Photo: Collected
So many characters in one lifetime! Sometimes a criminal’s accomplice, sometimes a scientist, and sometimes an inhabitant of another planet — James Sloyan appeared on screen in many forms. From ‘The Sting’ to ‘Xanadu’, and multiple series of ‘Star Trek’ — in a long acting life he left behind memories of varied work. That actor has now left for the land of no return.
American actor James Sloyan died on 22 July at the age of 85. The news of his death was recently published in a report by ‘The Hollywood Reporter’. The report said the news came to light recently and the actor’s family confirmed it towards the end of the week.
Hearing the name James Sloyan reminds ‘Star Trek’ fans of his multiple characters. ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’, ‘Deep Space Nine’ and ‘Voyager’ — he acted in all three series. Sometimes a Romulan admiral, sometimes the son of the Klingon character Worf — this actor showed his skill in multiple characters in the same series.
He was also seen in the role of the scientist Dr Mora in ‘Deep Space Nine’ and of the Haakonian scientist Ma’Bor Jetrel in ‘Voyager’. These characters brought him a distinct recognition in the world of science fiction.
Beyond ‘Star Trek’ too, there were many more memorable chapters in Sloyan’s career. He came into the spotlight in 1973 by playing the character Mottola in George Roy Hill’s Oscar-winning film ‘The Sting’. In the film he was in the role of a worker who ran gambling for the criminal Doyle Lonnegan. Later he also acted in ‘Xanadu’, starring Olivia Newton-John.
James Sloyan was born in Indianapolis on 24 February 1941. Out of love for acting, he gradually stepped on to the stage. After graduating from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, he served in the US Army for three years.
After returning from the army he began acting in New York. Besides working at Joseph Papp’s New York Shakespeare Festival, he also worked as a choreographer of fight scenes. He made his Broadway debut in 1969 through Arthur Kopit’s play ‘Indians’. The following year he began his journey on the big screen with ‘The Traveling Executioner’.
Sloyan moved to California in 1973. After that he worked in one film and television series after another. He was seen in various productions including ‘The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight’, ‘The Doctors’, ‘The Streets of San Francisco’, ‘Kojak’ and ‘Delvecchio’. In 1977 he got the opportunity to play a regular character in the series ‘Westside Medical’.
Sloyan did not stop at acting alone; he also had a long presence in the world of advertising. From 1989, he lent his voice to advertisements of the luxury car brand Lexus for about 18 years.
In his personal life, James Sloyan was married to actress Deirdre Lenihan. At the time of his death he left behind his wife, his musician son Daniel and his actress daughter Samantha.
From stage to cinema, from television to advertising — James Sloyan left his mark in various arenas of acting. That versatile actor of the screen will no longer be seen in any new character.
