When Sweeney was 11 years old, he moved to London with his parents, along with two brothers and a sister. He became interested in theatre and improvisation while attending Clapham College, an all-boys Roman Catholic school.
Sweeney spent the 1970s in theatre productions, creating and touring shows with Steen, who was a friend from school. The pairing's first television work as a duo came on the ITV children's show CBTV, followed by the Channel 4 comedy Little Armadillos and resident support comic slots on Rory Bremner's first sketch show for the BBC.
In 1987, Sweeney played Samuel Taylor Coleridge in an episode of Blackadder the Third, with Steve Steen alongside him as Lord Byron. He then appeared in commercials and radio comedies before acquiring a semi-regular slot as a contestant on the Channel 4 improvisation show Whose Line Is It Anyway? from 1991 to 1993. Comedy partner Steen would later join him frequently in these appearances.
Born in Butte, Montana, Sweeney was the youngest of seven children of Will and Kate Sweeney; his father was a hard-rock miner who emigrated from Ireland. As a youth in Butte, he was a top pitcher and outfielder in baseball, and graduated from Butte Central Catholic High School in 1947.
Sweeney played college football in Oregon at the University of Portland, and graduated in 1951. After his junior year, the school dropped football as an intercollegiate sport, and Sweeney spent his senior season of 1950 as a high school coach at Columbia High School in Portland.
James "Jim" Sweeney was a 1980 recipient of the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award as the United States' top collegiate basketball player under 6'0" tall. He was the captain of the Boston College Eagles. He was nominated by Boston College as a Rhodes Scholar candidate. Raised in Trenton, New Jersey, he attended the Lawrenceville School before receiving an athletic scholarship to Boston College.
Sweeney testified as a witness in the 1978–79 Boston College basketball point shaving scandal in which members of organized crime schemed to control the outcomes of several games. Sweeney was neither charged nor offered immunity in exchange for his testimony.The most notable article on the subject was a cover story featured in Sports Illustrated and narrated by Henry Hill. The subject of Jim Sweeney was later picked up in David Porter's book "FIXED: How Goodfellas Bought Boston College Basketball."
Following his 1980 graduation from BC, Jim Sweeney played basketball briefly in Sweden. He returned to the States, married fellow BC classmate Maura Haggerty Sweeney in 1981 and spent the following years as a manufacturer's rep in the computer industry. While still in his forties, Sweeney and his wife Maura closed their computer firm to launch New Vision Entertainment, a Florida-based LLC focused on the development and promotion of entertainment properties that positively impact culture.
Talking about 'My MS and me'. Jim's website is http://www.jimsweeney.co.uk/
published: 29 Sep 2012
Jim Sweeney on Whose Line is it Anyway
Some of my favourite Jim Sweeney moments from Whose Line is it Anyway. A true improv genius.
Also featuring Steve Steen, Josie Lawrence, Tony Slattery and Mike McShane,
published: 18 Sep 2008
The Sweeney - The Life & Work of Jim Sweeney - Trailer
Now available! www.thesweeney.net
Reviewed: "Very funny indeed," Andrew Leask
All proceeds to a MS charity of Jim Sweeney's choice.
THE SWEENEY a documentary about Jim Sweeney, veteran of the Comedy Store Players and feted grandfather of impro. We trace the life and laughs of this titan and how he turned Multiple Sclerosis into a positive force in his journey. With appearances by Eddie Izzard, Josie Lawrence, Paul Merton, Greg Proops and much much more...
Produced & Directed by Seeta Indrani
published: 27 Sep 2009
Jim Sweeney Comedy Reel
published: 14 Oct 2015
Sweeney and Steen play snooker
Taken from the Best of Rory Bremner, which stars an ensemble cast of Rory Bremner, Sara Crowe, John Bird, Steve Steen and Jim Sweeney.
published: 02 Apr 2010
Charades with Benedict Cumberbatch and Sydney Sweeney | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Jimmy and Sydney Sweeney go up against Tariq Trotter and Benedict Cumberbatch in a competitive game of charades.
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Stream now on Peacock: https://bit.ly/3gZJaNy
Subscribe NOW to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: http://bit.ly/1nwT1aN
Watch The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Weeknights 11:35/10:35c
Get more The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: https://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show
JIMMY FALLON ON SOCIAL
Follow Jimmy: http://Twitter.com/JimmyFallon
Like Jimmy: https://Facebook.com/JimmyFallon
Follow Jimmy: https://www.instagram.com/jimmyfallon/
THE TONIGHT SHOW ON SOCIAL
Follow The Tonight Show: http://Twitter.com/FallonTonight
Like The Tonight Show: https://Facebook.com/FallonTonight
Follow The Tonight Show: https://www.instagram....
published: 04 May 2022
Alphabet (in a changing room) - Whose Line UK
From the original UK version of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" hosted by Clive Anderson.
Featuring Jim Sweeney and Tony Slattery.
All rights belong to Channel 4.
published: 07 Jul 2016
Jim Sweeney - Visitors 4
I have MS. My condition is monitored by a variety of medical professionals. Today? Dr. Proops makes one of his all too rare housecalls.
published: 08 Jul 2013
Jim Sweeney - and finally...
Go to www.comedystoreplayers for all show details.
published: 08 Feb 2011
James Sweeney: Aspiring Comedian
James explains his comedic process and what led him to where he is now. RTVF 26 Angle Project
Some of my favourite Jim Sweeney moments from Whose Line is it Anyway. A true improv genius.
Also featuring Steve Steen, Josie Lawrence, Tony Slattery and Mik...
Some of my favourite Jim Sweeney moments from Whose Line is it Anyway. A true improv genius.
Also featuring Steve Steen, Josie Lawrence, Tony Slattery and Mike McShane,
Some of my favourite Jim Sweeney moments from Whose Line is it Anyway. A true improv genius.
Also featuring Steve Steen, Josie Lawrence, Tony Slattery and Mike McShane,
Now available! www.thesweeney.net
Reviewed: "Very funny indeed," Andrew Leask
All proceeds to a MS charity of Jim Sweeney's choice.
THE SWEENEY a documentar...
Now available! www.thesweeney.net
Reviewed: "Very funny indeed," Andrew Leask
All proceeds to a MS charity of Jim Sweeney's choice.
THE SWEENEY a documentary about Jim Sweeney, veteran of the Comedy Store Players and feted grandfather of impro. We trace the life and laughs of this titan and how he turned Multiple Sclerosis into a positive force in his journey. With appearances by Eddie Izzard, Josie Lawrence, Paul Merton, Greg Proops and much much more...
Produced & Directed by Seeta Indrani
Now available! www.thesweeney.net
Reviewed: "Very funny indeed," Andrew Leask
All proceeds to a MS charity of Jim Sweeney's choice.
THE SWEENEY a documentary about Jim Sweeney, veteran of the Comedy Store Players and feted grandfather of impro. We trace the life and laughs of this titan and how he turned Multiple Sclerosis into a positive force in his journey. With appearances by Eddie Izzard, Josie Lawrence, Paul Merton, Greg Proops and much much more...
Produced & Directed by Seeta Indrani
Jimmy and Sydney Sweeney go up against Tariq Trotter and Benedict Cumberbatch in a competitive game of charades.
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Strea...
Jimmy and Sydney Sweeney go up against Tariq Trotter and Benedict Cumberbatch in a competitive game of charades.
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Stream now on Peacock: https://bit.ly/3gZJaNy
Subscribe NOW to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: http://bit.ly/1nwT1aN
Watch The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Weeknights 11:35/10:35c
Get more The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: https://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show
JIMMY FALLON ON SOCIAL
Follow Jimmy: http://Twitter.com/JimmyFallon
Like Jimmy: https://Facebook.com/JimmyFallon
Follow Jimmy: https://www.instagram.com/jimmyfallon/
THE TONIGHT SHOW ON SOCIAL
Follow The Tonight Show: http://Twitter.com/FallonTonight
Like The Tonight Show: https://Facebook.com/FallonTonight
Follow The Tonight Show: https://www.instagram.com/fallontonight/
Tonight Show Tumblr: http://fallontonight.tumblr.com
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon features hilarious highlights from the show, including comedy sketches, music parodies, celebrity interviews, ridiculous games, and, of course, Jimmy's Thank You Notes and hashtags! You'll also find behind the scenes videos and other great web exclusives.
GET MORE NBC
NBC YouTube: http://bit.ly/1dM1qBH
Like NBC: http://Facebook.com/NBC
Follow NBC: http://Twitter.com/NBC
NBC Instagram: http://instagram.com/nbc
NBC Tumblr: http://nbctv.tumblr.com/
Charades with Benedict Cumberbatch and Sydney Sweeney | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
http://www.youtube.com/fallontonight
#FallonTonight
#BenedictCumberbatch
#SydneySweeney
Jimmy and Sydney Sweeney go up against Tariq Trotter and Benedict Cumberbatch in a competitive game of charades.
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Stream now on Peacock: https://bit.ly/3gZJaNy
Subscribe NOW to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: http://bit.ly/1nwT1aN
Watch The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Weeknights 11:35/10:35c
Get more The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: https://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show
JIMMY FALLON ON SOCIAL
Follow Jimmy: http://Twitter.com/JimmyFallon
Like Jimmy: https://Facebook.com/JimmyFallon
Follow Jimmy: https://www.instagram.com/jimmyfallon/
THE TONIGHT SHOW ON SOCIAL
Follow The Tonight Show: http://Twitter.com/FallonTonight
Like The Tonight Show: https://Facebook.com/FallonTonight
Follow The Tonight Show: https://www.instagram.com/fallontonight/
Tonight Show Tumblr: http://fallontonight.tumblr.com
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon features hilarious highlights from the show, including comedy sketches, music parodies, celebrity interviews, ridiculous games, and, of course, Jimmy's Thank You Notes and hashtags! You'll also find behind the scenes videos and other great web exclusives.
GET MORE NBC
NBC YouTube: http://bit.ly/1dM1qBH
Like NBC: http://Facebook.com/NBC
Follow NBC: http://Twitter.com/NBC
NBC Instagram: http://instagram.com/nbc
NBC Tumblr: http://nbctv.tumblr.com/
Charades with Benedict Cumberbatch and Sydney Sweeney | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
http://www.youtube.com/fallontonight
#FallonTonight
#BenedictCumberbatch
#SydneySweeney
From the original UK version of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" hosted by Clive Anderson.
Featuring Jim Sweeney and Tony Slattery.
All rights belong to Channel 4.
From the original UK version of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" hosted by Clive Anderson.
Featuring Jim Sweeney and Tony Slattery.
All rights belong to Channel 4.
From the original UK version of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" hosted by Clive Anderson.
Featuring Jim Sweeney and Tony Slattery.
All rights belong to Channel 4.
Some of my favourite Jim Sweeney moments from Whose Line is it Anyway. A true improv genius.
Also featuring Steve Steen, Josie Lawrence, Tony Slattery and Mike McShane,
Now available! www.thesweeney.net
Reviewed: "Very funny indeed," Andrew Leask
All proceeds to a MS charity of Jim Sweeney's choice.
THE SWEENEY a documentary about Jim Sweeney, veteran of the Comedy Store Players and feted grandfather of impro. We trace the life and laughs of this titan and how he turned Multiple Sclerosis into a positive force in his journey. With appearances by Eddie Izzard, Josie Lawrence, Paul Merton, Greg Proops and much much more...
Produced & Directed by Seeta Indrani
Jimmy and Sydney Sweeney go up against Tariq Trotter and Benedict Cumberbatch in a competitive game of charades.
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Stream now on Peacock: https://bit.ly/3gZJaNy
Subscribe NOW to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: http://bit.ly/1nwT1aN
Watch The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Weeknights 11:35/10:35c
Get more The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: https://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show
JIMMY FALLON ON SOCIAL
Follow Jimmy: http://Twitter.com/JimmyFallon
Like Jimmy: https://Facebook.com/JimmyFallon
Follow Jimmy: https://www.instagram.com/jimmyfallon/
THE TONIGHT SHOW ON SOCIAL
Follow The Tonight Show: http://Twitter.com/FallonTonight
Like The Tonight Show: https://Facebook.com/FallonTonight
Follow The Tonight Show: https://www.instagram.com/fallontonight/
Tonight Show Tumblr: http://fallontonight.tumblr.com
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon features hilarious highlights from the show, including comedy sketches, music parodies, celebrity interviews, ridiculous games, and, of course, Jimmy's Thank You Notes and hashtags! You'll also find behind the scenes videos and other great web exclusives.
GET MORE NBC
NBC YouTube: http://bit.ly/1dM1qBH
Like NBC: http://Facebook.com/NBC
Follow NBC: http://Twitter.com/NBC
NBC Instagram: http://instagram.com/nbc
NBC Tumblr: http://nbctv.tumblr.com/
Charades with Benedict Cumberbatch and Sydney Sweeney | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
http://www.youtube.com/fallontonight
#FallonTonight
#BenedictCumberbatch
#SydneySweeney
From the original UK version of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" hosted by Clive Anderson.
Featuring Jim Sweeney and Tony Slattery.
All rights belong to Channel 4.
When Sweeney was 11 years old, he moved to London with his parents, along with two brothers and a sister. He became interested in theatre and improvisation while attending Clapham College, an all-boys Roman Catholic school.
Sweeney spent the 1970s in theatre productions, creating and touring shows with Steen, who was a friend from school. The pairing's first television work as a duo came on the ITV children's show CBTV, followed by the Channel 4 comedy Little Armadillos and resident support comic slots on Rory Bremner's first sketch show for the BBC.
In 1987, Sweeney played Samuel Taylor Coleridge in an episode of Blackadder the Third, with Steve Steen alongside him as Lord Byron. He then appeared in commercials and radio comedies before acquiring a semi-regular slot as a contestant on the Channel 4 improvisation show Whose Line Is It Anyway? from 1991 to 1993. Comedy partner Steen would later join him frequently in these appearances.