James Duval - A Look At His Life And Work
For many who appreciate films that push boundaries and characters that feel truly lived-in, the name James Duval brings to mind a particular kind of screen presence. He has, in a way, made a mark through parts in movies that often challenge viewers, yet also through appearances in big studio pictures that many people have seen. It’s a rather interesting mix, this path he has walked, being someone recognized for both his work in smaller, independent productions and for his roles in some of the most widely watched films of their time.
His acting journey, you know, has taken him from stories about young people facing difficult situations to massive blockbusters where the fate of the world hangs in the balance. It's almost as if he has a knack for finding parts that stick with you, whether they are in films that become cult favorites or in those that fill movie theaters across the globe. People who follow his work often speak about how he brings a certain depth to his characters, making them feel quite real even in very unusual settings.
This actor, who has been around for a good while, has built a body of work that shows a wide range of abilities. From playing figures caught in surreal, chaotic worlds to those facing down alien invasions, James Duval has, as a matter of fact, shown he can adapt to many different kinds of stories. His career is a pretty good example of someone who finds success in various corners of the movie business, leaving a memorable impression along the way.
Table of Contents
- Who is James Duval?
- What Kind of Movies Did James Duval Make?
- How Did James Duval Get Started?
- Where Can You See James Duval's Work?
- What Makes James Duval Stand Out?
Who is James Duval?
James Edward Duval, sometimes called Jimmy, is an American actor who has been a part of many different movie projects over the years. Born on September 10, 1972, he has become quite well-known for his contributions to both small-scale, independent cinema and much larger, widely released films. His acting work includes parts in films that have gained a strong following among certain groups of viewers, and also roles in movies that almost everyone has heard of or seen, you know.
People often recognize him from movies like "Go," where he played a particular character, and "Donnie Darko," where his portrayal of Frank left a lasting impression. He was also in "The Doom Generation," which is another film that has a special place for many who enjoy unique storytelling. James Duval, in fact, has a background that mixes different ethnic heritages, which is something that makes up who he is.
He is not just someone who acts; he has also spent time as a producer and a writer, showing that his interest in creating stories for the screen goes beyond just performing in front of the camera. This broader involvement in making movies, in some respects, highlights his dedication to the art form. His career has been a journey through various kinds of stories and characters, making him a familiar face to many movie watchers.
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Personal Details about James Duval
| Full Name | James Edward Duval (also known as Jimmy) |
| Born | September 10, 1972 |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan |
| Ethnicity | Mixed ethnic backgrounds |
| Known For | Acting in independent films and blockbusters |
| Other Roles | Producer, Writer |
What Kind of Movies Did James Duval Make?
James Duval has a rather interesting collection of films on his resume, covering a wide array of movie types. He has, for instance, been a key player in what some call "cult classics," which are movies that might not have been huge hits right away but gained a very devoted following over time. Then there are the massive box office successes, films that brought in huge crowds and became household names. This range, you know, is pretty remarkable for an actor.
His work often includes stories that are a bit out of the ordinary, sometimes even surreal, yet he also appears in films that are straightforward action or science fiction adventures. This ability to move between different kinds of projects means that fans of various genres might come across his work. It’s almost as if he finds something compelling in all sorts of narratives, from the deeply personal to the grandly epic.
Many people who follow his career appreciate that he doesn't seem to stick to just one type of role or one kind of movie. This variety, as a matter of fact, keeps his filmography fresh and engaging for those who enjoy seeing actors take on diverse challenges. He has, in a way, built a career on being unpredictable in his choices, which is something that can be very appealing.
Early Career and Independent Films Featuring James Duval
In the early parts of his acting life, James Duval became quite associated with films that were made outside the big studio system, often called independent movies. He developed a strong connection with a filmmaker named Gregg Araki, appearing in several of his works. These collaborations, you know, really helped shape a certain period of independent cinema, particularly what some refer to as the "teen apocalypse trilogy."
Movies like "The Doom Generation," "Nowhere," and "Totally F***ed Up" are examples of these kinds of projects where James Duval played significant parts. These films often explored themes that resonated with young people, dealing with feelings of being lost or facing difficult times, but in a very distinct and often surreal way. He represented, in a way, a kind of honest, heartfelt person caught up in a world that was often chaotic and strange, which is pretty compelling.
His presence in these movies, which were often seen as pushing the boundaries of storytelling, made him a recognizable figure among those who appreciated cinema that was a bit different. These roles, in some respects, established him as an actor who was willing to take on challenging material and bring a unique energy to his characters. For many who grew up watching these films, James Duval became, you know, an icon of that independent movie scene.
James Duval's Work in Bigger Productions
While James Duval made a name for himself in independent movies, he also stepped into the world of large-scale, widely released films. One of the most famous examples of this is his role in "Independence Day," a movie that many people saw in theaters when it first came out. He played a character named Miguel in that film, which was a pretty big deal for his career, you know.
He also appeared in "Gone in 60 Seconds," another movie that drew a lot of attention and featured a cast of well-known actors. These kinds of roles showed that he could perform just as effectively in productions with massive budgets and broad appeal as he could in smaller, more personal stories. It’s almost as if he has a knack for fitting into different cinematic environments.
"Go" is another film where he had a notable part, and while it might be considered more of an independent film in its spirit, it still reached a wide audience. And, of course, there's "Donnie Darko," which became a cult favorite but also gained a lot of mainstream recognition over time, where he played the character of Frank. His involvement in these bigger projects, in some respects, allowed a wider group of people to see his acting abilities.
How Did James Duval Get Started?
The journey to becoming an actor for James Duval involved moving around quite a bit and trying different things before settling into performing. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1972, which is where his life began. But his family, you know, didn't stay there for very long, and his early years were spent in a few different places, which is pretty common for many people.
His background includes some time living in Alaska during his early childhood. It's rather interesting to think about someone who would later become a recognizable face in Hollywood spending part of his formative years in such a different environment. This early life experience, in a way, adds another layer to his story, showing that his path was not always a straight line to the movie sets of Los Angeles.
Eventually, he made his way to California, which is often where people go when they want to pursue a career in acting. This move, as a matter of fact, marked a significant turning point in his life, putting him closer to the opportunities that would eventually lead to his screen appearances. It's almost as if he was drawn to the creative energy of the West Coast.
James Duval's Childhood and Education
James Duval’s early life included a move from Detroit, Michigan, where he was born in 1972, to Los Angeles, California, just two years later in 1974. This early relocation, you know, meant that he spent most of his growing-up years in the sunny state. He attended several different high schools during the period from 1986 to 1989, which is something that happens for many young people.
He spent time at Gladstone High School in Covina, California, for a few years. He also went to Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, and Fair Valley, also in Covina. This experience of going to different schools, in some respects, might have given him a varied perspective on life and people, which can be quite helpful for an actor. It’s almost as if he gathered experiences from different settings.
Interestingly, before he became known for acting, James Duval had a background in music. As a child, he received training as a classical pianist, which is a pretty demanding skill to learn. However, he eventually shifted his focus to playing the guitar. This musical past, as a matter of fact, shows a creative side that existed long before his acting career took off, and it’s a rather cool detail about him.
Moving West and Pursuing Acting for James Duval
After spending some of his early life in Alaska, James Duval made the decision to move to California in the early 1990s. This move, you know, was driven by a clear desire to pursue something in the entertainment world. It’s a pretty common story for many who hope to make a career in movies or television, heading to where the opportunities are.
Before his move, there was a period where he was involved in a different kind of venture. He took on the ownership of a small group of video stores in Alaska, which is a rather unique detail in his personal history. This business experience, in some respects, shows that he had a practical side before fully dedicating himself to acting. It’s almost as if he had a brief detour before finding his true calling.
The decision to come to California was, as a matter of fact, a big step towards becoming the actor many people recognize today. It placed him in the environment where he could meet people, audition for parts, and begin to build his body of work. This journey from owning video stores in Alaska to appearing in Hollywood films is, you know, quite a path to take.
Where Can You See James Duval's Work?
If you're interested in watching James Duval's performances, there are many places to find his work, given his long career. His filmography, which is a list of all the movies and TV shows he has been in, is quite extensive. You can, for instance, look up his complete list of projects on various movie databases and streaming guides, which is pretty convenient.
These resources allow you to see every movie and television program where he has been given credit for his work. It’s almost as if you can trace his entire acting journey from his earliest roles to his more recent ones. Knowing where to find his films makes it easier for people to explore the breadth of his acting contributions, you know.
Whether you are looking for his independent films that gained a cult following or his appearances in major studio productions, these guides can help you find where to watch James Duval's latest and past projects. It’s a good way, as a matter of fact, to discover the range of characters he has brought to life on screen. His work is, in a way, readily available for those who want to see it.
Exploring the Filmography of James Duval
Looking through the full list of movies and TV shows that James Duval has been a part of reveals a career filled with diverse choices. From his early work with independent filmmakers to his roles in big-budget action movies, his filmography, you know, shows a willingness to take on different kinds of projects. This variety is something that many actors strive for, and he has, in some respects, achieved it.
For example, if you wanted to see his part in "Go," you could easily find where that movie is available to stream or buy. The same goes for "Donnie Darko," which has become a film that many people talk about and rewatch. His appearances in films like "May" also show his willingness to be part of stories that are a bit darker or more unusual, which is pretty interesting.
Many of his films, especially those from the 1990s, have a distinct feel that captures the spirit of that time. For those who grew up watching movies then, seeing James Duval in films like "Independence Day" or the Gregg Araki trilogy brings back a lot of memories. It’s almost as if his body of work serves as a record of different eras in cinema, and you can, as a matter of fact, explore all of it.
What Makes James Duval Stand Out?
What makes James Duval a memorable actor for many people is his particular way of portraying characters, especially those who seem to be caught in challenging or unusual circumstances. He has, in a way, a knack for bringing a certain honesty to his roles, making even the most surreal situations feel believable. This quality, you know, helps him connect with viewers on a deeper level.
He often plays characters who might be described as having a romantic soul, someone who feels things deeply, even when they are surrounded by chaos or violence. This contrast, in some respects, makes his performances quite compelling. It’s almost as if he can show the vulnerability and humanity of a person, no matter how strange their world might be, which is pretty powerful.
His ability to work with independent filmmakers, creating unique and often thought-provoking cinema, while also appearing in huge blockbusters, is a rather distinct aspect of his career. This versatility means he isn't easily put into just one category. James Duval, as a matter of fact, has built a legacy in independent film history that continues to inspire and resonate with people, which is something quite special.
James Duval's Unique Appeal
James Duval has a kind of appeal that draws people in, especially those who appreciate actors who bring a realness to their parts. His work in films that deal with young people facing difficult situations, like the "teenage apocalypse" trilogy, showed that he could capture the feelings of a generation. He became, in a way, a symbol for many who felt a connection to those stories, you know.
For some, seeing him in a movie like "Independence Day" when they were younger created a lasting impression, leading them to follow his career over time. This kind of loyalty from viewers, in some respects, speaks to the impact his performances have. It’s almost as if he leaves a mark on people through the characters he plays, which is pretty cool.
His quiet intensity and the way he can convey complex emotions without needing a lot of words are part of what makes him stand out. He has, as a matter of fact, a presence on screen that is both subtle and powerful. This unique combination of traits means that James Duval continues to be an actor that people remember and seek out, which is something special in the movie world.
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