Renowned for his contributions to the entertainment industry, James Keach has made a name for himself as both an accomplished actor and director. His notable credits include the beloved TV series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, the thrilling film The Long Riders, and the endearing romantic comedy Blind Dating. If you are eager to delve deeper into the life and accomplishments of James Keach, this article is your gateway to discovering all there is to know about this remarkable individual.
Background and Age
With a birthdate of December 7, 1947, James Keach emerged into the world in the vibrant city of Savannah, Georgia. As of 2023, he is 75 years old. This versatile individual hails from a family of immense talent, as his siblings all ascended to become renowned celebrities. Notably, James Keach is the esteemed brother of Stacy Keach Jr. and is the proud son of the incomparable Stacy Keach Sr.
Educational Pursuits
Fueling his insatiable thirst for knowledge and his desire to sharpen his craft, James Keach pursued his education at Northwestern University. Embarking on a path of intellectual growth and artistic exploration, he advanced his studies at the distinguished Yale School of Drama, achieving a master’s degree. These academic experiences undoubtedly laid a solid foundation, shaping Keach’s creative outlook and providing him with the essential skills to thrive in the demanding world of entertainment.
A Journey into James Keach’s Acting and Directing Career
James Keach, the younger brother of Stacy Keach, began his journey in the entertainment industry as an actor, specializing in supporting and often antagonistic roles. However, he eventually transitioned to producing and directing for both television and film. Despite his tall stature and down-to-earth demeanor, he managed to leave a lasting impression in the industry.
Keach initially started his acting career on stage, showcasing his talent in various roles at the prestigious New York Shakespeare Festival. He then made his way to television, portraying Orville in a highly acclaimed PBS biography of the Wright Brothers in 1972. In 1975, he made his first appearance in a feature film, playing a minor role in “Sunburst.” He continued to excel in supporting roles in movies such as “Death Play” (1976), Alan J. Pakula’s “Comes a Horseman” (1978), and Jon Troell’s “Hurricane” (1979).
However, it was Walter Hill’s “The Long Riders” in 1980 that helped James Keach establish himself further. In this revisionist Western, he co-produced, co-wrote, and co-starred alongside his brother Stacy, portraying real-life outlaw brothers. Despite receiving excellent reviews, the film did not propel Keach’s career to new heights. Instead, he continued to take on supporting roles in various movies, including a motorcycle cop in Harold Ramis’ “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983) and Catherine Hicks’ husband in John Byrum’s remake of “The Razor’s Edge” (1984). He also delivered a memorable performance as a traffic officer in “Moving Violations” (1985), reminiscent of a Gestapo officer.
As time went on, Keach decided to shift his focus behind the camera. He worked on the story and served as a producer for the comedy film “Armed and Dangerous” (1986), featuring John Candy and Eugene Levy. His directorial debut came with “False Identity” (1990), a murder mystery starring Genevieve Bujold and his brother Stacy. While the film had its ups and downs, it showcased Keach’s potential as a director. His second directorial effort, “The Stars Fell on Henrietta” (1995), received critical acclaim but didn’t perform well commercially. The film explored the impact of a wildcat oil man on the lives of a young couple in 1930s Texas.
Although his directorial ventures experienced mixed success, Keach found his stride in TV directing. He established a partnership with the USA Network, directing telefilms like “The Forgotten” (1989) and “Praying Mantis” (1993). During the filming of “Sunstroke” (1992), he fell in love with his leading lady, Jane Seymour. They got married in 1993, and Keach went on to direct Seymour in episodes of the CBS series “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” and the TV biopic “A Passion for Justice: The Hazel Brannon Smith Story” (ABC, 1994).
Directorial Ventures
Waiting for Forever (2010): Keach directed this romantic drama film starring Rachel Bilson and Tom Sturridge. The movie follows Will Donner, a young man obsessed with a childhood love, who follows her to Hollywood and becomes a street performer to be near her.
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1997-1998): Keach directed multiple episodes of this popular American Western TV series. The show starred his then-wife Jane Seymour as Dr. Michaela “Mike” Quinn, a female doctor in the Old West.
Blind Dating (2006): Keach directed this romantic comedy film starring Chris Pine and Anjali Jay. The story revolves around a young blind man who goes on a series of blind dates arranged by his brother but gets caught in a complicated love triangle.
Walk the Line (2005): Keach co-produced and directed the documentary Johnny Cash: The Man, His World, His Music in 1969. He also served as an executive producer on the biographical musical film Walk the Line, which depicted the life of Johnny Cash. The film starred Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter Cash.
James Keach’s Marital Story
In 1975, James got married to Holley Collins, who is the sister of famous singer Judy Collins. They were together for seven years and had a son named Kalen Keach. But in 1982, they decided to end their marriage.
After his first marriage ended, James found love again and got married to Mimi Maynard in 1982. Unfortunately, their marriage didn’t last either, and they got divorced in 1992 after ten years together.
But James didn’t give up on love. In 1993, he married Jane Seymour. They had twins together in 1995 and named them John Stacy and Kristopher Stacy, after important people in their families.
However, even strong bonds can face tough times. In 2013, James and Jane separated and decided to get a divorce. Jane took the initiative to file for divorce. There were rumors that James cheated on her, which made things even more complicated. Despite all this, both James and Jane handled the situation maturely and peacefully because they wanted to prioritize their children’s well-being.
Their love transformed into a strong partnership focused on keeping their family united. Even as their children grew up and went through different stages in life, James and Jane continued to be there for them, attending important events and giving guidance whenever needed.
There are rumors about both James and Jane seeing other people now, but they keep their personal lives private to protect their children from any discomfort. In the end, what matters most in their love story is not their romantic relationships, but their unwavering commitment to keeping their family together.
James Keach: Net Worth
The net worth of James Keach as of 2023 is $20 million.
Bottom Line
James Keach has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry through his acting and directing endeavors. His personal life, marked by marriages and separations, showcases his commitment to family above all else. With a net worth of $20 million, James Keach has not only achieved success in his career but also prioritized the well-being of his loved ones.
