James Mcdaniel
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Biography
Handsome, long-faced African-American performer of film, TV and stage who received his break when he assumed the role of C.J. in the hit Off-Broadway production of "A Soldier's Play." His significant association with TV producer-writer Steven Bochco began with an appearance as a militant cop in an episode of "Hill Street Blues." McDaniel has subsequently starred in two Bochco police series: the short-lived musical program, "Cop Rock" (ABC, 1990) and the controversial drama, "NYPD Blue" (ABC, from 1993 to 2001). In the latter, he was Lieutenant Arthur Fancy, sort of a black variation of Daniel J. Travanti's "anchor" role on "Hill Street Blues."
McDaniel's impressive theater credits have included the Broadway productions of John Guare's "Six Degrees of Separation" (in the starring role he originated Off-Broadway), "Someone Who'll Watch Over Me," as a political prisoner opposite Stephen Rea, and August Wilson's "Joe Turner's Come and Gone." He also acted in John Malkovich's Off-Broadway production of Lanford Wilson's "Balm in Gilead." McDaniel has appeared in several features, including "Alice" (1990), "Strictly Business" (1991) and "Malcolm X" (1992).
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Producer (Feature Film)
Cast (Special)
Film Production - Main (Special)
Cast (TV Mini-Series)
Life Events
1980
Moved to NYC to pursue career
1982
Assumed the role of C.J. in "A Soldier's Play" Off-Broadway
1984
Featured in the Off-Broadway revival of Lanford Wilson's "Balm in Gilead", directed by John Malkovich
1985
TV acting debut in an episode of "Kate & Allie"
1986
TV-movie debut, "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"
1986
First worked for Steven Bochco in an episode of "Hill Street Blues"
1988
Feature acting debut (bit part), "Rocket Gibraltar"
1990
Had a recurring role on the drama, "H.E.L.P."
1990
Starred on Broadway in John Guare's "Six Degrees of Separation"
1990
First series as regular, Bochco's "Cop Rock"
1997
Made directorial debut with episode of the ABC series "C:16"
2000
Portrayed Nat King Cole in the NBC biopic "The Natalie Cole Story"
Family
Companions
