James Read - Actor Profile

James Read

Acting
Freshness: Jan 13, 2026
22Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jul 31, 1953
Birth Place: Buffalo, New York, USA

About James Read

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia James Christopher Read (born July 31, 1953) is an American actor. Read was born in Buffalo, New York. He started acting as a student of the University of Oregon where he graduated in 1976. He studied acting in New York and then did several off Broadway and regional theatres such as The Denver Center Theatre Company, where he had a couple of leading roles and spent three seasons. Read is perhaps best known for his role as George Hazard in the three North and South TV miniseries (1985, 1986 and 1994) based on the John Jakes trilogy of novels of the same name, and for his co-starring role in the movie Beaches. Read is married to actress Wendy Kilbourne, whom he met on the set of North and South. He had a recurring role on The WB series Charmed as Victor Bennett and was also a regular during the first season of Remington Steele. Currently, he may be seen as Ken Davis in the ABC family drama Wildfire. In 1998, he also earned his Masters Degree in psychology from Pepperdine University.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of James Read reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 22 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of James Read's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 23% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), James Read remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The President's Child, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best James Read Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from James Read's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of James Read.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2009 Fame Alice's Dad Average Similar →
2005 A Lot Like Love Brent Friehl Hit Similar →
2003 Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde Elle's Father Average Similar →
2001 Not Another Teen Movie Preston's Father Average Similar →
2001 Legally Blonde Elle's Father Hit Similar →
1998 Indiscreet Zachariah Dodd Flop Similar →
1996 Full Circle Judge Carter Flop Similar →
1995 When the Dark Man Calls Detective Michael Lieberman Flop Similar →
1995 The Other Woman Michael Average Similar →
1995 Walking Thunder Abner Murdock Average Similar →
1992 The President's Child Sen. James Guthrie Super Hit Similar →
1992 Love Crimes Stanton Gray Flop Similar →
1990 Back to Hannibal: The Return of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn Hugh Average Similar →
1990 Web of Deceit Paul Evanston Flop Similar →
1988 Beaches Michael Essex Hit Similar →
1988 Eight Men Out Lefty Williams Hit Similar →
1987 Celebration Family James Marston Average Similar →
1985 Lace 2 Daryl Webster Flop Similar →
1985 Midas Valley Josh Landau Flop Similar →
1984 The Initiation Peter Average Similar →
1983 Blue Thunder Policeman at Bridge Average Similar →
N/A All Signs of Death Westin Nye Flop Similar →

James Read - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of James Read?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring James Read is "The President's Child" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has James Read acted in?

James Read has been featured in at least 22 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by James Read?

Other notable films include "Eight Men Out", "A Lot Like Love", and "Legally Blonde".