Manly and rugged, this small-screen hunk garnered raves for his Chicago stage work before trying his luck in Hollywood. He made an impression with a recurring part on
The Pretender, but every time this Nashville native thought he'd landed a career-making TV role (
Philly,
Threat Matrix), his hopes were dashed by cancellation. But
Desperate Housewives instantly changed his fate. As Teri Hatcher's plumber beau, Denton shot to stardom and was even declared
People magazine's "Sexiest Newcomer" — at the tender age of 41. In fact, he became so famous so quickly, he reportedly moved his family to a more secluded home to get away from overzealous fans.
James Denton Fast Facts:- Was awarded a basketball scholarship to a local junior college prior to his time at the University of Tennessee.
- Briefly dated country singer Deana Carter in high school.
- Sold advertising for radio stations in the Nashville area before segueing to acting.
- The tattoo he sports on his upper left arm honors his late father. It features his dad's initials, birth date, date of death and Navy Rank and serial number.
- Changed his professional name from Jamie to James just before learning that Threat Matrix had been picked up by ABC for the 2003 fall schedule. Fourteen episodes later, the show was cancelled on the very same day that his Mike Delfino role on Desperate Housewives was announced to the press.
- Named one of TV's Sexiest Men by TV GUIDE in 2005.
- Supports animal rescue efforts by finding homes for strays.
- James Denton Relationships:
- Erin O'Brien Denton - Wife
- Malin - Daughter
- Sheppard - Son
- College:
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (BS in Advertising)
