James Houghton, best known for his roles in CBS’s “Knots Landing” and “The Young and the Restless,” has passed away at the age of 75. He later transitioned into writing for the latter show, earning four Daytime Emmy Awards for his work.
His wife, Karen Houghton, revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that Houghton passed away from peritoneal mesothelioma at his home in Encino, California, on August 27, 2024. She had previously chosen to keep his death private.
Houghton, born in Los Angeles, California, on November 7, 1948, was the son of Buck Houghton, a producer for CBS’s “The Twilight Zone.” His first on-screen appearance was in the 1962 “Twilight Zone” episode “The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank.”
Following his education at the Harvard School in Studio City, Institut Le Rosey in Rolle, Switzerland, and UC Berkeley, Houghton started his professional acting career in the early 1970s. Before his breakthrough role on “The Young and the Restless,” he appeared in the ABC series “Alias Smith & Jones” and the film “Sweet Sugar.”
Between 1973 and 1976, Houghton played the role of attorney Greg Foster, Nikki Newman’s first husband, on “The Young and the Restless.” He also starred alongside William Espy, who portrayed his character’s brother, Snapper Foster.
Post “The Young and the Restless,” Houghton joined Martin Kove on the CBS action series “Code R” in 1977. However, the show about a Channel Islands rescue team only lasted for 13 episodes.
In 1979, Houghton joined the original cast of “Knots Landing,” a “Dallas” spin-off, playing record producer Kenny Ward, known for his unfaithful behavior towards his wife, Ginger, played by Kim Lankford. Houghton’s character was part of one of the four original couples living on the show’s iconic cul-de-sac.
In a 2006 interview, Houghton reflected on his time on “Knots Landing,” describing it as a family experience due to the close interactions between the cast members.
After featuring in 66 episodes, Houghton and Lankford’s characters left the show in 1983. The storyline saw Kenny and Ginger move to Nashville to pursue careers in country music. Houghton, though not keen to leave the series, accepted the decision as a necessary move for the show’s progression.
During his time on “Knots Landing,” Houghton, along with co-star Ted Shackelford, made an appearance on the cover of Warren Zevon’s 1982 album, “The Envoy,” via Lankford’s romantic involvement with the singer-songwriter.
Houghton continued to act after leaving “Knots Landing.” He played U.S. Senator Cash Cassidy, a rival of Charlton Heston’s character, on ABC’s “The Colbys,” a “Dynasty” spin-off, from 1986 to 1987. His film credits include “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” (1978), “One on One” (1977), “More American Graffiti” (1979), “Superstition” (1982), and “Purple People Eater” (1988). He also guest-starred on several TV shows.
Besides being an actor, Houghton also had a successful writing career. Along with his younger sister, Mona Houghton, he co-wrote three episodes of “Knots Landing” in 1982. He later returned to “The Young and the Restless” as a writer, contributing to the show’s success in daytime television ratings.
Houghton’s writing stints on “The Young and the Restless” garnered him four Emmy Awards and 14 nominations. He also wrote for “The Bold and the Beautiful” and published a crime thriller novel, “The Hooligan’s Game,” in 2017.
Apart from his professional achievements, Houghton was also known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Special Olympics, and School on Wheels.
Survivors include his wife Karen, whom he married in 1994, his mother Wanda, his sister Mona, his children Daniel and Alisa, his son-in-law Jim, and his grandson Milo.