James Westerfield was an American actor who is best known for his roles in On the Waterfront, True Grit, and Hang ‘Em High.
Personal and Family Life
James Westerfield was born on March 22, 1913, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was married twice; first to Rosemary Doris Deveson from 1945 to 1953, and later to actress Alice Gertrude Fay, known as Fay Tracey, from 1962 until his death in 1971. Westerfield had a successful career in theater, working as an actor, set designer, producer, and director, earning recognition for his performances on stage.
Career Highlights
Throughout his acting career, Westerfield played tough, blue-collar characters, often portraying cops, bartenders, or thugs. He gained notice for his memorable role as “Big Mac” in the classic film On the Waterfront, released in 1954. Fans of Disney films remember him as the surprised police officer in several comedies, including The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, and Son of Flubber.
Death and Legacy
James Westerfield passed away on September 20, 1971, in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, due to a heart attack. He is remembered for his significant contributions to both film and theater, having won two New York Drama Critics Awards throughout his career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| On the Waterfront | 1954-06-22 | Big Mac |
| Birdman of Alcatraz | 1962-07-04 | Jess Younger |
| Hang ’em High | 1968-04-12 | Prisoner |
| The Chase | 1946-11-16 | Job the Butler |
| True Grit | 1969-06-11 | Judge Parker |
| The Shaggy Dog | 1959-03-19 | Officer Hanson |
| The Absent-Minded Professor | 1961-03-16 | Officer Hanson |
| Son of Flubber | 1963-01-16 | Officer Hanson |
| The Sons of Katie Elder | 1965-06-23 | Mr. Vennar |
| Three Brave Men | 1956-12-01 | Chief O’Reilly |
| The Violent Men | 1955-01-26 | Sheriff Magruder |
| Rawhide | 1959-01-09 | Matt Lucas |
| Lost in Space | 1965-09-15 | Dr. Marvello |
| Perry Mason | 1957-09-21 | Sheriff Elmore |