BORN ON THIS DAY

SID JAMES (1913-1976). The hairdresser-turnedactor (right), born Solomon Cohen in South Africa, starred in 19 Carry on films. When he had a fatal heart attack on stage at the Empire Theatre, Sunderland, co-star olga Lowe thought it was a gag. When the show’s producer was told, he thought James’s act had fallen flat, saying: ‘Don’t worry, everybody dies in Sunderland.’ Sonny Liston (1932-1970). The U.S. boxer, one of 25 children, was never sure of his date of birth, but used May 8 for official purposes. He became world heavyweight champion in 1962 after learning to box in prison as he served time for armed robbery. The International Boxing Hall of Fame said: ‘Liston’s baleful scowl often had opponents defeated before the first bell.’