James Bacon Biography

Fast Facts

• Studied at the University of Notre Dame before earning his degree in journalism from Syracuse University
• Before relocating to Los Angeles, he worked for the Associated Press in Albany, N․Y․, and Chicago
• During World War II, he served in the United States Navy
• Quote: "A writer's never unemployed if he's got a pencil and paper․"
• Covered Hollywood for the Associated Press, worked as a publicist and wrote an entertainment beat column for the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner
• Developed close relationships with many of the stars he covered in his exclusive stories including John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe
• Often shared vodka with Joan Crawford in her home, claiming that she was the only person he knew who could identify the proof of straight vodka by taste
• Was the only actor to appear in all five films in the "Planet of the Apes" series, though he usually played an uncredited ape
• Wrote a biography of Jackie Gleason called "How Sweet It Is: The Jackie Gleason Story․"
• His best sellers include "Hollywood is a Four Letter Town" and "Made in Hollywood․"