finest actors.
A Look Back at His Early Life and Career
From Sunderland to Stardom
Born on June 16, 1935, in Sunderland, County Durham, James Bolam grew up in the North East of England. After studying at Bede Grammar School for Boys, he pursued acting seriously and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). His early work in the theatre and minor television roles quickly led to larger parts, revealing his range and reliability.
Bolam’s early years were marked by his commitment to acting, starting in regional theatre and then moving into television. Over the next few years, his versatility caught the eye of directors, allowing him to take on a variety of roles, both in comedy and drama.
TV Roles That Made James Bolam a Household Name
The Comedy Classic: The Likely Lads
Bolam’s breakthrough came in the 1960s sitcom The Likely Lads, where he played Terry Collier, a sharp-witted working-class man navigating everyday life. The show was a major success, and its sequel, Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?, cemented his place as a national favorite. Bolam’s portrayal of Terry, a character that reflected the frustrations and aspirations of post-war working-class Britain, resonated with audiences and made the series a beloved classic.
Historical Grit in When the Boat Comes In
Set in post-WWI England, When the Boat Comes In featured Bolam as Jack Ford, a charismatic war veteran. The show was praised for its realism and gripping drama, and Bolam’s performance added depth to the series. As a man trying to make sense of a fractured world, Jack Ford was a character that required subtlety and complexity, something that Bolam executed flawlessly.
Laughter in the Ward: Only When I Laugh
In this 1970s sitcom, Bolam portrayed Roy Figgis, one of three patients in a hospital ward. His dry humor and impeccable timing contributed to the show’s long-standing popularity. Only When I Laugh balanced slapstick and emotional depth, with Bolam’s character playing a key role in bringing this blend of humor and pathos to life.
Solving Cold Cases: New Tricks Legacy
In the 2000s, Bolam played Jack Halford, a retired detective in the BBC crime series New Tricks. The show ran for nine successful years, but Bolam eventually left, citing personal reasons. His departure was felt by fans and marked the end of an era for the series. Despite this, his portrayal of Jack Halford remains one of his most beloved roles, as he brought a sense of warmth and reliability to the character.
James Bolam Age, Health, and Current Status
How Old is James Bolam Now?
As of 2025, James Bolam is 89 years old. Despite his age, he continues to be a revered figure in the entertainment world, admired for his longevity and adaptability. He has largely retired from acting but remains a respected elder statesman in the British acting community.
Is James Bolam Still Alive?
Yes, James Bolam is still alive. Although he has stepped back from acting in recent years, he occasionally appears in interviews and retrospectives, offering insights into his career and the state of the industry. He has largely retreated from the public eye, living a private life with his family.
James Bolam Illness Rumors Explained
There have been online rumors about Bolam’s health, but no verified reports suggest he suffers from any major illness. As a private individual, he rarely comments on his personal life, which has only fueled speculation. He continues to enjoy a quiet and relatively low-profile life.
Personal Life: A Private Man Off-Screen
James Bolam’s Wife: Susan Jameson
James Bolam is married to Susan Jameson, a fellow actor. The couple have worked together on several projects, including New Tricks. Their relationship is one of the more enduring ones in the entertainment industry, marked by mutual respect and privacy. Susan Jameson, like Bolam, is a seasoned actress who has worked in television and theatre for decades.
Meet Lucy Bolam: James Bolam’s Daughter
James and Susan have a daughter named Lucy Bolam. While Lucy tends to stay out of the limelight, she occasionally appears at public events with her parents. There is limited public information about her career or personal life, as the family values their privacy. Lucy’s choice to remain out of the spotlight further reflects the Bolams’ commitment to a low-key and private family life.
Did James Bolam Attend Rodney Bewes’ Funeral?
Bolam’s relationship with his former co-star Rodney Bewes was known to be strained. Reports confirmed that he did not attend Bewes’ funeral in 2017. The two had not spoken for decades, allegedly due to a personal falling out. Despite their public success as a comedy duo, their friendship ended long before Bewes’ passing. This estrangement has been a point of discussion among fans, though Bolam has not spoken much about it publicly.
Net Worth and Career Success
James Bolam Net Worth and Income Sources
James Bolam’s estimated net worth is around £1.5 million to £2 million. His income has come from decades of television work, stage performances, and occasional film roles. While not flashy with his wealth, Bolam has enjoyed a comfortable life and wisely invested his earnings.
Top sources of income include:
- Long-running television roles (e.g., The Likely Lads, New Tricks)
- Theatre productions and West End performances
- Voice acting and audiobook narration
- Royalties from syndicated series
- Appearances in film and documentary specials
Despite his success, Bolam has always remained grounded and avoided the limelight, preferring a quieter life away from the media frenzy that often surrounds high-profile celebrities.
A Career Beyond the Screen
Theatre Highlights from Bolam’s Stage Work
Bolam’s early work included many classical roles in productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company. His stage career is as notable as his screen work, especially his portrayals of complex, layered characters in plays by Shakespeare, Ibsen, and Pinter. Bolam’s ability to shift between the worlds of television, theatre, and film is a testament to his versatility and commitment to his craft.
Film Roles and Voice Acting Credits
Though best known for television, Bolam appeared in several films such as The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner and Clockwise. He has also lent his distinctive voice to audiobooks, documentaries, and television narration. Bolam’s voice has been a recognizable part of many British productions, adding another layer to his multifaceted career.
Notable stage and screen credits include:
- King Lear – RSC production
- The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962)
- Clockwise (1986) with John Cleese
- Narrator for BBC’s Coast documentary series
- Audiobook readings of classic British novels
Lasting Legacy in British Television
Why James Bolam Remains a Fan Favorite
Bolam’s enduring appeal lies in his authenticity. He portrays everyday characters with depth and relatability, which has earned him a devoted fan base across generations. His work in both comedy and drama showcases his versatility, and his performances have become embedded in the fabric of British television.
Reasons fans admire James Bolam:
- Relatable, down-to-earth characters
- Consistent, high-quality performances
- Versatility across genres
- Low public profile and private lifestyle
- Classic shows that still entertain new generations
Streaming Availability of Classic Shows
Many of Bolam’s classic shows, including The Likely Lads and New Tricks, are available on platforms like BBC iPlayer, BritBox, and Amazon Prime. This has introduced his work to younger audiences and ensured his legacy lives on. Bolam’s characters are still cherished by fans, and his television shows continue to be a source of enjoyment for people of all ages.
Also Read:Lucy Bolam: A Powerful Career in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation
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Is James Bolam still working in television?
No, he has largely retired from acting, though he occasionally appears in interviews and special programmes.
What role made James Bolam famous?
His role as Terry Collier in The Likely Lads was his breakthrough and remains his most iconic.
Was he close to Rodney Bewes in real life?
They were once close, but their friendship ended. Bolam declined to attend Bewes’ funeral, and they had not spoken for many years.
Does his daughter Lucy Bolam work in entertainment?
There is no public record of Lucy Bolam pursuing an acting or entertainment career.
Why did Bolam and Bewes fall out?
The exact reason behind the falling out between James Bolam and Rodney Bewes remains unclear, but sources suggest it was related to personal differences. The two had been close friends during their time working on The Likely Lads, but a rift developed in the years that followed. Their estrangement was widely reported, though neither actor has elaborated on the cause publicly.
Is James Bolam still married to Susan Jameson?
Yes, James Bolam and Susan Jameson are still married. They have been together for several decades and have worked together on multiple projects, including New Tricks.
Why was James Bolam written out of New Tricks?
James Bolam’s character, Jack Halford, was written out of New Tricks after the actor decided to leave the series. Bolam cited personal reasons for his departure, including a desire to focus on other projects and spend more time with his family. His exit marked a significant shift in the show, but the character of Jack Halford remains a fan favorite.
Where does James Bolam live now?
Is known to live a private life, away from the public eye. He resides in the South East of England with his wife, Susan Jameson. Details about his specific location are kept private, reflecting his desire for privacy after decades in the spotlight.
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