James Duval - A Look At His Acting Path
For anyone who follows the world of movies and appreciates a truly memorable performance on screen, the name James Duval likely brings to mind a collection of characters that truly draw you in. He's an American actor, someone who has, as a matter of fact, graced our screens in a good number of film projects, often leaving a lasting impression with his work. You know, his presence in various movie endeavors has, in some respects, made him a familiar face to many who keep up with the art of filmmaking.
Born in the year 1972, specifically on the tenth day of September, James Edward Duval, or James Jimmy Edward Duval as he's sometimes called, first came into the world in Detroit, Michigan. His life's path, you could say, took him to California quite early on, as he relocated to Los Angeles just two years later, in 1974. This early shift, in a way, set the stage for a life that would eventually lead him into the professional world of performing arts.
He spent his high school years at Gladstone High in Covina, California, attending from 1986 to 1989. It seems, too it's almost, that even from those younger days, a direction toward performing might have been taking shape for him. His professional journey, to be honest, has since seen him involved in some truly interesting and, well, cult classic projects, making him a figure many movie watchers have come to appreciate and recognize.
Table of Contents
- The Life Story of James Duval
- Personal Details - James Duval
- What Were James Duval's Early Days Like?
- How Did James Duval Start Acting?
- James Duval's Impact on Cinema
- What Films Feature James Duval?
- What About James Duval's Most Remembered Work?
- James Duval's Place in Movie History
The Life Story of James Duval
James Edward Duval, a person whose work in movies has caught the eye of many, was born on the tenth day of September, in the year 1972. This date, you know, marks the start of a life that would see him become a public figure in the world of entertainment. His full name, as a matter of fact, is James Edward Duval, though some folks also refer to him as James Jimmy Edward Duval, which is kind of interesting, isn't it?
He is, essentially, an American actor. His professional path, you could say, has been primarily in front of the camera, bringing various characters to life. People often think of him as a movie actor, and that's, like, pretty much what he's known for in the public eye. His journey into acting, honestly, has given him a place in the hearts of many who enjoy cinema. He has, in some respects, built a career around portraying different individuals on screen, which is, obviously, a skill that requires a good deal of dedication and talent.
Personal Details - James Duval
| Full Name | James Edward Duval (also James Jimmy Edward Duval) |
| Date of Birth | September 10, 1972 |
| Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan |
| Moved to Los Angeles | 1974 |
| High School Attended | Gladstone High School, Covina, California (1986-1989) |
| Occupation | American Actor, Movie Actor |
What Were James Duval's Early Days Like?
James Duval's beginnings trace back to Detroit, Michigan, where he was born in 1972. It's, like, his first home, you know? But his family, apparently, didn't stay there for very long. When he was just two years old, in 1974, he made a big move across the country. He and his family relocated to Los Angeles, California, which is, as a matter of fact, a place often associated with the movie business. This early shift, you could say, might have subtly influenced his later career path, being so close to the center of film production.
His schooling years, specifically his time in high school, took place in Covina, California. From 1986 to 1989, he was a student at Gladstone High School. This period, in some respects, is where many young people figure out what they want to do with their lives, and for James Duval, it seems, the path was leading him toward performing. It's interesting to consider, really, how these early life experiences might shape someone's future work, providing a foundation for their professional endeavors. He spent those years, you know, like, learning and growing, just like any other young person, but with a future in the spotlight waiting.
The transition from Michigan to California at such a young age, essentially, placed him in an environment that was, pretty much, ripe with opportunities for creative pursuits. While the details of his childhood are not fully laid out, the fact that he was in Los Angeles from such an early point suggests a connection to the entertainment world that could have, in a way, fostered his interest in acting. It's, like, being in the right place at a pivotal time, if you think about it.
How Did James Duval Start Acting?
While the provided information doesn't detail his very first steps into acting, it does give us a good sense of how James Duval became a recognized face in the movie industry. He rose to prominence, you know, in the 1990s, a time when cinema was seeing some interesting shifts and new voices were emerging. He became, in a way, a key figure in what was known as the new queer cinema movement, which is, like, a pretty significant part of film history and, obviously, shows his involvement in more groundbreaking projects.
His work during this period, essentially, helped him gain a wider audience and establish his presence as a performer. People began to remember him for these particular contributions to film. It's fair to say, at the end of the day, that these early parts were quite important in shaping his public image and career trajectory. He was, to be honest, building a foundation for the many memorable performances that would follow, setting himself apart with his choices in roles.
His involvement in these specific film movements suggests a willingness to take on roles that were, in some respects, outside the typical mainstream. This approach, you know, could have helped him develop a unique style and gain recognition from a particular segment of moviegoers. He wasn't just, like, taking any part; he was, apparently, choosing projects that resonated with a certain artistic vision, which is, pretty much, a hallmark of a dedicated performer.
The fact that he became a "key figure" implies that his contributions were, basically, seen as central to the movement itself. This isn't just about acting in a film; it's about being an integral part of a cultural moment in cinema. His performances, therefore, were not just individual acts but, in a way, part of a larger artistic statement, which is, obviously, a pretty cool thing to be a part of for any actor.
James Duval's Impact on Cinema
James Duval has, arguably, made a noticeable impact on the world of movies through his various roles and the types of projects he has chosen. He's been a part of films that have become quite well-known, some even considered cult classics, which means they have a dedicated following. For instance, his work in movies like Independence Day from 1996, Go from 1999, and May from 2002, really, shows his ability to take on different kinds of parts. And, of course, there's his role in Donnie Darko from 2001, which is, like, a film many people still talk about and consider a very important movie.
It's also worth mentioning his involvement in what's been called the Gregg Araki "teenage apocalypse" trilogy. These films, including titles like The Doom Generation, Nowhere, and Totally F*cked Up, are, you know, pretty distinctive and have a very particular style. James Duval's performances in these works, as a matter of fact, have made him quite famous among fans of these particular kinds of movies. He's, essentially, become associated with a certain style of filmmaking that resonates with a specific audience, which, you know, is a pretty unique niche to occupy.
His ability to move between larger, more widely released films and independent, cult-favorite projects, pretty much, shows a versatility in his acting choices. This range, to be honest, allows him to connect with different types of moviegoers and contribute to various cinematic expressions. He's not just, like, stuck in one kind of role; he's, apparently, willing to explore different stories and characters, which is, obviously, a sign of a committed performer.
The fact that his films have received "a lot of accolades" over time, as mentioned when discussing the list of his best movies, indicates that his work is, basically, well-regarded by critics and audiences alike. This isn't just about commercial success; it's about the quality and impact of his performances within the larger context of film art. He has, in a way, earned a reputation for being a reliable and engaging presence on screen, which is, obviously, a valuable trait for any actor.
What Films Feature James Duval?
When we look at the films that feature James Duval, a few titles definitely stand out as ones he's widely recognized for. He was, for instance, in the big blockbuster Independence Day back in 1996, a movie that, you know, reached a very large audience. Then there's Go, which came out in 1999, where he also had a part that many people remember. And, you know, his role in May from 2002 is another one that gets mentioned when people discuss his work. These are, essentially, some of the projects he's widely recognized for, showing his involvement in different types of stories.
But beyond these, James Duval has also been a part of films that have gained a strong following over time, often referred to as cult classics. We're talking about movies like The Doom Generation, Nowhere, and Totally F*cked Up. These are, basically, films that many people consider very important within their genre, and his presence in them is, like, a big part of their appeal. He has, in a way, contributed to the unique feel of these particular cinematic works, making them distinct and memorable for their fans.
His appearances in these diverse films, you know, really highlight his ability to adapt to different storytelling styles and production scales. From large-scale special effects movies to more intimate, character-driven independent features, James Duval has, apparently, shown a knack for choosing interesting projects. This willingness to explore various avenues within the film industry, pretty much, adds to his standing as a versatile actor who isn't afraid to take on different challenges.
The fact that his movies are often ranked and discussed, with some receiving "a lot of accolades," suggests that his choices in projects have, in some respects, been consistently strong. This isn't just about being in movies; it's about being in movies that are, essentially, well-received and leave a lasting impression on viewers. He has, therefore, built a body of work that is, obviously, worth exploring for anyone interested in compelling performances.
What About James Duval's Most Remembered Work?
Perhaps one of the most remembered pieces of work for James Duval is his role in the 2001 film Donnie Darko. He played the character of Frank in that movie, acting opposite Jake Gyllenhaal, who played the main character. This part, you know, is one that often comes up when people discuss his career
James Duval
James Duval
James Duval - Profile Images — The Movie Database (TMDB)
