James Read

James Christopher Read was born on July 31, 1953, in Buffalo, New York. He had never dreamed about acting until his collegiate years. He started studying law at the University of Oregon, but close to his graduation, he discovered his love for theatre. He left the university and joined a theatrical group in Denver. His movie and TV career started in 1982 when he played one of the main roles in the Remington Steele (1982) series as well as guest-starring in other different series. His most important career moment was in the year 1985 when he received the role of George Hazard in one of the most popular and successful mini-series ever in North & South: Book 1, North & South (1985) (although he had not been convinced if he should accept the role!). Before starting doing the show, Read has spent a few weeks at Patrick Swayze's ranch, where Swayze taught him to ride a horse. During his first month on North & South: Book 1, North & South (1985) set, Read met Wendy Kilbourne. They started dating, got married soon thereafter, and are still together to this day. In 1986, Read played Hazard once again in the North & South: Book 1, North & South (1985) sequel entitled North & South: Book 2, Love & War (1986). He reprised the role once again in 1994 in North & South: Book 3, Heaven & Hell (1994). Read has performed in dozens of other movies and series, but none of them reached the same popularity as the three North and South mini-series. He lives in California.