David James is a South African film, theatre and television actor known mainly for playing the villainous Koobus Venter in the Oscar-nominated science fiction film District 9 (2009). He is also known to South African audiences for his 2004–2006 appearance as "Mad Dog" on the long-running soap opera Isidingo, for his portrayal as Joel Joffe in the 2010 and 2011 stage productions of Rivonia Trial, and for his role as radio station manager Hermanus Meyer on the soap opera Rhythm City (2012–2013).
James grew up in Paarl, Western Cape on a wine farm. His family were conservatives and separatists, his father a Dutch Reformed man, whereas James was liberal. He and his family also clashed early on regarding his choice of careers. As a young man, James struck a bargain with his family that if he were to receive his WP-colours in sports, he could then pursue his choice of studies. After accomplishing this and after his tour of duty in the military, he chose to study acting.
From 1995 to 2001, James studied acting, singing, dancing, and the flute. One of his instructors was the famous Joan Brickhill, a "grand dame" of South African theatre and a Tony Award-nominated choreographer, under whom James studied from 1997 through 2001. During this time he also worked selling and washing cars, cleaning pools, and caring for the elderly.
| Date of Birth | 28th October 1972 |
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| Age | 52 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Country | South Africa |
| Birth Place | South Africa |
| Language | English |
| Reference | IMDB |
| Career Start | 2009 (15 years ago) |
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