Mari Deese Hampton

Meet Mari Deese Hampton

Meet Mari Deese Hampton at Deep South Para-Comi-Con! Known for The Lincoln Lawyer, 9-1-1, and General Hospital, Mari is an accomplished actress, writer, and fan-favorite guest with decades of entertainment experience.

A Tribute to James Hampton

Deep South Para-Comi-Con proudly honors the life and legacy of the late James Hampton—an accomplished actor, writer, director, and beloved entertainer whose remarkable career spanned more than five decades.

Mari Deese Hampton

Early Career

Beginning her career in Dallas, Texas in the late 1980s, Mari Deese Hampton studied under acclaimed actors Lou Diamond Phillips and Adam Roarke. In the early 1990s, she relocated to Los Angeles, where she continued her training with Academy Award nominee Kim Darby and quickly established herself in the entertainment industry.

Television Success

Mari appeared on popular television series including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Family Matters. She also portrayed the recurring character “Reporter Kristy Koi” on the award-winning daytime drama General Hospital. More recently, Mari has appeared on Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer, Blockbuster, and Lady Dynamite, as well as Fox’s long-running hit series 9-1-1. She also appeared in Amazon Prime/Redeem TV’s Vindication.

Film Career

Throughout her career, Mari has appeared in a variety of feature films, including Big Stone Gap, Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, Run Hide Fight, Dusting Cliff Seven, Ensure, Dennis and Henry’s Post Divorce Checklist, and Old Broads.

Commercial & Hosting Work

A familiar face to audiences worldwide, Mari has appeared in numerous commercials and infomercials. She currently stars in an international Panda Express commercial airing worldwide and a national Jiffy Lube commercial. In addition, she has served as a host and co-host for various television and infomercial productions throughout her career.

Partnership with James Hampton

Mari was married to the late actor and director James Hampton for 19 years. Together, they co-hosted the television pilot B&B Our Guest and appeared in several films, including Big Stone Gap, Divine Access, and The Association.

Awards & Recognition

Mari received critical acclaim for her portrayal of “Juanita” in the world premiere production of acclaimed playwright and director Del Shores’ A Very Sordid Wedding. Her performance earned numerous accolades and a nomination for Best Actress from the Hollywood Gold Awards.

Current Projects

Today, Mari continues to work in television and film while expanding her creative endeavors into screenwriting. She is currently developing screenplays for both television and feature films. Mari also enjoys attending comic conventions and fan festivals, where she connects with audiences and celebrates her career as well as the legacy of James Hampton with fans from around the world.

James Hampton

Early Life & Service

Born in Oklahoma City and raised in Dallas, Texas, James Hampton attended John H. Reagan Elementary, N.R. Crozier Technical High School, and the University of North Texas. Before pursuing acting, he proudly served his country in both the Naval Air Reserve and the United States Army.

A Journey to Hollywood

James began his professional acting career in summer stock theater at Casa Manana in Fort Worth before moving to New York City in 1961. His first film, The Cliff Dwellers, earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film in 1963, leading him to Los Angeles where he studied under Leonard Nimoy and launched a legendary career.

An Icon of Television & Film

Known as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors, James appeared in countless beloved productions. His film credits include Sling Blade, Teen Wolf, The Longest Yard, The China Syndrome, Police Academy V, Condorman, Hangar 18, and Pump Up the Volume.

Television audiences fondly remember him as the tone-deaf bugler Hannibal Dobbs on F Troop, along with appearances in Gunsmoke, The Rockford Files, The Dukes of Hazzard, Melrose Place, Full House, Murder, She Wrote, and many more.

Acclaimed Director & Storyteller

In addition to acting, James directed numerous successful television series, including Sister, Sister, Smart Guy, The Tony Danza Show, Evening Shade, Boston Common, Grace Under Fire, Lincs, and Hearts Afire.

Honors & Legacy

Throughout his career, James received a Golden Globe nomination, a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Sling Blade, and a Bronze Halo Award from the Southern California Motion Picture Council. He appeared in more than 20 Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning projects and worked alongside some of Hollywood’s most legendary stars.

His contributions were further recognized with a plaque on the Western Walk of Fame in Kanab, Utah, and a Star on the Texas Trail of Fame in Fort Worth.

Remembering James Hampton

In 2021, James published his autobiography, What? And Give Up Show Business?, sharing stories from a lifetime in entertainment. Following his passing later that year, tributes poured in from across the industry, including the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Screen Actors Guild, Turner Classic Movies, and countless fans around the world.

James Hampton leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of unforgettable performances, laughter, and inspiration. His work continues to entertain generations, and his memory will forever bring smiles to those who knew him and those who admired his remarkable career.