Olga James, an esteemed actress and operatic soprano, passed away on January 25 at the age of 95 in Los Angeles. Best known for her role in the film Carmen Jones alongside Harry Belafonte, James showcased her vocal talents fully, singing her own parts while others' voices were dubbed. Her significant contributions to theater included being Sammy Davis Jr.'s love interest in Mr. Wonderful. Despite a promising start in the mid-1950s, Carmen Jones turned out to be both James's debut and her final film performance, leaving an impactful legacy in music and theater.
Ms. James sang an aria at the Alvin Theater for the film's director Otto Preminger, stating 'It wasn't a stretch for me, I was that character.'
Olga James's performance in Carmen Jones as a jilted girlfriend marked a pivotal moment in her career as a soprano and actress, though it became her only film.
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