James Cromwell: A Versatile Actor and Activist

James Cromwell: A Versatile Actor and Activist

Early Life and Education

Born on January 27, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, James Oliver Cromwell comes from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. His parents, actress Kay Johnson and actor/director John Cromwell, divorced in 1946, and James was raised in the midst of the Hollywood environment.
Cromwell's diverse heritage includes English, German, Irish, and Scottish ancestry. He attended The Hill School, graduating in 1958, before pursuing higher education at Middlebury College and later Carnegie Mellon University. In 1964, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Carnegie Mellon University, focusing on honing his acting skills.
Passionate about acting and inspired by his parents' careers, Cromwell furthered his training at the HB Studio in New York City. This allowed him to explore various theatrical styles, from classical Shakespearean works to avant-garde productions.

Early Career in Television and Film

James Cromwell's acting career began with television appearances in the 1970s. He made his television debut in 1974 on "The Rockford Files" and had a recurring role on "All in the Family" as Stretch Cunningham. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he continued to build his resume with guest roles in popular shows like "MAS*H," "Barney Miller," and "Little House on the Prairie."
In the 1990s, Cromwell's career gained momentum with significant film roles. His standout performance came in "Babe" (1995), earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Following this success, he continued to showcase his versatility in films such as "L.A. Confidential" (1997), "The Green Mile" (1999), and "The Queen" (2006).

Television Success and Critical Acclaim

Cromwell's contributions to television are equally notable. He appeared in acclaimed series like "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). His role in "American Horror Story: Asylum" earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.

Continued Film Success and Legacy

Cromwell's filmography continued to expand with roles in "W." (2008), "Secretariat" (2010), "The Artist" (2011), "Marshall" (2017), and "Emperor" (2020). His ability to seamlessly transition between dramatic, comedic, and character-driven roles solidified his status as a respected character actor.

Activism and Animal Rights Advocacy

Beyond his acting career, James Cromwell is renowned 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. He later transitioned to a vegan lifestyle while filming "Babe," deepening his commitment to animal welfare.
Cromwell's activism involves participation in protests and demonstrations, even leading to his arrest. He has been actively involved with organizations like PETA, using his platform to raise awareness about animal cruelty, particularly focusing on the treatment of pigs. In 2022, he was named PETA's Person of the Year for his unwavering dedication to animal rights.

Personal Life and Height

James Cromwell has had multiple marriages. His first marriage to Ann Ulvestad ended in 1986, and he later married actress Julie Cobb in 1986, with the marriage ending in 2005. On January 1, 2014, Cromwell married actress Anna Stuart.
Known for his towering height, James Cromwell stands at 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters). Interestingly, his son John surpasses him in height, standing at 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 meters). Their remarkable height difference has been evident in various film and television projects where they portrayed the same character at different ages.

Political Activism and Social Causes

James Cromwell's involvement in politics and social activism is rooted in his experiences during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. He 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, criticizing the Republican Party and the George W. Bush administration. He supported Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, aligning himself with Sanders' progressive platform.

James Cromwell's career, activism, and dedication to social causes reflect a multifaceted individual who has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the pursuit of justice and animal rights.

References;

1.  "James Cromwell Biography". TV Guide. Archived from the original on September 12, 2015. [I]n 1995, he became the tallest actor ever nominated for an Academy Award.
2. "Canadian Screen Awards raises the star wattage" Archived October 31, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. Toronto Star, March 3, 2013.
3. "James Cromwell on the Promise and the hoops of Hollywood | San Diego Reader".
4. "John Cromwell – Films as director:, Other films". Filmreference.com. Archived from the original on January 6, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
5. "John Oliver ("James") Cromwell: b. 27 Jan 1940 Los Angeles, CA". Ancestry.com RootsWeb. Archived from the original on October 18, 2007. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
6. "Pedigree of Cromwell's family". Ancestry.com RootsWeb. Archived from the original on April 14, 2015. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
7. "About Us > Notable Hill Alumni". Pottstown, Pennsylvania: The Hill School. Archived from the original on June 6, 2019. Retrieved May 26, 2020.