James Widdoes

Photo of James Widdoes

Biography

Tall, blond gawky James Widdoes will forever be remembered as Hoover, the chapter president of "National Lampoon's Animal House" (1977). But, since the late 1980s, he has eschewed acting for a career as a prolific director and sometimes executive producer of sitcoms. His work in the latter milieu has yielded "Dave's World" (CBS, 1993-1997) and "Can't Hurry Love" (CBS, 1995-96). Widdoes has also directed episodes of such series as "Doctor, …
Read More »

Job Title

Actor, Director, Producer

Born

November 15, 1953

Career Milestones

2000

Helmed the pilot for "Kristin", an NBC midseason replacement sitcom

1999

Served as executive producer and director of the sitcom "Movie Stars" (The WB)

1997

Directed pilot for "Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place" (Fox)

1996

Directed "Boston Common" pilot (NBC)

1996

Axelrod/Widdoes signed to long-term development deal with Universal

Was executive producer of "Can't Hurry Love" (NBC)

1993

Formed Axelrod/Widdoes Productions with former agent, Jonathan Axelrod; signed overall deal with CBS; launched "Dave's World" as weekly series

1988

Directed episodes of CBS series "Raising Miranda"

Played employer to "Charles in Charge" on first season of series (CBS)

1983

Co-starred in the syndicated miniseries "Blood Feud"

1983

Played title role in PBS production of "Charley's Aunt"

1982

Starred in Off-Broadway musical "Is There Life After High School?"

1980

Was regular on CBS series "Park Place"

1979

Reprised role of Hoover in the short-lived ABC sitcom spin-off "Delta House"

1977

Feature film acting debut as Hoover in "National Lampoon's Animal House"

1977

New York stage debut in Off-Broadway revival of the musical "Wonderful Town"

1974

Made stage debut at the Diners Playhouse in Lexington, KY

Awards

2003

Directors Guild of America Award for Comedy Series in 8 Simple Rules