TFW Exclusive with Legendary Actor James Hampton

As an alum of the University of North Texas it’s always a treat to chat with legendary UNT/North Texas State alums like veteran Actor/Director James Hampton.  Jim was once again at the annual Texas Frightmare Weekend and PSD got a wonderful exclusive interview with him.

Jim was kind enough to chat with me about his extensive Theater background and early television days all the way up to his TV directing days.  Enjoy this candid look into one of North Texas most prized talents.  We started out talking about his days in Denton, Tx.

Up next for Jim would be the military and then on to Funky Fort Worth via a wonderful North Texas connection.

Jim goes on to talk about the first meeting he had with Michael Pollock of Fort Worth’s famous Casa Manana Theatre.

Jim would get his start off-Broadway and talks about those early New York City Theater Days, leading to an intriguing early short film, The Cliff Dwellers.

So from off-broadway theater to sunny LA?

And then Jim would meet Burt Reynolds.

Jim told an amazing story of how he ended up as the Caretaker on The Longest Yard.

Jim’s time at Texas Frightmare Weekend stands out because it was the first horror/sci-fi convention he ever attended.

I had the chance to let Jim know that as a young kid I grew up watching two TV shows he directed.  Sister, Sister and The Smart Guy were two shows my parents really wanted me to see as I grew up because the Mowry family were so smart in the shows.

And I asked Jim about working with that family on those wonderful TV shows.

Jim Hampton ladies and gentlemen, a true Texas Giant.