James Hendricks, a native of the year 1949, ventured into the realm of entertainment in the late 1970s, commencing his career as a Disc Jockey at a prominent radio station situated in the heart of Junction City, Kansas. Adopting the enigmatic pseudonym Uncle Willie, he masterfully helmed a show that aired from the esteemed hours of 8pm to 2am, expertly weaving a tapestry of creative characterizations that captivated his audience.
As the radio station underwent significant transformations in the year 1981, Hendricks' tenure as a popular DJ came to a close, thereby prompting him to relocate to the vibrant city of New York in a bold pursuit of new and exciting opportunities.
Initially, he found himself employed as a New York City cab driver from the year 1982 to 1984, a period during which he continued to enthusiastically audition for a wide range of roles, never losing sight of his ultimate goal to establish a successful career in the entertainment industry.
In the year 1984, a pivotal moment in the television career of the renowned personality, Commander USA, unfolded as he secured a hosting role on a USA Cable Network show, where he would introduce and present an assortment of vintage science fiction and horror movies to captivated audiences.
Initially, Commander USA had envisioned reviving his iconic character, Uncle Willie, but management, in their wisdom, deemed it necessary for him to adopt a superhero persona, thus Commander USA was born.
Drawing inspiration from his earlier incarnation as Uncle Willie, Commander USA brought his new character to life, donning a trench coat, a cigar, and mannerisms that bore a striking resemblance to his beloved predecessor, Uncle Willie.
Commander USA's Groovie Movies, a television program of considerable entertainment value, debuted on January 5, 1985, and continued to captivate audiences until its conclusion in 1989. Throughout its four-year run, the show garnered significant attention, with snippets of its content making appearances in notable films such as The Color of Money, released in 1986, and Scrooged, which premiered in 1988. After the program's cancellation, the show's host, Commander USA, struggled to secure substantial work in the television and film industries, ultimately landing only a few minor roles in various productions.
In the early years of the 1990s, a pivotal moment in the history of the entertainment industry, he emerged as a warehouse foreman in a television commercial for The Wiz, a prominent retail electronics outlet that had garnered significant attention and popularity.
Throughout his illustrious career, Hendricks had the privilege of making appearances in numerous films, with his most recent credit being in The Hungry Ghosts, a cinematic masterpiece released in the year 2009.
In addition to his work in the film industry, Hendricks also had the opportunity to showcase his talents on the stage, taking on the role of a priest in the popular play "Tony n' Tina's Wedding" at a dinner theater, where he undoubtedly brought his unique brand of acting expertise to the audience.
It is with great sadness that we must report the passing of James Hendricks, a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on the world, on March 17, 2018, at the ripe age of 69, still residing in the vibrant city of New York, where he had spent a significant portion of his life.
