Paul James biography, actor, movies and tv shows

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<h2>Early Life and Education</h2>
<p>Paul James, an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Americans">African American</a> <a href="/biography/paul-james">actor</a>, was born on June 6, 1981, in Washington, D.C., and raised in suburban Maryland. He pursued his passion for the arts by studying theater at Syracuse University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. James was also a <a href="/biography/paul-james">member</a> of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity during his time at the university.</p>

<p>Coming from a supportive family, Paul credits his parents for encouraging his artistic ambitions. Though his mother once dreamed of acting and his father aspired to be a painter, neither pursued creative careers. Instead, they provided their time and financial support to help Paul pursue his dreams, earning James's lasting gratitude and admiration.</p>

<h2>Breakthrough Role in Greek</h2>
<p>Paul James is best known for his role as Calvin Owens on the ABC Family (now Freeform) series <em>Greek</em>. The show, a comedy-drama chronicling life within the Greek system at the fictional Cyprus-Rhodes University (CRU), featured James as a confident and openly gay student and jock. Calvin begins the series as a closeted athlete who eventually embraces his identity, becoming one of the earliest representations of a non-stereotypical gay Black character on American television.</p>

<p>In the show, Calvin is one of the first friends of the main character, Rusty. Initially, he joins the academically and socially elite fraternity Omega Chi Delta, known for its achievements and networking opportunities. However, due to shifting loyalties and personal convictions, he later aligns more closely with the underdog fraternity, Kappa Tau Gamma, alongside Rusty.</p>

<p>For his grounded and authentic portrayal of Calvin, Paul James was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series.</p>

<h2>Other Film and Television Roles</h2>
<p>James has built a diverse acting portfolio in both film and television. His film credits include roles in <em>Cry Wolf</em>, <em>The Architect</em>, <em>Spinning into Butter</em>, <em>Dragon Crusaders</em>, and <em>Crawlspace</em>.</p>

<p>On the small screen, he has made appearances in popular series like <em>CSI: Miami</em>, <em>NCIS: Los Angeles</em>, <em>Bones</em>, <em>Torchwood</em>, <em>Grey’s Anatomy</em>, and <em>The Last Ship</em>, reinforcing his reputation as a versatile television actor.</p>

<h2>Industry Breakthrough and Professional Support</h2>
<p>James's acting career took a pivotal turn while he was working at P.F. Chang’s in Santa Monica. With three years of experience at the restaurant, he was discovered by casting director Johnny Barba, a regular customer who had become friends with several staff members.</p>

<p>Barba, aware of James's past work in films like <em>Cry Wolf</em> and <em>The Architect</em>, informed him about the role of Calvin in <em>Greek</em>. Initially skeptical about whether James would relate to the fraternity lifestyle portrayed in the show, Barba was reassured after learning of Paul’s own fraternity background. James auditioned and ultimately landed the role that significantly boosted his career.</p>

<h2>Personal Views and Public Reception</h2>
<p>Though he portrayed a gay character on television, Paul James is not gay in real life. Nonetheless, he has expressed deep respect for the LGBTQ+ community and has shared, in interviews, that he has witnessed discrimination against both Black and gay individuals. He aims to portray roles that break stereotypes and believes the role of Calvin in <em>Greek</em> was a well-rounded, non-stereotypical portrayal of a gay man.</p>

<p>James also once shared a story from college where a gay student was initially rejected from joining his fraternity, a decision that was later reversed—but not in time, as the student had already joined another fraternity. This experience left an impression on James and highlighted ongoing challenges around acceptance and inclusion, themes he has since tried to reflect meaningfully in his work.</p>

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<h2>Physical Appearance and Fan Base</h2>
<p>Paul James stands 5 feet 10 inches tall, with black hair in a short hairstyle, an oval face, and a wide smile. He maintains a slim and athletic build. His portrayal of a gay character who defied conventions in <em>Greek</em> included a shirtless scene that attracted attention, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community. As a result, he has cultivated a strong fan base, including many gay fans who identify with his character's honesty and strength.</p>

<h2>Privacy and Personal Life</h2>
<p>Little is known about Paul James's dating history, and he tends to keep his personal life private. Despite occasional rumors of past relationships, no verifiable information suggests that he is currently dating anyone. Until substantiated reports surface, it is safe to assume that James is focusing on his acting career.</p>

<h2>Passion for Music and Social Media Presence</h2>
<p>Outside of acting, Paul James has shown an interest in music. Though not widely publicized, this creative pursuit suggests a broader artistic palette.</p>

<p>He maintains a modest presence on social media. His Twitter handle is <strong>@PaulJames_6</strong>, where he describes himself as a “curious wanderer.” His profile includes the hashtag #LGM and lists his location as Los Angeles. As of latest available data, he has just over 2,300 followers, and he joined the platform in January 2011.</p>

<h2>Legacy and Continuing Influence</h2>
<p>Through his grounded portrayal in <em>Greek</em> and conscious choice of non-stereotypical roles, Paul James has contributed meaningfully to conversations around race, sexuality, and representation in media. He continues to draw upon his personal experiences and values to guide his professional choices, making him a respected and thoughtful presence in the acting community.</p>

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