James Henry Hackett (March 15, 1800[1] – December 28, 1871) was an American actor.

After an unsuccessful entry into business, he went on the stage in March 1826 playing the role of Justice Woodcock in Love of a Village.

He traveled back and forth between the United States and Britain, achieving a reputation in the works of Shakespeare, particularly Falstaff.

In 1834 he commissioned a play from writer John Neal to suit his strength with eccentric characters but rejected the comedy upon receipt.

[4] As a manager and impresario, he is remembered, among other things, for having engaged the troupe of Italian opera singers who formed the nucleus of the first season (1854–55) of the Academy of Music in New York City.