Actor James Whitmore died yesterday

[azmouse]

http://www.legacy.com/azcentral/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonID=123820056

James Whitmore, the many-faceted character actor who delivered strong performances in movies, television and especially the theater with his popular one-man shows about Harry Truman, Will Rogers and Theodore Roosevelt, died Friday, his son said. He was 87.

The Emmy- and Tony-winning actor was diagnosed with lung cancer the week before Thanksgiving and died Friday afternoon at his Malibu home, Steve Whitmore said.

"My father believed that family came before everything, that work was just a vehicle in which to provide for your family," said Whitmore, who works as spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. "At the end, and in the last two and a half months of his life, he was surrounded by his family."



While not known for his politics, Whitmore was an early supporter of President Barack Obama. He stumped for Obama during a 2007 rally at the Gibson Theatre at Universal Studios, telling the crowd that Obama had the wisdom "to deal with a very, very confused and complex country, and the world." Whitmore also appeared in TV commercials in 2008 for the "First Freedom First" campaign, which advocates religious liberty and preserving the separation of church and state.

[EastTennesseeDem]

1. He was Brooks, from the Shawshank Redemption, wasn't he?

He lived a long and successful life.

[azmouse]

2. Yes he was.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

3. Here's a clip:

SPOILER for the three people who haven't seen this movie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fBNZAvW0xY

[Swede]

4. RIP Mr. Whitmore.

He entertained us for a long time.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

5. May he rest in peace...Here is a pic of him, Looking Good at The Oscars

[whistler162]

6. RIP......

Brush up your Shakespeare!

[Graybeard]

11. "Start quoting him now."

Who would have thought that his talents included singing and soft-shoe? That number with Keenan Wynn in Kiss Me Kate is great. He will be missed.

[Oeditpus Rex]

7. Man, I didn't think he was still alive

Until Friday, that is.



Ever see the one-man stage show in which he played Harry Truman? Outstanding. He was also excellent as Adm. William "Bull" Halsey in "Tora! Tora! Tora!"

He also starred in two of my favorite old 'B' movies, "The Next Voice You Hear" (opposite Nancy Davis, later Reagan) and "The Restless Years." The former is an interesting little tale about the Christian deity speaking to the world via radio.

[no name no slogan]

8. Goodnight, funnyman

Sorry to hear about this. He was a great actor. :cry:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

9. Here's him endorsing Obama:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpAyB1bGDrc

He also was the pitchman for Miracle-Gro.

[rurallib]

10. I remember him from the adaptation of "Black Like Me"

he was outstanding in what was a real controversial movie at the time.