James Whitmore, Film And TV Actor, Dies - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 02-06-2009, 10:09 PM

LOS ANGELES — James Whitmore, the many-faceted character actor who delivered strong performances in movies, television and especially the theater with his popular one-man shows about Harry Truman, Will Rogers and Theodore Roosevelt, died Friday, his son said. He was 87.

The Emmy- and Tony-winning actor was diagnosed with lung cancer the week before Thanksgiving and died Friday afternoon at his Malibu home, Steve Whitmore said.

"My father believed that family came before everything, that work was just a vehicle in which to provide for your family," said Whitmore, who works as spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. "At the end, and in the last two and a half months of his life, he was surrounded by his family."

His long-running "Give 'em Hell, Harry," tracing the life of the 33rd president, was released as a theatrical movie in 1975. Whitmore was nominated for an Academy Award as best actor, marking the only time in Oscar history that an actor has been nominated for a film in which he was the only cast member. His Teddy Roosevelt portrait, "Bully," was also converted into a movie.

He later became the TV pitchman for Miracle-Gro plant food, and used the product in his large vegetable garden at his Malibu home.

While not known for his politics, Whitmore was an early supporter of President Barack Obama. He stumped for Obama during a 2007 rally at the Gibson Theatre at Universal Studios, telling the crowd that Obama had the wisdom "to deal with a very, very confused and complex country, and the world." Whitmore also appeared in TV commercials in 2008 for the "First Freedom First" campaign, which advocates religious liberty and preserving the separation of church and state.

Whitmore had regularly attended an Oscar night bash, Night of 100 Stars, and had sent in his RSVP for this year, said Edward Lozzi, a spokesman for agent Norby Walters' gala.

Whitmore started both his Broadway and Hollywood careers with acclaimed performances, both as tough-talking sergeants. In 1947, discharged a year from Marine duty, he made his Broadway debut in a taut Air Force drama, "Command Decision." He was awarded a Tony for outstanding performance by a newcomer.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/0..._n_164837.html

catlover79 · 02-06-2009, 10:10 PM

Brian Damage · 02-06-2009, 10:12 PM

Marvo301 · 02-06-2009, 10:21 PM

Another great character actor has made his last exit.

tv star collector · 02-09-2009, 10:44 AM

James Whitmore always gave a sterling performance.

Does anyone here remember a short-lived series called The Law and Mr.
Jones? That was the first time I noticed him. It only ran, on ABC, for
two seasons (1960-1962). I also saw him play a despicable villain on an
episode of Bonanza, "To Die in Darkness" (Season 9; first telecast May
5, 1968), the first episode directed by Michael Landon. He played an ex-con
bent on seeking revenge against Ben Cartwright, whose testimony sent him
to prison. Much of the action in that episode was filmed in a 50-foot mine
shaft, especially constructed on the Paramount lot. I also watched him on
the first season of the short-lived sitcom, Temperatures Rising.

I remember a couple of his movies: "The Great Diamond Robbery" (1953),
starring Red Skelton; and "Planet of the Apes" (1968). I also remember him
as the voice of Mark Twain in the animated movie "The Adventures of Mark
Twain" (1985), directed by Will Vinton.

A truly versatile actor, equally at home in a comedy, drama, or musical. He
will be missed.

Zoneboy · 02-09-2009, 10:52 AM

Try watching his peformance in the Twilight Zone episode "On Thursday we Leave for Home" This is recognized by many as his most memorable tv role.

Pavan · 02-09-2009, 11:52 AM

He was also married to Audra Lindley (Mrs. Roper on Three's Company).

Scoobiedoo30 · 02-09-2009, 01:25 PM

Rest in Peace James.

Pavan · 02-10-2009, 01:28 AM

Aaron stop with the thumps up on every single post. That is totally inappropriate for Mr. Whitmore.

TripperFan · 02-10-2009, 11:04 AM

He'll really be missed in Hollywood. He was in so many different things.

Rest In Peace James.

Holly · 02-10-2009, 12:10 PM

02-06-2009, 10:09 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	James Whitmore, Film And TV Actor, Dies LOS ANGELES — James Whitmore, the many-faceted character actor who delivered strong performances in movies, television and especially the theater with his popular one-man shows about Harry Truman, Will Rogers and Theodore Roosevelt, died Friday, his son said. He was 87. The Emmy- and Tony-winning actor was diagnosed with lung cancer the week before Thanksgiving and died Friday afternoon at his Malibu home, Steve Whitmore said. "My father believed that family came before everything, that work was just a vehicle in which to provide for your family," said Whitmore, who works as spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. "At the end, and in the last two and a half months of his life, he was surrounded by his family." His long-running "Give 'em Hell, Harry," tracing the life of the 33rd president, was released as a theatrical movie in 1975. Whitmore was nominated for an Academy Award as best actor, marking the only time in Oscar history that an actor has been nominated for a film in which he was the only cast member. His Teddy Roosevelt portrait, "Bully," was also converted into a movie. He later became the TV pitchman for Miracle-Gro plant food, and used the product in his large vegetable garden at his Malibu home. While not known for his politics, Whitmore was an early supporter of President Barack Obama. He stumped for Obama during a 2007 rally at the Gibson Theatre at Universal Studios, telling the crowd that Obama had the wisdom "to deal with a very, very confused and complex country, and the world." Whitmore also appeared in TV commercials in 2008 for the "First Freedom First" campaign, which advocates religious liberty and preserving the separation of church and state. Whitmore had regularly attended an Oscar night bash, Night of 100 Stars, and had sent in his RSVP for this year, said Edward Lozzi, a spokesman for agent Norby Walters' gala. Whitmore started both his Broadway and Hollywood careers with acclaimed performances, both as tough-talking sergeants. In 1947, discharged a year from Marine duty, he made his Broadway debut in a taut Air Force drama, "Command Decision." He was awarded a Tony for outstanding performance by a newcomer. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/0..._n_164837.html
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02-06-2009, 10:10 PM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382
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02-06-2009, 10:12 PM	#3
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Attached Images

02-06-2009, 10:21 PM	#4
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	Another great character actor has made his last exit.
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02-09-2009, 11:52 AM	#7
Pavan SO News/Reviews Director Administrator Forum Superstar Join Date: Feb 17, 2000 Location: Linden, NJ (Where Hal Linden got his last name from!) Posts: 26,821	He was also married to Audra Lindley (Mrs. Roper on Three's Company).
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02-09-2009, 10:44 AM	#5
tv star collector I Love Susie Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 18, 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 4,486	James Whitmore always gave a sterling performance. Does anyone here remember a short-lived series called The Law and Mr. Jones? That was the first time I noticed him. It only ran, on ABC, for two seasons (1960-1962). I also saw him play a despicable villain on an episode of Bonanza, "To Die in Darkness" (Season 9; first telecast May 5, 1968), the first episode directed by Michael Landon. He played an ex-con bent on seeking revenge against Ben Cartwright, whose testimony sent him to prison. Much of the action in that episode was filmed in a 50-foot mine shaft, especially constructed on the Paramount lot. I also watched him on the first season of the short-lived sitcom, Temperatures Rising. I remember a couple of his movies: "The Great Diamond Robbery" (1953), starring Red Skelton; and "Planet of the Apes" (1968). I also remember him as the voice of Mark Twain in the animated movie "The Adventures of Mark Twain" (1985), directed by Will Vinton. A truly versatile actor, equally at home in a comedy, drama, or musical. He will be missed.

02-09-2009, 10:52 AM	#6
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,386	Try watching his peformance in the Twilight Zone episode "On Thursday we Leave for Home" This is recognized by many as his most memorable tv role.

02-09-2009, 01:25 PM	#8
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	Rest in Peace James.
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02-10-2009, 01:28 AM	#9
Pavan SO News/Reviews Director Administrator Forum Superstar Join Date: Feb 17, 2000 Location: Linden, NJ (Where Hal Linden got his last name from!) Posts: 26,821	Aaron stop with the thumps up on every single post. That is totally inappropriate for Mr. Whitmore.

02-10-2009, 11:04 AM	#10
TripperFan In God's Arms Now Forum Star Join Date: Sep 14, 2003 Location: Heartbreak Ridge Posts: 12,086	He'll really be missed in Hollywood. He was in so many different things. Rest In Peace James.
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02-10-2009, 12:10 PM	#11
Holly I LOVE SUNSETS :) Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: Albany NY Posts: 5,748