James Rado, born James Alexander Radomski on January 23, 1932, in Los Angeles, California, was an influential American actor, playwright, director, and composer. Raised in Irondequoit, New York, and Washington, D.C., Rado pursued his passion for theater and music at the University of Maryland, College Park, and later at The Catholic University of America. His early works included writing music and lyrics for shows like "Interlude" and "Cross Your Fingers."

After serving two years in the U.S. Navy, Rado moved to New York City in 1956 to pursue a career in acting. He studied under the renowned acting coach Lee Strasberg and appeared in several Broadway and off-Broadway productions, including "Marathon '33" and "The Lion in Winter." It was during this time that he met Gerome Ragni, with whom he formed a creative partnership.

Together, Rado and Ragni co-created the groundbreaking 1967 musical "Hair," which became a cultural phenomenon. The musical, known for its portrayal of the 1960s counterculture and its anti-war themes, opened off-Broadway in 1967 and moved to Broadway in 1968, where it ran for 1,750 performances. Rado starred as Claude, a character partially based on himself, alongside Ragni as Berger. "Hair" was notable for its rock music score, which produced several hit songs, and its bold themes of peace, love, and freedom.

Rado and Ragni's work on "Hair" earned them a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and a Tony Award nomination. Despite parting ways in the early 1970s, they reunited to work on other projects, including the audio movie "Sun" and the musical "Jack Sound and His Dog Star."

James Rado passed away on June 21, 2022, in New York City at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer of musical theater. His work on "Hair" continues to resonate, reflecting the spirit and challenges of its time.