James Whitmore: a brief biography, popular work in film and television

American actor James Whitmore, whose whole life was entirely devoted to theater and cinema, was remembered by the audience primarily due to the characteristic roles in the movies and the colorful 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 rank-and-file family of the official James Allen Whitmore Senior and his wife Florence Belle. After a successful graduation from school, he enrolled at Yale University, where he was a member of the Brotherhood of Skulls and Bones. During the Second World War, Whitmore served in the US Marine Corps.

His acting career began after 1945 on Broadway. For his first role in the production of the "Command Decision" he received the prestigious "Tony" award as the best novice actor. The second step to fame was the role in the film "Battlefield" (1949), which brought him the "Golden Globe" and the first nomination for the "Oscar". The great success that James Whitmore got after the premiere of the film led to active career growth in the cinema. For many years, the actor managed to harmoniously combine work in films, on television and in the theater, where he achieved popularity and recognition.

D. Whitmore was married four times, and twice on 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 writer Norish Nash. The actor died at the age of 87 from lung cancer in 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 40-50's

This period was marked for the actor primarily by the appearance in Hollywood and by a great creative leap. After filming in the film U. Wellman "Field of Battle" in 1949, he gained popularity. The historical tape told about the events of the Second World War, the days of the Battle of Bastonia. D. Wilmore played the role of the second plan - Sergeant Kinney. The film was a great success at the box office, high box office and, according to the magazine Photoplay, is the best in 1949.

Then the career of the actor began to develop according to increasing. There were roles in such films as "Asphalt Jungle" (1950) - film-noir based on the novel by WR Burnett, who entered the gold fund of Hollywood, "They" (1954, footage from the picture above) Sci-fi tape, one of the first to raise the issue of the consequences of the use of nuclear weapons, Oklahoma (1955) - a musical about the times of the formation of a new state.

Movies of the 60s

The next decade in the career of the actor was marked by the cult band "Planet of the Apes" based on the eponymous novel by Pierre Boole, where James Whitmore performed one of the leading roles - the President of the Assembly (shot from the film in the photo, the actor's character in the center). In addition, special attention deserves the films "Millions of Madigan" (1968), "Guns of the Magnificent Seven" (1969).

At the same time, he is actively shooting television on TV series: Doctor Kildare, The Virgin, Arrest and Trial, The Greatest Show on Earth, Berke Justice, Vertical Takeoff, The Loner, Tarzan, Shane and many others.

Movies of the 70s

The most famous and notable picture of this period can be considered a biographical drama filled with mean humor, about the working days of the US President G. Truman's "Fuck them all, Harry!", Which was released in 1975. The ironic tape is built on the memories of politics, personal and professional successes and downs.

The main role was played by James Whitmore (pictured), the brilliant actor's game was awarded the Oscar nomination.

In the same period on the screens there is a tape about Pearl Harbor "Torah! Torah! Torah! ", Known for maximum historical certainty, detective thriller" Serpent Egg "," Earth Chato ".

Movies of the 80s

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 took part in the dramatic film "Crazy" with B. Streisand in the title role, he himself embodied the image of a judge. The tape was warmly received by spectators, critics and awarded with nominations for the Golden Globe.

Films of the 1990-2000s

One of the most striking works at the final stage of his career is the film "Escape from Shawshank". James Whitmore played the role of an old employee of the prison library of Brooks Hatlen (shot from the film in the photo above). F. Darabont's dramatic film, based on the story of 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 fantasy thriller "Relict" as Dr. Albert Frock, in 2001 - in the drama "Majestic".

In 2000, D. Whitmore was awarded the Emmy Award in the nomination "Best guest actor of the drama series" for his participation in the "Practice" project in the role of Raymond Oz in just two episodes. Coming to the screens from 1997 to 2004, the criminal detective on the work of the legal service in Boston was a great success and high ratings.

One of the last films with his participation - "Distance", "Ring of Infinite Light", "Mr. Sterling", "Minute with Stan Hooper."

James Whitmore, whose films and roles are known and loved by many, was a diverse and outstanding actor who managed to make a successful career not only in the cinema, but also in television and theater. For his great contribution to the development of the film industry and his unique talent, he was awarded his own star at number 6611 on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.