Emmy and Tony award winning film actor James Whitmore has died at age 87 in Malibu California. His son Steve Whitmore released a statement indicating that his father was diagnosed with lung cancer in November 2008 and died at his home on Friday afternoon.
He graduated from Yale and served in the Marine Corp. Upon his return he began a 50 year career as an actor, winning a Tony for his Broadway role in Command Decision. He starred in the 1960-1961 television series The Law and Mr. Jones and his film work included several classic westerns. He won a Golden Globe in 1950 for his supporting role in Battleground. His last major role was in the 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption.
Whitmore was best known for his one man shows. He entertained audiences with his portrayals of former president’s Harry Truman and Teddy Roosevelt with his solo performances of Give ’em Hell Harry!, Bully and delighted the crowd with his stand-up Will Rogers USA.
The actor was previously married to Nancy Mygatt, the mother of his children. He was later married to actress Audra Lindley, with whom he starred in many feature films before, during and after their divorce.
Whitmore is survived by his wife, actress and writer Noreen Nash, three sons, Steven, Daniel and actor James Whitmore Jr., and eight grandchildren.
Photo gallery and Give ’em Hell Harry! video below.