365 Days of Columbo: July 31st

Happy Birthday James Read

James Christopher Read, was born on July 31, 1953, in Buffalo, New York. He developed an interest in acting while studying law at the University of Oregon, eventually moving to New York City to pursue his passion.

Columbo fans will recognize him as murderous cuckholded dentist Dr. Wesley Cornman in Uneasy Lies the Crown.

Beyond Columbo

Read gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of George Hazard in the popular 1980s miniseries "North and South". He also had notable roles in "Beaches" (1988) and "Eight Men Out" (1988). In addition to his film work, Read appeared in several TV series, including "Remington Steele," "Charmed," and appeared in more than 250 episodes of "Days of Our Lives".

Beyond acting, Read earned a Master's degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University in 1997. He is married to actress Wendy Kilbourne, whom he met while filming "North and South", and they have two children. The family resides in California.