James Bolam – Biography, Age, Career, Net Worth & Health

James Christopher Bolam was born on 16 June 1935 in Sunderland in the northeast of England. He grew up in a modest family background. His father worked as an electrician while his mother managed the home. In his youth he showed little sign of becoming an actor, as he first trained as a chartered accountant. 

However, he soon discovered that his passion lay elsewhere. Deciding to follow a different path, he enrolled at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. His talent was evident from the beginning, and he won top student awards during his time there. To support himself, he worked nights washing dishes and serving in cafés. These experiences helped build his resilience and prepared him for the challenges of a career in the arts.

Age & Health

As of 2025, James Bolam is still alive and continues to be a respected figure in British entertainment. Born in 1935, he is now 90 years old. His age often sparks speculation about his health, and like many older public figures, rumors have circulated online about illnesses. 

However, there has been no confirmed public report of a serious long-term illness. He has managed to live a relatively quiet life outside the spotlight in his later years.

First Steps in Acting

Bolam’s earliest work was in theatre, where he developed his craft on stage. His first significant break came at the Royal Court Theatre in London. He then moved into television in the early 1960s. 

He appeared in British social realism, including A Kind of Loving and The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner. At the same time, he took small parts in television dramas such as Z-Cars. These roles gave him early visibility and allowed him to show his ability to play both serious and ordinary characters with ease.

Rise to Fame

James Bolam rose to national fame with the comedy series The Likely Lads. The program, which aired from 1964 to 1966, told the story of two working class friends from Newcastle, Terry Collier and Bob Ferris. Bolam played Terry, the more rough and cynical character, opposite Rodney Bewes as Bob. 

The show struck a chord with audiences because of its humor and its portrayal of everyday life. In the 1970s, the sequel Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? brought the characters back and was equally successful. These series established Bolam as a household name and one of Britain’s most recognizable comic actors.

Major Television Roles

After The Likely Lads, Bolam went on to star in a range of well-loved television series. He played Jack Ford in When the Boat Comes In, a drama set in the northeast after World War I. In the 1980s, he starred as Roy Figgis in the hospital comedy Only When I Laugh. He was also known as Trevor Chaplin in the Beiderbecke trilogy, a set of comedy-drama series mixing crime, music, and social commentary. 

Later in his career, he took on the role of Arthur Gilder in Born and Bred, a period drama set in a small village, and appeared as Jack Halford in the popular police drama New Tricks. He also entertained children with his role as the title character in Grandpa in My Pocket. These roles showed his ability to move between comedy, drama, and family television, keeping his career active across generations.

Acting Style and Reputation

Bolam’s style is marked by naturalism and subtlety. He often played characters that represented the ordinary British man, whether in comedy or drama. His approach was never exaggerated but relied on small gestures and sharp timing. 

Critics praised his ability to bring authenticity to his characters. He could deliver both humor and pathos with equal skill. His reputation grew as a dependable actor who could carry both leading and supporting roles across a wide variety of productions.

Private Life

James Bolam has always valued his privacy. Unlike many actors of his generation, he did not often appear in interviews or gossip columns. He married actress Susan Jameson in 1971, and the couple have one daughter together. 

They have largely kept their family life away from the public eye. Bolam has other interests beyond acting. He is a keen golfer and has been a member of the Stage Golfing Society. He has also shown an interest in horse racing and once owned racehorses. 

His commitment to living a private life has often been admired, though it also created some misunderstandings, including a famous dispute with his Likely Lads co-star Rodney Bewes.

Net Worth

James Bolam’s long career in film, television, and theatre has provided him with financial security. While exact figures are not publicly available, many sources estimate his net worth in the range of several million pounds. 

His earnings come from decades of starring roles, repeat showings of his classic television series, and ongoing royalties from productions that remain popular on streaming services and reruns. Although he has never sought publicity about his finances, it is clear that his work has given him a comfortable lifestyle.

Physical Appearance

Public profiles often mention that James Bolam stands around 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 75 kilograms. While these numbers are not confirmed by official sources, they give a general idea of his build. He has always maintained a healthy and active appearance, which suited his roles as ordinary but strong-willed men in many of his shows.

Legacy and Influence

James Bolam’s career has spanned more than six decades. His roles in The Likely Lads and Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? are remembered as defining moments in British television comedy. His work in dramas such as When the Boat Comes In showed his ability to bring depth to historical storytelling. 

For younger generations, his appearances in family dramas and children’s programs kept him relevant. His career reflects the development of British television from the 1960s to the present. He has influenced younger actors with his understated style and his ability to create characters that felt real and relatable.

Conclusion

James Bolam is one of Britain’s most respected actors. His journey from Sunderland to national fame reflects determination and passion for his craft. He has given memorable performances in comedy, drama, and family television. 

Now in his later years, he remains alive, private, and admired. His work continues to be appreciated by audiences who grew up with him and by new viewers discovering his performances in classic series. His legacy in British television is secure, and his name will remain connected to some of the most beloved shows in the country’s history.