James Cromwell Bio
James Oliver Cromwell (born January 27, 1940) is an American actor known for his extensive work as a character actor. He has received a Primetime Emmy Award and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Babe (1995). Cromwell’s notable film roles include Star Trek: First Contact (1996), L.A. Confidential (1997), Deep Impact (1998), The Green Mile (1999), Space Cowboys (2000), The Longest Yard (2005), The Queen (2006), W. (2008), Secretariat (2010), The Artist (2011), and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018). He is also recognized for his television roles in series such as Six Feet Under, American Horror Story: Asylum, and Succession.
Early Life and Background
James Cromwell was born in Los Angeles, California, to actress Kay Johnson and actor and director John Cromwell, who was blacklisted during the McCarthy era. His parents divorced in 1946, and he was raised in Manhattan, New York City. Cromwell graduated from The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, in 1958, before attending Middlebury College and Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1964. He received his acting training at HB Studio, which helped lay the foundation for his future career in acting.
Path to Hollywood
Cromwell’s acting career began in the mid-1970s with his first television performance in a 1974 episode of The Rockford Files. He soon landed a recurring role as Stretch Cunningham on All in the Family. In 1975, he took his first lead role on television in the short-lived series Hot l Baltimore and made his film debut in Neil Simon’s Murder by Death (1976). Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Cromwell continued to build his resume with various television appearances and supporting roles in films, establishing himself as a versatile character actor.
James Cromwell Career
Early Career (1955–1994)
Cromwell’s early career included notable performances in television series and films. He gained recognition for his role as Bill Lewis in Hot l Baltimore and appeared in a memorable guest role on M*A*S*H. His breakthrough came with the film Babe (1995), where he played the lead role of Farmer Hoggett, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This role solidified his status as a talented actor capable of leading roles.
Breakthrough (1995–2005)
Following his success in Babe, Cromwell starred in several critically acclaimed films, including L.A. Confidential (1997), The Green Mile (1999), and The Longest Yard (2005). His portrayal of various characters showcased his range and depth as an actor. Cromwell also received an Emmy Award for his performance in the HBO miniseries Angels in America (2003), further establishing his reputation in the industry.
Notable Works and Milestones
Cromwell’s signature work includes his role in Babe, which earned him an Academy Award nomination. He has also received multiple Emmy nominations for his performances in television series, including Six Feet Under and American Horror Story: Asylum. His career spans decades, with a diverse filmography that highlights his versatility as an actor.
James Cromwell Award Nominations
Throughout his career, James Cromwell has received numerous award nominations, including Primetime Emmy Awards for his performances in various television series. His work in film has also garnered critical acclaim, leading to nominations for prestigious awards, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Babe.
James Cromwell Awards Won
James Cromwell has won several awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for his role in Angels in America. His contributions to film and television have been recognized by various organizations, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
James Cromwell Family
James Cromwell has been married three times. He married Ann Ulvestad in 1977, and they divorced in 1986. He then married actress Julie Cobb in 1986, but they divorced in 2005. In 2014, Cromwell married actress Anna Stuart. He has three children: Kate, John, and Colin.
Personal Life
Cromwell is known for his activism, particularly in animal rights and environmentalism. He became a vegetarian in 1974 and later adopted a vegan lifestyle. Cromwell has been arrested multiple times for his activism, including protests against animal cruelty and environmental issues. He resides in Warwick, New York, and continues to work in the entertainment industry while advocating for various causes.
