Sid James, South African-English actor (b. 1913)
Sidney James (born Solomon Joel Cohen; 8 May 1913 – 26 April 1976) was a South African-born actor, best known for his numerous roles in the Carry On series.Appearing in British films from 1947, he was cast in numerous small and supporting roles into the 1950s. In 1951 he appeared alongside Alec Guinness in The Lavender Hill Mob. His profile was raised as Tony Hancock's co-star in Hancock's Half Hour, first in the radio series and later when it was adapted for television and ran from 1954 to 1960. Afterwards, he became known as a regular performer in the Carry On films, appearing in nineteen films of the series, with the top billing role in 17 (in the other two he was cast below Frankie Howerd). Meanwhile, his starring roles in television sitcoms continued for the rest of his life. He starred alongside Diana Coupland in the 1970s sitcom Bless This House until his death in 1976.

He also had a small part, with numerous appearances, in the 1956 film, Trapeze, starring Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis and Gina Lollobrigida.

Remembered for a lascivious persona in the Carry On films, with the Snopes website describing him as "the grand old man of dirty laughter", he became known for his amiability in his later television work. Bruce Forsyth described him as "a natural at being natural".