James Wainwright (actor)

James Lee Wainwright (March 5, 1938 – December 20, 1999) was an American actor best known for his roles in films such as Joe Kidd (1972), The President's Plane Is Missing (1973), Killdozer (1974), Bridger (1976, as Jim Bridger), The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover (1977), Mean Dog Blues (1978), Battletruck (1982) and The Survivors (1983).

His television appearances include Beyond Westworld and Jigsaw.

Born out of wedlock in Danville, Illinois and left in a foundling home in Chicago when he was two days old, Wainwright was raised by a succession of foster parents before being adopted at either five or six years of age by Leo Wainwright and Esther L. Embry. By 1950, the Wainwrights had separated, but James continued to live with his adoptive mother.

The adoptive cousin (once removed) of General Jonathan M. Wainwright, James Wainwright served with distinction in the United States Marines during the Korean War.

From 1967 until their divorce in 1978, Wainwright was married to Janet L. Cook. They had two children, both daughters. On March 26, 1973, Wainwright and his wife appeared together as themselves, competing against Dave Madden and his wife, on the TV game show It's Your Bet.

Wainwright died on December 20, 1999 at age 61 from lung cancer, survived by his two daughters.