James Hayden

James Hayden (November 25, 1953 – November 8, 1983) was an American actor from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Apart from starring on Broadway and in various movies, he is perhaps best known for playing Patrick "Patsy" Goldberg in the 1984 film Once Upon a Time in America.

James Hayden
Born(1953-11-25)November 25, 1953
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
DiedNovember 8, 1983(1983-11-08) (aged 29)
New York City, New York, U.S.

Life and career

Hayden trained and served as a medic in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.[1] Upon his discharge he returned to New York and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and began working as an actor.[1]

In 1983, the year of his death, he portrayed a heroin addict in the critically acclaimed play American Buffalo, co-starring with his close friend Al Pacino.[2][3] James died of a heroin overdose during the production.

In 1984, during the making of The Pope of Greenwich Village, Mickey Rourke dedicated his performance to the memory of James Hayden.

Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
1980CruisingCockpit Coke Man(scenes deleted)
1980Marilyn: The Untold StoryTV Movie
1980The First Deadly SinYoung Policeman
1981The Intruder WithinHarry ColmanTV Movie
1981The NestingGI #1
1981The Patricia Neal StoryMartin SheenTV Movie
1984Once Upon a Time in AmericaPatrick 'Patsy' Goldberg(final film role)

References
  1. Staff report (November 21, 1983). Obituary. Time
  2. Rich, Frank (October 28, 1983). Theater: Al Pacino, 'American Buffalo.' New York Times
  3. Nightingale, Benedict (November 6, 1983). Stage View: 'American Buffalo' Proves Its Quality. New York Times


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