James Mitchell was an American actor and dancer of English descent. He is best known for his role as Palmer Cortlandt in the soap opera “All My Children,” as well as his work with choreographer Agnes de Mille in musicals like “Oklahoma!”
Personal and Family Life
James Mitchell was born on February 29, 1920, in Sacramento, California. His parents were English immigrants who ran a fruit farm. After his parents separated when he was three, his mother moved back to England with his siblings, leaving him to be raised by his father and later fostered by vaudevillians Gene and Katherine King.
Career Highlights
Mitchell started his career in show business by performing in vaudeville acts with his foster parents. He trained in drama and dance, eventually joining the Lester Horton Dancers. He gained recognition working closely with Agnes de Mille and later appeared in various film and television roles, most notably in “All My Children,” where he portrayed a major character for over three decades.
Death and Legacy
James Mitchell passed away on January 22, 2010, in Los Angeles due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 89 years old. Today, he is remembered for his rich contributions to dance and television, leaving behind a significant legacy in the performing arts.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Border Incident | 1949-10-28 | Juan Garcia |
| The House Across the Street | 1949-09-10 | Marty Bremer |
| Devil’s Doorway | 1950-09-15 | Red Rock |
| Colorado Territory | 1949-06-11 | Duke Harris |
| Oklahoma! | 1955-10-10 | Dream Curly / Dancer |
| The Band Wagon | 1953-08-07 | Paul Byrd |
| The Peacemaker | 1956-11-01 | Terrall Butler |
| Where the Heart Is | 1969-09-08 | |
| All My Children | 1970-01-05 | Palmer Cortlandt |
| Dream On | 1990-07-08 |