James Nelson Harrell was an American actor with a career spanning several decades. He graduated from Baylor University and held a Master's Degree in Drama from Trinity University. Harrell studied acting at the original Baylor Theater with Paul Baker in the 1930s and, in 1940, was invited to join Michael Chekhov's Acting Studio in Ridgefield, Connecticut. He appeared in films such as Michael (1996) and The Green Mile (1999). Harrell's extensive work in theater and film left a lasting impact on the acting community.
1999A Slipping Down Life as Doctor
1999Varsity Blues as Murray
1998Hope Floats as Harry Calvert
1996Michael as Old Geezer #1
1996A Family Thing as Earl Pilcher Sr.
1995The Good Old Boys as Pierson Phelps
1993Flesh and Bone as Woody
1992Leap of Faith as Ramsey
1991JFK as Sam Holland
1991Another Pair of Aces: Three of a Kind as Hoyle Barker
1990The Hot Spot as Elderly Man (as James Harrell)
1990Texasville as Odessa Oil Man
1990Pair of Aces as Charlie
1989Lost Angels as Shelby
1987Nadine as Deacon
1986The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 as Cut-Rite Manager
1986The Lone Star Kid as Unknown
1985Noon Wine as Tom Allbright
1984Country as Bank Officer, Jim
1984The Dollmaker as Old John Miller
1981Raggedy Man as Ticket Taker
1980Resurrection as Doc Lurkin
1980Urban Cowboy as Minister at Gravesite
1979The Whole Shootin' Match as Rhonda Lynn's Father
1977Rolling Thunder as Grandpa
1977Outlaw Blues as Cop Chauffeur
1975Race with the Devil as Gun Shop Owner
1975The Great Waldo Pepper as Farmer
1974Don't Hang Up! as Dr. Crawther
1974The Sugarland Express as Mark Fenno
1974Houston, We've Got a Problem as Newsman
1973Paper Moon as The Minister
1972Encounter with the Unknown as Brother Taylor
1970A Bullet for Pretty Boy as Sam Floyd