James Cromwell is a veteran actor whose towering presence and exceptional talent have made him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors. With a career spanning several decades, he has delivered memorable performances across film and television.
Biography Table
| Full Name | James Oliver Cromwell |
|---|---|
| Profession | Actor |
| Date of Birth | January 27, 1940 |
| Age | 85 (as of 2025) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Carnegie Mellon University |
| Net Worth | $8 million (estimated 2025) |
| Relationship Status | Married to Anna Stuart (since 2014) |
| Height | 6’7" (201 cm) |
Early Life & Background
Born on January 27, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, James Cromwell entered the world with entertainment in his blood. He is the son of notable Hollywood figures – his mother, Kay Johnson, was an accomplished actress, and his father, John Cromwell, was a well-respected director. This heritage provided him with an intimate understanding of the entertainment industry from an early age.
Growing up in such a creatively rich environment undoubtedly influenced Cromwell’s career path. While specific details about his early education are not widely documented, his formal training includes studies at Carnegie Mellon University, where he developed the foundation for his acting technique. This combination of industry exposure through his parents and formal theatrical training helped shape Cromwell into the versatile actor he would become.
Career Journey
James Cromwell’s professional acting career officially began in 1974 with an appearance on the television show “The Rockford Files.” This debut marked the start of what would become an illustrious career spanning multiple decades and mediums.
His breakthrough came later in his career with his role as Farmer Hoggett in the 1995 film “Babe.” This performance earned him widespread recognition and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, establishing him as a formidable talent in Hollywood despite having been in the industry for over two decades already.
Following this success, Cromwell delivered outstanding performances in acclaimed films such as “The Green Mile”, “L.A. Confidential”, and “The Artist”, each showcasing his remarkable range and depth as an actor. His ability to transform into diverse characters across various genres has been a hallmark of his professional journey.
In television, Cromwell has made equally significant contributions. His portrayal of Dr. Arthur Arden in the second season of FX’s “American Horror Story” demonstrated his capacity for playing complex, morally ambiguous characters. More recently, his role as Ewan Roy in HBO’s critically acclaimed series “Succession” introduced him to a new generation of viewers while reaffirming his status as an acting powerhouse.
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Personal Life
James Cromwell’s personal life has seen several chapters. While complete details of his relationship history aren’t widely documented, he is currently married to Anna Stuart, whom he wed in 2014. This union represents a later-in-life partnership for the actor, who was in his seventies at the time of their marriage.
Beyond his romantic relationships, Cromwell is known for his passionate activism, particularly in the areas of animal rights and environmental causes. His commitment to these issues extends beyond mere advocacy – he has participated in protests and demonstrations, sometimes resulting in arrest for civil disobedience. This willingness to stand firmly for his beliefs reflects the conviction and integrity he brings to both his personal and professional life.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, James Cromwell’s net worth is estimated at approximately $8 million. This substantial sum reflects his long and successful career in the entertainment industry, spanning over five decades.
His financial portfolio has been built primarily through his extensive work in film and television, with notable projects likely commanding significant compensation. His recurring role in the HBO series “Succession” likely contributed considerably to his recent earnings, as the show was one of the network’s most prestigious productions.
While not known for endorsements or major business ventures outside of acting, Cromwell’s longevity in the industry has allowed him to maintain financial stability through consistent work in quality productions.
Notable Facts & Trivia
James Cromwell holds several interesting distinctions in his career. As of 2012, he had been nominated for four Screen Actors Guild Awards, three Emmy Awards, and an Oscar Award, demonstrating the consistent quality of his performances and the recognition they’ve received from his peers and the industry.
His voice acting in Disney’s “Big Hero 6” (2014) as the character Robert Callaghan showcased his versatility, adding animation to his already diverse portfolio of work. This role introduced his distinctive voice to younger audiences while leveraging his talent for conveying complexity even through vocal performance alone.
Cromwell gained significant recognition for his role in “Star Trek: First Contact”, appearing alongside Patrick Stewart in the beloved science fiction franchise. His contribution to this iconic series cemented his place in popular culture and exposed him to the devoted fan base of the Star Trek universe.
Perhaps most impressively, Cromwell stands at 6’7" (201 cm), making him one of the tallest actors in Hollywood. This commanding physical presence has often been utilized effectively in his roles, whether to project authority, menace, or gentle strength, depending on the character requirements.
Physical Appearance
James Cromwell’s most distinctive physical characteristic is undoubtedly his height. At 6’7" (201 cm), he towers over most of his co-stars and brings a natural commanding presence to his roles. This unique physical attribute has likely influenced the types of characters he has portrayed throughout his career.
Despite his advanced age, Cromwell maintains a dignified appearance with a lean build. His sharp features and expressive face have allowed him to convey complex emotions with subtle changes in expression – a valuable skill that has served him well in his character work throughout the decades.
Skills & Abilities
Beyond his natural acting talent, James Cromwell possesses several skills that have enhanced his performances. His voice work capabilities, demonstrated in projects like “Big Hero 6,” showcase his ability to create character through vocal performance alone.
His classical training background provides him with technical skills that allow for nuanced character development and emotional expression. This formal approach to acting gives his performances a solid foundation regardless of the genre or medium.
Perhaps most importantly, Cromwell displays remarkable adaptability across different types of roles – from kindly farmers to sinister doctors, from stern patriarchs to complex antagonists. This versatility has been key to his longevity in an industry where typecasting can limit career trajectories.
Professional Collaborations
Throughout his extensive career, James Cromwell has worked with numerous acclaimed directors and fellow actors. His collaboration with Patrick Stewart in “Star Trek: First Contact” represents a pairing of two highly respected character actors with backgrounds in classical performance.
His work with director Curtis Hanson in the critically acclaimed “L.A. Confidential” placed him in an ensemble cast of exceptional talent, including Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, and Guy Pearce. The film’s success demonstrated Cromwell’s ability to hold his own amongst established stars while making his character memorable.
More recently, his role in HBO’s “Succession” put him in the company of actors like Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong, in what became one of the most critically acclaimed television series of recent years. This late-career collaboration introduced Cromwell to new audiences while cementing his reputation as an actor of remarkable consistency and quality.
FAQ About James Cromwell
Q: What is James Cromwell’s most famous role? A: While he has many notable performances, Cromwell is particularly well-known for his Oscar-nominated role as Farmer Hoggett in “Babe” (1995), as well as significant roles in “The Green Mile,” “L.A. Confidential,” and more recently as Ewan Roy in HBO’s “Succession.”
Q: How tall is James Cromwell? A: James Cromwell stands at an impressive 6’7" (201 cm), making him one of the tallest actors in Hollywood.
Q: Has James Cromwell won any major awards? A: While nominated for numerous awards including an Oscar, Cromwell won an Emmy Award for his role in “American Horror Story: Asylum” in 2013.
Q: Who are James Cromwell’s parents? A: James Cromwell was born into a Hollywood family – his mother was actress Kay Johnson and his father was director John Cromwell.
Q: What activism is James Cromwell known for? A: Cromwell is a passionate activist for animal rights and environmental causes, and has been arrested multiple times for his participation in protests related to these issues.