James Hampton; Acting's True "Natural"

For those who live by the mantra, "I may not know your name, but I never forget a face," just go ahead and consider actor James Hampton part of the immediate family. For most entertainers the climb to the top is a cottage industry of simply getting people to know who you are. The private joke that became his calling card is that nobody knew his. James, Jim, or Jimmy, which ever you prefer, is acting's answer to baseballs "The Natural." James Hampton is a treasure to all who have ever watched TV or gone to the movies over the past forty plus years. At the age of 72 he looks great, knows where he came from, and from all outward signs has no regrets. If you just take one look at his resume you may understand why.

James Hampton was one of those rare individuals who just let his God given instincts take charge. He knew he had the entertainment gene and just so happens to be a nice guy to boot. Not lost in the equation; he is highly talented. In his first actual Hollywood audition he landed the starring role in "The Cliff Dwellers." This 1962 short film was only nominated for an academy award. Talk about hitting a home run your first time at bat, how many can boast that they did it in the World Series? Not being one of those actors who took themselves too seriously, his next major move would be to play the lovable bugle player on the TV Show "F Troop." In a highly acclaimed and extremely funny cast, Hannibal Dobbs would blow the horn in keys that had yet been discovered. As he explained, "Soon after the show began, I got a call from the official musicians union and they wanted me to personally pay the dues. I simply told them if they thought that was 'music', just go ahead and bring it on. After that, I never heard from them again."

There had to be something special in James Hampton's karma as during the 60's and 70's, he was a regular guest on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson." According to Jim, "I think I was asked back so many times because I never had a personal issue to hawk. I was doing it for the $400 a show." he laughs. "Johnny was very keen on who were just using him for their own benefit, and we just clicked. One of the funniest nights was when he was the first guest so he could leave early and attend his new Hollywood premier of the movie "Hawmps." While chatting with Johnny, James just so happened to mention that his mom was in the audience. With that, Carson brought up the lights and congratulated her on the special night for her son. James mom responded by saying, "You just go ahead to the premier James, I'm going to stay and watch the rest of Johnny." This was not a staged joke. It's the only video piece that James has today of his late mom. How precious?

If you think about big movies that are considered timeless classics, James Hampton's on screen approachability has seen his fair share. "The China Syndrome," "Sling Blade," and of course the greatest football movie of all time "The Longest Yard" are all to his credits. That ain't too shabby, right Adam Sandler? James admits that he had to fight hard for the role of James "Caretaker" Farrell, but it was well worth it. "When I was first approached they wanted me to play the snitch 'Unger.' I simply said 'no,' I want to be the caretaker character." At first, there were but five lines for Burt Reynolds's "can do man" in the entire movie. After the Director finally caved, the two of them adlibbed their way into an onscreen relationship that bonded them together in a rare and intimate way "Burt and I just clicked." according to James, "Sometimes two actors get it to the point that scripts are rather useless." Even though he politically refuses to compare the original film with the remake of a several years ago; that's just James.

The only time I found his nice guy demeanor just a smidge ruffled was when it came to directing. James Hampton's directing credits could be considered a lifetime achievement award for many, but like most creative individuals, quality control is indeed an issue to make the product intact.

"I really never liked the game you have to play to compromise your work. When you're acting, it's really just all you. When you're directing, it's again just all you ….and then everybody else looking over your shoulder." While not being openly negative, it's obvious that James Hampton is a man of strong courage and ideals. In an industry that chews on people and spits them out faster than a trucker at a "Skoal Convention," it's unfortunately a side of the entertainment business that's quickly evaporating.

At this point in his Life, James Hampton really doesn't have to worry about that anymore. Being in Portsmouth, Ohio as part of the Roy Rogers week-end is something that he truly enjoys. "I just love to get out, meet people, and love to talk about all the great movies and shows that mattered to people. I was just fortunate to be able to do what I did for all these years and I'm just happy with no regrets."

As ironic as it may be, James Hampton appeared in Roy Rogers last film in the mid 70's. "I loved that man," James admits. "He was as kind and talented and as humble as any movie star I have ever worked with. He was just a real guy that loved what he did and worked hard everyday to do the best job possible of just entertaining people."

If you look closely to the resume of one James, Jim, or Jimmy Hampton, you might also find a few of those same rare qualities. By accident, I really don't think so. After all, the record speaks for itself.

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Steve Hayes is a morning radio host and a syndicated columnist for Heartland Publishing.  E-mail Steve your comments... Steve@SteveHayesMedia.com 

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