The American actor James Whitmore, whose whole life was entirely devoted to theater and cinema, was remembered by the viewer primarily due to the characteristic roles in the movie and vivid performances on Broadway. The stocky marine with a disarming kind smile quickly gained popularity in Hollywood.
James Whitmore: biography
The actor was born on October 1, 1921 in the ordinary family of official James Allen Whitmore Sr. and his wife Florence Belle. After successfully graduating from high school, he entered Yale University, where he was a member of the Skulls and Bones fraternity. During World War II, Whitmore served in the United States Marine Corps.
His acting career began after 1945 on Broadway. For his first role in the production of Team Decision, he received the prestigious Tony Award as the best aspiring actor. The second step to fame was the role in the film "Battlefield" (1949), which brought him the Golden Globe and the first Oscar nomination. The great success that James Whitmore received after the premiere of the picture led to active career growth in the cinema. For many years, the actor managed to surprisingly harmoniously combine work in the cinema, on television and in the theater, where he achieved popularity and recognition.
D. Whitmore was married four times, twice to the same woman, the mother of his three sons, Nancy Migatt. In the period from 1972 to 1979, he was married to actress Odra Lindley, since 2001 - with the writer Norish Nash. The actor died at the age of 87 from lung cancer at his home in Malibu.
James Whitmore (photo is in the article) starred in his long career in more than 130 films and television series.
Films of the 40-50s
This period was marked for the actor primarily by the appearance in Hollywood and a great creative leap. After filming in the movie W. Wellman's "Battlefield" in 1949, he gained popularity. The historical tape told about the events of World War II, the days of the Battle of Baston. D. Wilmore played a supporting role - Sergeant Kinney. The film was a great success at the box office, high box office and, according to Photoplay magazine, is the best in 1949.
Then the actor’s career began to develop on an increasing basis. Roles followed in such films as “Asphalt Jungle” (1950) - a film noir based on the novel by W. R. Burnett, which was included in the Hollywood Golden Fund, “They” (1954, frames from the picture in the photo above) - a science fiction film, one of the first to raise questions of the consequences of the use of nuclear weapons, “Oklahoma” (1955) is a musical about the times of the formation of a new state.
60s movies
The next decade in the actor’s career was marked by the cult film “Planet of the Apes” based on the novel of the same name by Pierre Bull, where James Whitmore played one of the leading roles - the President of the Assembly (a still from the film in the photo, the character of the actor in the center). In addition, the films Millions of Madigan (1968) and Guns of the Magnificent Seven (1969) deserve special attention.
At the same time, he was actively acting on television in the series: “Doctor Kildare”, “Virginians”, “Arrest and Trial”, “The Greatest Show on Earth”, “Justice Burke”, “Vertical Rise”, “Loner”, “ Tarzan "," Shane "and many others.
70s movies
The most famous and remarkable picture of this period can be considered a biographical drama, filled with meanwhile humor, about the workdays of US President G. Truman “Send them all to hell, Harry!”, Which was released in 1975. The ironic tape is built on the memories of a politician, personal and professional successes and falls.
The main role was played by James Whitmore (pictured), the actor’s brilliant performance was marked by an Oscar nomination.
In the same period, the Pearl Harbor Tora! Torah! Torah! ”, Known for its maximum historical authenticity, the detective thriller“ Serpent Egg ”,“ Chato Land ”.
80s movies
At this time, the actor is more removed on television and plays in the theater. It should be noted the tape “Rage”, “The First Deadly Sin”, voice acting in the animated projects “The Adventures of Mark Twain”, “Moses”.
In 1987, D. Whitmore takes part in the dramatic film "Goofy" with B. Streisand in the title role, he himself embodied the image of a judge. The tape was warmly received by the audience, critics and marked by nominations for the Golden Globe.
Films of the 1990-2000s
One of the brightest works at the final stage of his career is the film “Escape from the Shawshank”. James Whitmore played the role of an old employee of the Brooks Hatlen prison library (frame from the film in the photo above). The dramatic film by F. Darabonte, shot on the novel by Stephen King, occupies one of the leading positions in the list of the best films of all time.
In 1997, the actor took part in the fantastic thriller "Relic" in the role of Dr. Albert Frock, in 2001 - in the drama "Majestic".
In 2000, D. Whitmore was awarded the Emmy Award in the nomination "Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series" for participating in the project "Practice" in the role of Raymond Oz in just two episodes. The criminal detective about the work of the legal service in Boston, which appeared on the screens from 1997 to 2004, was a great success and high ratings.
One of the last films with his participation is “Distance”, “Ring of Endless Light”, the series “Mr. Sterling”, “Minute with Stan Hooper”.
James Whitmore, whose films and roles are known and loved by many, was a diverse outstanding actor who managed to make a successful career not only in cinema, but also on television and in the theater. For his great contribution to the development of the film industry and his unique talent, he was awarded his own star under number 6611 on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.