
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 |
