During the vibrant 1980s, John James captured the hearts of fans worldwide with his portrayal of the ultraconservative and upright Jeff Colby on Dynasty and its glamorous spinoff, The Colbys. This role earned him a Golden Globe nomination and solidified his place in television history. For John, who grew up idolizing the actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age, stepping into such a prestigious role felt like a dream come true. "I was incredibly fortunate to work alongside legends like John Forsythe and Charlton Heston," John, now 68, shares with Closer. "These men possessed an inner strength and wisdom that came with experience. I watched closely as they channeled that into their performances, and I learned so much from them."
Embracing New Challenges in Acting
Today, with his children all grown up and starting families of their own, John feels a renewed excitement about re-entering the acting world. He's eager to take on roles that reflect his maturity and depth. "About fifteen years ago, I found myself in a tricky spot," John explains. "I was too old to play younger characters but too young to be cast as an older man. Now, though, I realize there's something powerful about this stage of life. At my age, I bring a certain gravitas to my performances. It's a new chapter, and I'm ready to embrace it."The Journey to Stardom
How did you get your big break?
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“Back in the day, Tom Hanks and I were both part of ABC’s talent search program. It was a unique opportunity for young actors like us. We were essentially on hold for a year while the network tried to match us with the right series. Tom ended up starring in Bosom Buddies, and I got the chance to join the cast of Dynasty. It was a pivotal moment for both of us, and it set the course for our careers."
Meeting Hollywood Legends
You were a fan of Hollywood’s Golden Age stars, so Dynasty must have been a dream come true. Did you get to meet many of your idols?“Oh, absolutely! I remember one unforgettable evening when John Forsythe and I were invited to the Carousel Ball in Denver. We traveled together on a Gulfstream G500 with none other than Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, Fred MacMurray, Robert Wagner, and Henry Fonda. Another time, I found myself squeezed onto a sofa at Nolan Miller’s house between Barbara Stanwyck, Ginger Rogers, and Esther Williams. These were some of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history, and they were all in one room! And then there were the monthly gatherings at Joan Collins’ house, where you might bump into Sidney Poitier or Roger Moore. It was truly magical."
Did you ever have to make any compromises for your roles?
“There was definitely one instance that stands out. My agent initially told me I would receive star billing on The Colbys, but they wanted to roll back my salary to what I was making three years prior on Dynasty. I agreed to those terms. However, just a week later, my agent called back with some unexpected news. They had signed Charlton Heston to play Jeff’s father, and he had been given star billing. To resolve the situation, producer Aaron Spelling offered to keep my current Dynasty salary if I accepted second billing. It wasn’t ideal, but it was a fair compromise."
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Fun Times in Television
During your hiatus, you often competed on Battle of the Network Stars. That always seemed like a blast.“Oh, it was an absolute blast! Those were the golden days of television when things were so much more fun. My first experience was with William Shatner as our team captain. Can you imagine? Captain Kirk himself was leading us! One of my favorite memories was when William Devane from Knots Landing was CBS’ team captain. For the tug-of-war competition, he had his teammates go to the bathroom and not come out until they’d lost two required pounds. It was hilarious! But nothing could top seeing Joan Collins racing in pantyhose during the relay race. She was a real trooper!"
What was it like playing President Biden in My Son Hunter?
“The script was truly exceptional, and I’m incredibly proud of the film. It was a heartfelt story about a father and son. When I approached the role, I wanted to ensure that I portrayed the president with respect and understanding. Being president isn’t something you stumble into by accident. It takes intelligence and dedication."
Did you ever meet President Ronald Reagan during your time on Dynasty?
“President Reagan was such a delightful and charming man. He always made time to talk to me because he knew I was an actor. And Nancy certainly knew all about Dynasty. Back then, everyone watched the show. It was a cultural phenomenon!"
Did you ever have the chance to meet any members of the royal family?
“Yes, indeed! I was in the Dynasty makeup room early one morning when Joan Collins burst in holding a piece of paper. She announced, ‘I have an invitation to meet the queen when she comes to Los Angeles to honor all her English subjects.’ I jokingly replied, ‘Really, Joan? Well, then why did I also get one?’ She was genuinely surprised! We ended up double-dating in one limousine, stopping off at Rod Stewart’s house before heading off to meet the queen. It was an unforgettable night!"
Marriage and Family
You’ll be celebrating your 35th wedding anniversary this year. What’s your secret for a long-lasting marriage?“It’s never easy, but the key is being able to say you’re sorry, even when you’re not wrong. Over time, you realize that this is it. I see so many actors my age divorcing their spouses and ending up with younger women. I just can’t wrap my head around it. The memories, the history, and the children we’ve raised together—it all builds a stronger commitment over the years. It’s a beautiful thing."
