James Leonard Waldrop
American actor and model (1955–1986)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
James Leonard Waldrop Jr. (July 21, 1955 – December 15, 1986), known professionally as J.W. King, was a prominent American actor and model in the gay adult film industry during the early 1980s.[1][2] He rose to national fame as a Playgirl centerfold before becoming one of the most recognizable stars of the "Golden Age" of gay cinema.[3][4][2][5]
July 21, 1955
J.W. King
Jim King
Jim Waldrop
Shaun Victors
Tom Cartwright
Brandon Adams
Todd Avery
- Actor
- Model
James Leonard Waldrop | |
|---|---|
| Born | James Leonard Waldrop Jr. July 21, 1955 |
| Died | December 15, 1986 (aged 31) |
| Other names | James Leonard Waldrop J.W. King Jim King Jim Waldrop Shaun Victors Tom Cartwright Brandon Adams Todd Avery |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1978–1986 |
| Agent(s) | Colt Studios Falcon Studios |
Early life
James Leonard Waldrop Jr. was born on July 21, 1955, in Dallas, Texas, to James Leonard Waldrop Sr. and Anita Louise Stephens.[2] He was the eldest of three children and grew up in Dallas with two younger siblings Timothy Michael Hunnicutt, a younger brother and Susan Kathleen Davis Culberson, his youngest sister.[2]
In September 1979, Waldrop competed in the Mr. Dallas Contest, where he placed as the first runner-up.[6] Shortly after the competition, he relocated to Los Angeles, California, to pursue a career in modeling and acting.[6]
Career
Modeling
Waldrop's career began in the physique and gay adult magazine circuit under the name Jim Waldrop.[2] His tall stature, athletic build, and tanned complexion made him a popular subject for photographers.[2] His mainstream breakthrough occurred when he was selected as the "Man of the Month" centerfold for the January 1981 issue of Playgirl magazine.[2]
Adult Film Industry
Adopting the stage name J.W. King, he entered the adult film industry in 1978.[7] Over a seven-year career, he appeared in many films in 1980s.[8] He was known for his versatility, sometimes appearing clean-shaven and other times sporting a beard, as seen in Gold Rush Boys and Tightropes at the Officers Club.[9][10] Despite the frequent billing as the "older brother" of Jon King, it was purely a marketing strategy used to boost the popularity of films like Brothers Should Do It.[11]
Personal life
Waldrop lived in the Hollywood Hills during his time in Los Angeles.[2] He was romantically involved with fellow adult film actors R.J. Reynolds and John Murphy.[2] Around 1985, Waldrop retired from the adult film industry.[2] In the final 30 months of his life, he worked as a waiter at the Sheraton Premiere Hotel in Universal City.[2] He maintained close friendships with fellow performers Kip Noll and Jeremy Scott.[12]
Death
Waldrop died on December 15, 1986, at a hospital in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, due to complications from AIDS.[2] He was 31 years old.[2] His death followed that of his partner, John Murphy, by only one month.[2] He was returned to his hometown and buried at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas.[2]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Big Men on Campus: The Fraternity | Sean | Debut |
| 1980 | Big Man on Campus | Shaun | [13] |
| 1980 | Closed Set | Shaun | |
| 1980 | Ballgame | Spectator #22 | |
| 1981 | Pacific Coast Highway | Tom | [14] |
| 1981 | Rawhide | Foreman Rick | |
| 1981 | Palace of Pleasures | Lifeguard | [15] |
| 1981 | Brothers Should Do It | Big Brother | Marketed as brother of Jon King |
| 1981 | The Class of '84 Part 2 | Draft Teacher | [16] |
| 1981 | San Francisco | James | Credited as Jim King |
| 1981 | Performance | J.W. King | Credited as Jim King |
| 1981 | Jockstrap | J.W. King | Credited as Jim King |
| 1981 | Man to Man Heat: Three Is a Dream | J.W. King | Colt Studio production |
| 1982 | Wet Shorts | Jack Carpenter | Credited as Jack Carpenter |
| 1982 | Turned On | Jim | |
| 1982 | Three Day Pass | Petty Officer | |
| 1982 | These Bases Are Loaded | Mike | |
| 1982 | Nighthawk in Leather | Tom | |
| 1982 | Caught from Behind | Man in First Orgy | Credited as Tom Cartwright |
| 1982 | California Boys | Handsome Guy | Credited as Jim King |
| 1982 | A Night at Halsted's | Beautiful Boy | |
| 1983 | Gold Rush Boys | Sheriff | Credited as Jim King[17] |
| 1983 | Tightropes at the Officers Club | Officer | [18] |
| 1983 | Choice Cuts | J.W. | |
| 1983 | Sun Strokes | Jim | Featured in Best of Colt 1 & 2 |
| 1986 | Kink: Hot Shots 6 | J.W. King | |
| 1991 | The Best of Colt Films: Part 10 | J.W. King | Posthumous released |
| 1996 | The Best of Jon King | J.W. King | Posthumous released |
| 1999 | Bucky's XXX Rated All-Male Beavers: Locker Room Loops Vol. 1 | Man | Posthumous released |
| 2010 | Blue Vanities: Classic Gay Smut from the Past, Vol. 333 | J.W. King | Posthumous released |
Legacy
He is also commemorated on Block #01357 of the AIDS Memorial Quilt under his birth name, Jim Waldrop.[2]