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James Booth | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | David Noel Geeves 19 December 1927 |
| Died | 11 August 2005 (aged 77) Hadleigh, Essex, England |
| Other names | David Geeves-Booth |
| Years active | 1958–2005 |
| Spouse |
Paula Delaney
(m. 1960) |
| Children | 4 |
James Booth (born David Noel Geeves; 19 December 1927 – 11 August 2005) was an English film, stage and television actor and screenwriter. He is best known for his role as Private Henry Hook in Zulu.
Variety called him "a punchy blend of toughness, potential evil and irresistible charm."[1]
Though many observers expected Booth to become a major star, his acting career stalled and nearly stopped. In interviews, Booth was forthcoming about the reasons for his professional difficulties. These included his appearance in the stage musical Twang!! in 1965, the film The Secret of My Success, both of which were commercial failures. His alcoholism, his unaggressive approach to selling himself, his lack of connections and his own failure to work hard because everything came so easily to him at first, were also factors. Booth also turned down the lead role of Alfie. By 1974 he was bankrupt, heavily in debt and returned to the stage.
- ^ Obituary: JAMES BOOTH ; Leading actor of the 1960s who specialised in playing cheerful cockneys: [First Edition] Vallance, Tom. The Independent; London (UK) [London (UK)]13 Aug 2005: 38.