James Bacon (May 12, 1914 – September 18, 2010) was an American author and journalist who also worked as an actor in film and television.
He wrote historical accounts of his years observing Hollywood and a biography of Jackie Gleason.
He attended the University of Notre Dame from 1933–1936, dropping out during his senior year in order to help his parents, who had recently lost their home in a flood.
After leaving the Associated Press in 1966, he wrote briefly for The Hollywood Reporter and then for 17 years for The Los Angeles Herald-Examiner.
Although a columnist by trade, Bacon appeared in numerous films, generally in walk-on cameos, often as reporters or newsmen.