James Edison Darmody is a fictional character in the television show Boardwalk Empire, played by Michael Pitt. He is one of the main characters in the first two seasons of the series. Unlike most of the other main characters in the series, Jimmy is not based on a historical figure, even though he may be inspired by Atlantic City politician and Atlantic City political boss Nucky Johnson's protégé, James H. "Jimmy" Boyd. Pitt is also the only actor besides Steve Buscemi to appear in every episode for which he is credited.