James Mason
Acting
- Born:
- 1909-05-15
- Died:
- 1984-07-27
- Place of birth:
- Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England, UK
Biography
James Neville Mason (known as James Mason; May 15, 1909 – July 27, 1984) was an English actor who made a significant impact on both British and American cinema. His acting career began in the 1930s, where he initially gained recognition for his stage performances in London's West End. He made his film debut in 1935 with the British film "Late Extra," marking the start of his illustrious on-screen journey. Throughout his career, Mason showcased his exceptional acting abilities, often portraying complex and morally ambiguous characters. His commanding presence, distinctive voice, and versatile range allowed him to effortlessly transition between genres, from dramas to thrillers and even period pieces. One of Mason's most acclaimed performances came in 1945 when he starred as the troubled and enigmatic Johnny McQueen in the film "Odd Man Out." His portrayal of the wounded Irish nationalist earned him widespread praise and established him as a respected leading man. Mason's notable filmography includes memorable roles in films such as "The Wicked Lady" (1945), "Pandora and the Flying Dutchman" (1951), "A Star Is Born" (1954), "North by Northwest" (1959), and "Lolita" (1962). His ability to bring depth, sophistication, and complexity to his characters captivated audiences and garnered critical acclaim. Beyond his film career, Mason also dabbled in producing and directing. He co-produced and starred in the acclaimed film "A Star Is Born," showcasing his multifaceted talent and creative vision. Throughout his life, Mason was recognized with numerous awards and nominations, including three Academy Award nominations for Best Actor. He was highly regarded by his peers and critics alike for his impeccable craft and his ability to elevate any production he was a part of.
Known For
Filmography
Kubrick by Kubrick
Sid & Judy
Churchill and the Movie Mogul
Talking Pictures
Lasseter's Bones
Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical History - The 1950s: The Golden Era of the Musical
Sir John Mills' Moving Memories
Roger Moore: A Matter of Class
Halloween Monster Bash
The Assisi Underground
A.D.
The Shooting Party
Dr. Fischer of Geneva
George Washington
James Mason: The Star They Loved to Hate
House Without Foundation
Don't Eat the Pictures: Sesame Street at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Yellowbeard
Group Madness
Unknown Chaplin
Alexandre
The Popes and Their Art
The Verdict
A Dangerous Summer
The Glory of the Garden
Night of 100 Stars
Evil Under the Sun
Ivanhoe
The Making of Agatha Christie's 'Evil Under the Sun'
The Search for Alexander the Great
North Sea Hijack
Hollywood
Salem's Lot
Bloodline
The Passage
Murder by Decree
The Boys from Brazil
Heaven Can Wait
The Water Babies
Homage to Chagall: The Colours of Love
Jesus of Nazareth
Cross of Iron
Voyage of the Damned
Origins of the Mafia
People of the Wind
Bob Hope's World of Comedy
Fear in the City
The Flower in His Mouth
Inside Out
Autobiography of a Princess
The Left Hand of the Law
Kidnap Syndicate
Mandingo
The Yin and the Yang of Mr. Go
11 Harrowhouse
Frankenstein: The True Story
The Marseille Contract
Great Expectations
Frankenstein: The True Story
The MacKintosh Man
The Last of Sheila
The Reformation: Age of Revolt
John Keats: His Life and Death
Child's Play
Home, James
The Wind in the Wires
Kill!
Appointment With Destiny
Film '72
Bad Man's River
The Search for the Nile
V.I.P. Schaukel
Cold Sweat
Spring and Port Wine
Age of Consent
The Sea Gull
The London Nobody Knows
Mayerling
Duffy
Apropos Film
Stranger in the House
The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour
The Deadly Affair
ABC Stage 67
Georgy Girl
The Blue Max
Uncertain Verification
The Uninhibited
Genghis Khan
Lord Jim
The Pumpkin Eater
The Fall of the Roman Empire
Torpedo Bay
The Merv Griffin Show
Stoney Burke
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour
Hero's Island
Tiara Tahiti
Lolita
Escape from Zahrain
Theatre 62: Rebecca
The Mike Douglas Show
Dr. Kildare
The Marriage-Go-Round
John Brown's Raid
The Trials of Oscar Wilde
Playhouse 90: The Hiding Place
A Touch of Larceny
Journey to the Center of the Earth
The DuPont Show with June Allyson
North by Northwest
The Decks Ran Red
Cry Terror!
The Thundering Wave
Tonight Starring Jack Paar
Island in the Sun
Panic!
Bigger Than Life
The Steve Allen Show
Forever, Darling
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
The Star of Bethlehem
A Star Is Born
Prince Valiant
The Tell-Tale Heart
The Man Between
Charade
Julius Caesar
The Desert Rats
The Story of Three Loves
General Electric Theater
Botany Bay
The Prisoner of Zenda
Face to Face
Ellis in Freedomland
5 Fingers
Lady Possessed
The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel
Schlitz Playhouse of Stars
Pandora and the Flying Dutchman
Lux Video Theatre
The Bob Hope Show
One Way Street
What's My Line?
East Side, West Side
The Reckless Moment
Madame Bovary
Caught
The Ed Sullivan Show
The Upturned Glass
Odd Man Out
The Wicked Lady
The Seventh Veil
They Were Sisters
A Place of One's Own
Hotel Reserve
Fanny by Gaslight
Candlelight in Algeria
They Met in the Dark
The Man in Grey
The Bells Go Down
Thunder Rock
Secret Mission
Alibi
The Night Has Eyes
Hatter's Castle
The Patient Vanishes
The Circle
The Miser
I Met a Murderer
Bees on the Boat-Deck
The Moon in the Yellow River
Cyrano de Bergerac
Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel
The High Command
Catch as Catch Can
Fire Over England
The Mill on the Floss
The Secret of Stamboul
Twice Branded
Blind Man's Bluff
Troubled Waters
Prison Breaker
Late Extra