James Cromwell

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22 Feb 2024

James Cromwell

James Oliver Cromwell, born on January 27, 1940, is a prominent American actor recognized for his versatile performances across film and television. He has established himself as a respected character actor with a wide range of roles in various genres.
One of Cromwell's most acclaimed roles came in the film "Babe" (1995), where he received widespread acclaim and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His portrayal in this heartwarming tale showcased his ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters.

Cromwell's impressive filmography includes memorable roles in a diverse range of films such as "Star Trek: First Contact" (1996), "L.A. Confidential" (1997), "Deep Impact" (1998), "The Green Mile" (1999), "The Queen" (2006), "W." (2008), "Secretariat" (2010), "The Artist" (2011), "Still Mine" (2013), "Marshall" (2017), and "Emperor" (2020). He has demonstrated his versatility by seamlessly transitioning between dramatic, comedic, and character-driven roles, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.

In addition to his successful film career, Cromwell has also made significant contributions to television. He has appeared in acclaimed series such as "Angels in America" (2003), "Six Feet Under" (2003–2005), "American Horror Story: Asylum" (2012–2013), "Boardwalk Empire" (2012–2013), "The Young Pope" (2016), "Succession" (2018–2023), and "Counterpart" (2018–2019). Cromwell's portrayal of complex and intriguing characters has earned him critical praise and numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his role in "American Horror Story: Asylum."
Throughout his career, James Cromwell has proven himself to be a versatile and talented actor, captivating audiences with his compelling performances and leaving a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.

James Cromwell was born in Los Angeles, California, to actress Kay Johnson (1904–1975) and actor and director John Cromwell (1886–1979). His father, John Cromwell, faced blacklisting during the McCarthy era, a challenging period in Hollywood history. After his parents divorced in 1946, James Cromwell was raised in the entertainment industry environment.
With a diverse heritage that includes English, German, Irish, and Scottish ancestry, Cromwell grew up surrounded by the arts. He attended The Hill School, graduating in 1958, before continuing his education at Middlebury College and later Carnegie Mellon University. In 1964, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

Cromwell's passion for acting led him to pursue further training at HB Studio in New York City, where he honed his craft and explored various theatrical styles, ranging from classical Shakespearean works to avant-garde productions. Inspired by his parents' careers, Cromwell embraced the stage as a platform for artistic expression and storytelling.

James Cromwell's career spans over several decades, marked by a diverse range of roles across film, television, and theater. He made his television debut in 1974, appearing in an episode of The Rockford Files, followed by a recurring role on All in the Family as Stretch Cunningham. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Cromwell continued to build his resume with guest appearances in popular shows such as MAS*H, Barney Miller, and Little House on the Prairie.

In the 1990s, Cromwell's career gained momentum with notable film roles in Babe, L.A. Confidential, and The Green Mile, among others. He also made appearances in various Star Trek series, portraying different characters across different episodes. His portrayal of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst in RKO 281 earned him an Emmy Award nomination.
Cromwell's television work continued to garner acclaim, with roles in ER, Six Feet Under, and The West Wing, earning him multiple Emmy nominations. His portrayal of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in The Queen earned praise and contributed to the film's success. Cromwell also ventured into voice acting, lending his voice to characters in animated films like Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron and Big Hero 6.

In recent years, Cromwell has remained active in both film and television, starring in series such as The Young Pope, Succession, and Counterpart. He also executive produced documentaries like Imminent Threat and Mondo Hollywoodland, showcasing his commitment to socially relevant storytelling. With a career marked by versatility and acclaim, James Cromwell continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

James Cromwell is widely recognized for his passionate advocacy of progressive causes, particularly animal rights. His activism dates back to the 1970s when he became a vegetarian after witnessing the conditions of a stockyard in Texas. Subsequently, he transitioned to a vegan lifestyle while portraying Farmer Hoggett in the film Babe, which further fueled his dedication to animal welfare.
Cromwell has been actively involved with organizations such as PETA, using his platform to raise awareness about animal cruelty, particularly focusing on the treatment of pigs. His advocacy has led to numerous protests and demonstrations, some of which resulted in his arrest. From interrupting university board meetings to protesting against the mistreatment of animals in various contexts, Cromwell has consistently stood up for his beliefs, even when faced with legal consequences.

His commitment to animal rights extends beyond protests, as he has also served as a narrator for documentaries shedding light on the realities of factory farming and animal exploitation. Additionally, Cromwell has taken personal actions to rescue animals, such as rehoming a pig destined for slaughter to an animal sanctuary.
Despite facing challenges and legal repercussions for his activism, Cromwell remains undeterred in his efforts to advocate for the rights and welfare of animals. His unwavering dedication to this cause has earned him recognition, including being named PETA's Person of the Year in 2022. Through his activism, James Cromwell continues to be a prominent voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, leaving a lasting impact on the animal rights movement.

James Cromwell has had multiple marriages throughout his life. He first married Ann Ulvestad in 1977, with whom he had three children: Kate, John, and Colin. The couple divorced in 1986. Following this, Cromwell married actress Julie Cobb on May 29, 1986, but they later divorced in 2005. On January 1, 2014, Cromwell married actress Anna Stuart.

Cromwell is noted for his towering height, standing at 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters). Interestingly, his son John surpasses him in height, standing at an impressive 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 meters). Their remarkable height difference was evident in various film and television projects where they portrayed the same character at different ages.

In addition to his prolific acting career, Cromwell has been actively involved in politics and social activism. His experiences during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s profoundly influenced his perspective, leading him to become an activist. Cromwell participated in anti-Vietnam War demonstrations and was a member of the Committee to Defend the Panthers, advocating for imprisoned members of the Black Panther Party.

Throughout his life, Cromwell has been vocal about his political views. He has criticized the Republican Party and the George W. Bush administration, particularly regarding their foreign policy decisions. Cromwell supported Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, aligning himself with Sanders' progressive platform.