James Whitmore is an American character actor born in New York. He grew up in White Plains, the youngest of 4 children. His father was the Executive Secretary for a local Park Commission.

James Whitmore won a football scholarship to Yale, but injured his knee. James Whitmore became involved in drama at Yale. During WW2, he served in the Marines. James Whitmore studied at the American Theater Wing, where he met his first wife, Nancy.

After the war, James Whitmore started his acting career on the stage in New York. In 1948, he won a special Tony award for his performance in the stage drama, COMMAND DECISION.

Whitmore appeared in his first film in 1949. James Whitmore earned his first oscar nomination for best supporting actor for his second film, BATTLEGROUND.

James Whitmore has also had a prolific TV career, being in 4 series, some mini-series and quite a few guest spots on many shows. He is well known for his portrayal of Capt. Benteen in the "On Thursday We Leave for Home" episode of "The Twilight Zone," an episode that is considered to be the best of that TV series.

James Whitmore's other film credits include:

UNDERCOVER MAN
BATTLEGROUND
THE ASPHALT JUNGLE
THE NEXT VOICE YOU HEAR
MRS. O'MALLEY AND MR. MALONE
KISS ME KATE
THEM!
BATTLE CRY
GIVE 'EM HELL, HARRY
OKLAHOMA
WHO WAS THAT LADY
MADIGAN
PLANET OF THE APES
GUNS OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
TORA! TORA! TORA!
CHATO'S LAND
THE HARRAD EXPERIMENT
GIVE 'EM HELL HARRY
THE SERPENT'S EGG
THE FIRST DEADLY SIN
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
THE RELIC
HERE'S TO LIFE!
THE MAJESTIC

James Whitmore's television credits include:

THE LAW AND MR. JONES (series)
IF TOMORROW COMES
THE WORD (Mini-Series)
FAVORITE SON (Mini-Series)
MY FRIEND TONY (TV series)
TEMPERATURE'S RISING (TV series)
MISTER STERLING (TV Series)