James Houghton, a star of primetime sudsers and a daytime soap scribe, probably best known for his turn as rascally records producer Kenny Ward in Knots Landing, passed away on August 27, 2024. He was 75.

James Houghton, Rest In Peace

Karen Houghton, Houghton’s wife of 30 years, detailed to The Hollywood Reporter that he died after a battle with peritoneal mesothelioma and that she had not wished to discuss the matter until now.

The son of Twilight Zone producer Archible “Buck” Houghton, Houghton made his acting debut in Man with a Camera before landing a substantial role in the aforementioned fantasy anthology.

His résumé was beefed up with guest spots on popular programs of the day such as Alias Smith and Jones and Dynasty, but Houghton became a household name when he won the plum part of attorney Greg Foster in CBS’ The Young and the Restless. Three years later, Houghton jumped ship for the (ultimately) short-lived action series Code R. Though the role of Greg would thrice be recast (Brian Kerwin, Wings Hauser, and Howard McGillin are stooped to conquer it), Houghton pulled off a surprise — and brief — reprisal in 2003.

Houghton subsequently snagged a job on Dallas spinoff Knots Landing where he remained for four years (and racked up 88 episodes) as Kenny, a smooth operator who dallied with groupies and other hangers-on while his wife long-suffering wife Ginger (Kim Lankford)…well…suffered.

Through his leading lady — and real-life neighbor — Houghton made the acquaintance of singer-songwriter Warren Zevon and found himself on the cover of Zevon’s 1982 album, The Envoy.

Additional acting credits comprise such diverse features as Robert Zemeckis’ musical-comedy I Wanna Hold Your Hand (1978), schlocky Superstition (1982), and women-in-prison exploitation film Sweet Sugar; a recurring role in The Colbys — he was Cash Cassidy, a U.S. senator bitterly opposed to Jason Colby’s business practices not to mention the father of Jason’s secret grandson (!); and various visits to the likes of Fantasy Island, Hotel, and The Love Boat.

Further feats include a pivot from actor to writer. With his younger sister Mona, Houghton penned three Knots Landing scripts, and he received four Daytime Emmys as a member of The Young and the Restless’ team before jumping ship for The Bold and the Beautiful. He also authored a crime novel: The Hooligan’s Game, published in 2017.

In addition to his wife and sister, Houghton’s survivors include his mother, Wanda; his children, Daniel and Alisa; his son-in-law, Jim; and his grandson, Milo.

Catch up with Daily Drama on Social Media!
Subscribe to the Daily Drama Podcast on YouTube!
Follow our main Daily Drama Facebook page.
Check out our Daily Drama Instagram page.
Find us on our Daily Drama Threads
Spend time with Daily Drama on TikTok
Tweet with us on our Daily Drama X account