James Spader was born on 7th February 1960. Before breaking into acting, he bused tables, shoveled manure, and taught yoga. He began his career in TV movies before graduating to a host of classic 80s movies including Brat Pack’s Pretty In Pink alongside Molly Ringwald and Andrew McCarthy. His role in 1989’s Sex Lies and Videotape was critically acclaimed.
Spader’s other hits during the 80’s include Less Than Zero, Wall Street and Mannequin and although not having the lead role in any of these movies, the part he did play was always pivotal.
While a lot of his work during the 90s was very hit and miss including the obscure Crash where he played a car-accident fetishist as well as guest starring in an episode of Seinfeld, it was in 2004 when Spader’s career truly flourished. In Boston Legal, a spin off of The Practice, Spader played the role of Alan Shore for five seasons. His chemistry with William Shatner was electric and it landed him three Emmy Awards.
Married twice with three children, James Spader is an actor who has managed to continue his success in the 80s throughout his career.
James Spader Quotes
“I’ve had a lazy career, sometimes one film a year, sometimes none. I’m walking around in the street and doing this other thing, living, that I’m much more interested in. I just do some acting on the side.”
“You just want to work. I like playing character roles and I do not mind being a real son-of-a-bitch, or embarrassing myself. But as you go along you begin to realize that the work has a criterion and as your choices get broader you start cutting out the things that are not worth the time. On the whole I have been lucky; I do not look back with a huge amount of distaste for the work I have done.”
James is my favorite of all the actors to come out of the Brat Pack era. In my book James Spader rules!
First saw him in Pretty in Pink. Fight in the hallway with John Cryer was priceless. Looked for his movies ever since!