James Mason
Biography
James Neville Mason, known as James Mason, was an accomplished English actor who made a significant impact on both British and American cinema. He was born on May 15, 1909, in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England, and passed away on July 27, 1984, in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Mason's 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.
Acting (141 movies)
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
1954
North by Northwest
1959
The Man Between
1953
Bloodline
1979
Lolita
1962
A Star Is Born
1954
Frankenstein: The True Story
1974
Evil Under the Sun
1982
Cross of Iron
1977
Genghis Khan
1965
Cry Terror!
1958
The Search for Alexander the Great
1981
Lord Jim
1965
Fire Over England
1937
Sir John Mills' Moving Memories
2000
The Wind in the Wires
1972
John Keats: His Life and Death
1973
Journey to the Center of the Earth
1959
The Making of Agatha Christie's 'Evil Under the Sun'
1982
James Mason: The Star They Loved to Hate
1984
Yellowbeard
1983
The Verdict
1982
Heaven Can Wait
1978
The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel
1951
The Last of Sheila
1973
The MacKintosh Man
1973
Bigger Than Life
1956
Murder by Decree
1979
The Water Babies
1978
The Reckless Moment
1949
Forever, Darling
1956
The Prisoner of Zenda
1952
The Wicked Lady
1945
One Way Street
1950
The Desert Rats
1953
A Place of One's Own
1945
Cold Sweat
1970
The Man in Grey
1943
The Deadly Affair
1967
Georgy Girl
1966
Island in the Sun
1957
Caught
1949
Odd Man Out
1947
The Seventh Veil
1945
Mandingo
1975
Madame Bovary
1949
The Boys from Brazil
1978
Mayerling
1968
Pandora and the Flying Dutchman
1951
Prince Valiant
1954
Theatre 62: Rebecca
1962
Ivanhoe
1982
The Fall of the Roman Empire
1964
Julius Caesar
1953
Great Expectations
1974
Age of Consent
1969
The London Nobody Knows
1968
The Passage
1979
The Blue Max
1966
The Pumpkin Eater
1964
Child's Play
1972
The Marseille Contract
1974
Secret Mission
1942
They Met in the Dark
1943
Kidnap Syndicate
1975
I Met a Murderer
1939
Duffy
1968
Hatter's Castle
1942
The Shooting Party
1985
The Yin and the Yang of Mr. Go
1970
The Upturned Glass
1947
5 Fingers
1952
Inside Out
1975
A Touch of Larceny
1960
The Flower in His Mouth
1975
Thunder Rock
1942
Bad Man's River
1971
Hotel Reserve
1944
Fear in the City
1976
The Miser
1939
East Side, West Side
1949
The Marriage-Go-Round
1961
The Night Has Eyes
1942
The Tell-Tale Heart
1953
Uncertain Verification
1965
The Decks Ran Red
1958
Fanny by Gaslight
1944
Tiara Tahiti
1962
The Story of Three Loves
1953
A Dangerous Summer
1982
Spring and Port Wine
1970
Escape from Zahrain
1962
Homage to Chagall: The Colours of Love
1977
They Were Sisters
1945
Alibi
1942
The Sea Gull
1968
Botany Bay
1952
The High Command
1937
The Trials of Oscar Wilde
1960
Candlelight in Algeria
1944
Directing (2 movies)
| Title | Year | Job |
|---|---|---|
| The Upturned Glass | 1947 | Producer |
| Lady Possessed | 1952 | Screenplay |
| Lady Possessed | 1952 | Producer |
| Charade | 1953 | Producer |
| Charade | 1953 | Writer |
| The Star of Bethlehem | 1954 | Producer |
| Bigger Than Life | 1956 | Producer |
| Age of Consent | 1969 | Producer |
| Bob the Builder: Building Sky High | 2016 | Writer |