James Stuart Duffy, an actor, director and assistant art director, died on July 2 from complications of a massive stroke he suffered on June 18 at UCLA Medical Center. He was 59.
Duffy was born in Springfield, Penn. on Aug. 29, 1950. He graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School in 1968 and moved to New York City to pursue his stage career, enrolling in American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He completed his studies there in 1970 and moved to Los Angeles, where he trained with Laura Henry, Company of Angels and Tom Logan at AFI.
Duffy’s television credits include soap operas and numerous prime time series, including “Men from Shiloh,” “Barnaby Jones,” “Bonanza” and “A Time for Love.” His stage work in Los Angeles included stints as actor and/or director at: L.A. Cabaret, Showboat Theatre, O.L.M and A.C.T. Productions (both in Malibu), the Music Hall and Studio Theatre.
Duffy began working with art director Richard Amend 27 years ago as an art department P.A. and worked his way up to become the assistant art director.
Remarking on their long working relationship, Amend said, “Over the years, we developed this unspoken language, an almost intuitive way of communicating that made things easier even in the most stressful situations. Duffy was an important and integral part of the process. Without Duffy half of the work wouldn’t have been as much fun or as well done.”
Duffy is survived by his wife of 40 years, Margaret Conry Duffy; sons, Jason and Josh; sisters Kathy and Elizabeth; four nieces and a grandchild. A private service is planned. A memorial page is on Facebook and donations can be made in Duffy’s name to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, the Actor’s Fund of America or the charity of one’s choice.