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)