Biography
James Johnson Edwards (6 March 1918 – 4 January 1970) was an American actor in film and television. Born in Muncie, Indiana, he studied psychology at Knoxville College and earned a master's degree in drama from Northwestern University. After serving as a first lieutenant in the US Army during the Second World War, he began his acting career on the New York stage in the touring production of Deep Are the Roots.
Edwards appeared in numerous films, often portraying African American soldiers. His best-known role was as Private Peter Moss in Home of the Brave (1949). Other credits include The Set-Up (1949), The Steel Helmet (1951), The Killing (1956), The Manchurian Candidate (1962) and Coogan's Bluff (1968). One of his final roles was as Sergeant William George Meeks in Patton (1970). He was also active in television during the 1960s, appearing in series such as The Fugitive, Burke's Law and Mannix. Edwards died of a heart attack in San Diego, California.
