Births on January 27

James Cromwell, American actor

James Oliver Cromwell, born on January 27, 1940, is a distinguished American actor renowned for his commanding screen presence and versatile performances across film and television. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 7 inches, his distinctive stature and resonant voice have made him a memorable figure in countless productions, often cast in roles that convey authority, integrity, or subtle menace. Beyond his extensive acting career, Cromwell is also a prominent activist, consistently advocating for various social, political, and environmental causes.

A Prolific Film Career

Cromwell's filmography spans decades, showcasing his ability to embody a wide array of characters, from benevolent figures to complex antagonists. His most celebrated cinematic roles include:

• Babe (1995): Perhaps his most iconic film role as the kindly farmer Arthur Hoggett, a performance that earned him widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His gentle portrayal of a man who bonds with a talking pig resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, making the film a critical and commercial success.
• Star Trek: First Contact (1996): He portrayed Zefram Cochrane, the inventor of warp drive, a pivotal character in the Star Trek universe who initiated humanity's first contact with an alien civilization. This role cemented his place in science fiction lore.
• L.A. Confidential (1997): Cromwell delivered a compelling performance as Captain Dudley Smith, a seemingly upright police chief with a dark secret, in this critically acclaimed neo-noir film, which won two Academy Awards.
• The Green Mile (1999): He played Warden Hal Moores, the superintendent of a death row facility, navigating complex moral dilemmas and the supernatural occurrences within its walls.
• Space Cowboys (2000): As Bob Gerson, a NASA executive, in Clint Eastwood's space adventure film.
• Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002): Lent his distinctive voice to the Colonel in this animated adventure.
• The Queen (2006): Portrayed Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, alongside Helen Mirren's Oscar-winning performance as Queen Elizabeth II, offering a nuanced look into the British Royal Family.
• Spider-Man 3 (2007): As Captain George Stacy, father of Gwen Stacy, in the third installment of Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy.
• W. (2008): Played George H.W. Bush in Oliver Stone's biographical film about the life of George W. Bush.
• Secretariat (2010): Portrayed Ogden Phipps, a rival horse owner to Penny Chenery (Diane Lane), in this biographical sports drama.
• The Artist (2011): His role as Clifton, the loyal butler, in this charming black-and-white silent film tribute, contributed to its multiple Academy Award wins, including Best Picture, showcasing his versatility across different cinematic styles.
• Still Mine (2012): A powerful lead performance as Craig Morrison, an elderly New Brunswick farmer fighting bureaucracy to build a home for his ailing wife, which earned him a Canadian Screen Award.
• Big Hero 6 (2014): Voiced Professor Robert Callaghan / Yokai in this Academy Award-winning animated superhero film.
• Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018): Appeared as Benjamin Lockwood, John Hammond's former partner, a key figure in expanding the lore of the Jurassic Park universe.

Distinguished Television Performances

Cromwell has also left an indelible mark on television with a series of acclaimed performances, often taking on pivotal or recurring roles that delve into complex character arcs.

• Angels in America (2003): He played Dr. Henry, Roy Cohn's physician, in this critically acclaimed HBO miniseries based on Tony Kushner's Pulitzer Prize-winning play.
• Six Feet Under (2003–2005): As George Sibley, a recurring character who marries Ruth Fisher, adding complexity and a different dynamic to the Fisher family's lives in the show's later seasons.
• American Horror Story: Asylum (2012–2013): His chilling portrayal of the sadistic Dr. Arthur Arden, a former Nazi doctor conducting horrific experiments, garnered him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie, showcasing his ability to embrace darker, more challenging roles.
• Boardwalk Empire (2012–2013): He depicted Andrew Mellon, the influential U.S. Secretary of the Treasury during the Prohibition era, in this historical crime drama.
• Halt and Catch Fire (2015): Appeared as Jacob Wheeler, a venture capitalist, in the acclaimed drama about the personal computing revolution.
• The Young Pope (2016): Played Cardinal Michael Spencer, a mentor figure to Pope Pius XIII (Jude Law), in Paolo Sorrentino's stylized series.
• Succession (2018–2021): As Ewan Roy, Logan Roy's estranged, morally upright brother, Cromwell delivers a powerful recurring performance that adds significant familial tension and ideological conflict to the acclaimed HBO series. This role also earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination.
• Counterpart (2018–2019): Portrayed Yanek, a mysterious character in this science fiction thriller, set against a backdrop of parallel dimensions.

Accolades and Activism

Critical Acclaim and Awards

James Cromwell's extensive career has been recognized with numerous nominations and awards, highlighting his exceptional talent and versatility:

• Academy Award Nomination: James Cromwell's heartfelt performance as Arthur Hoggett in Babe (1995) earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 68th Academy Awards, marking a significant milestone in his career and bringing him international recognition.
• Primetime Emmy Awards: He has received five Primetime Emmy Award nominations throughout his career, winning one for his chilling portrayal of Dr. Arthur Arden in American Horror Story: Asylum (2012). His impactful role as Ewan Roy in Succession also earned him a nomination, further solidifying his status as a distinguished television actor.
• Screen Actors Guild Awards: Cromwell has been nominated for four Screen Actors Guild Awards, recognizing his contributions to ensemble casts and individual performances that resonate with his peers.
• Canadian Screen Award: For his compelling lead role in the Canadian drama Still Mine (2012), Cromwell won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Actor, underscoring his powerful dramatic capabilities in independent cinema.

A Passionate Activist

James Cromwell is as well-known for his dedicated activism as he is for his acting. A committed vegan and ardent environmentalist, he has been a vocal advocate for animal rights for decades, often participating in protests and campaigns with prominent organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). His activism extends to various social justice and political causes, frequently using his public platform to raise awareness and challenge injustices. This commitment to his beliefs sometimes leads to personal sacrifices, including arrests during peaceful protests for issues such as animal cruelty, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the causes he champions. He famously turned vegan after filming Babe, influenced by the film's themes and his interaction with the animal performers.

Frequently Asked Questions about James Cromwell

When was James Cromwell born?

James Oliver Cromwell was born on January 27, 1940, making him an experienced and enduring presence in Hollywood for over five decades.

What is James Cromwell best known for?

He is widely recognized for his memorable roles in critically acclaimed films such as *Babe* (for which he received an Oscar nomination), *Star Trek: First Contact*, and *L.A. Confidential*. On television, he is highly regarded for his performances in series like *Six Feet Under*, his Emmy-winning role in *American Horror Story: Asylum*, and his recurring role in *Succession*. Beyond acting, he is also known for his prominent activism, particularly in animal rights and environmental causes.

Has James Cromwell won any major awards?

Yes, James Cromwell has received significant accolades. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for his compelling performance in *American Horror Story: Asylum* (2012). He also won a Canadian Screen Award for Best Actor for his powerful lead role in the film *Still Mine* (2012). Additionally, he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his beloved portrayal of Arthur Hoggett in *Babe* (1995).

Is James Cromwell an activist? What causes does he support?

Yes, James Cromwell is a devoted and highly active proponent of various causes. He is a prominent advocate for animal rights, frequently participating in campaigns with organizations like PETA, and is a committed vegan. He also champions environmental protection and various social justice and political issues, often engaging in peaceful protests and using his public platform to advocate for his beliefs.