James Cromwell - Actor
Age: 85
Country: United States Occupations:
Actor
James Cromwell is a highly respected American character actor and activist, perhaps best known for his towering physical presence—standing at 6'7" (201 cm)—and his versatile, commanding voice.
In terms of his appearance and persona, here is a breakdown:
Physical Appearance
Stature: He is exceptionally tall and lean, often giving him a dignified, authoritative, or sometimes scholarly look.
Features: He has a high forehead, sharp blue eyes, and a very expressive, angular face. In his later years, he has become well-known for his neat white hair and often sports a trim white mustache or beard.
Presence: Because of his height, he often dominates the frame, but he is known for a "gentle giant" quality that allows him to play both intimidating villains and deeply kind mentors.
Iconic Roles
Cromwell’s career spans decades, but he is most frequently associated with several landmark roles:
Arthur Hoggett (Babe): Perhaps his most beloved role, playing the stoic, soft-spoken farmer. His delivery of the line, "That'll do, pig. That'll do," is one of the most famous moments in cinema history.
Captain Dudley Smith (L.A. Confidential): He demonstrated his range by playing a corrupt, terrifyingly ruthless police captain, earning critical acclaim for his ability to be chillingly polite.
Zefram Cochrane (Star Trek: First Contact): He played the eccentric, whiskey-drinking inventor of warp drive, a fan-favorite character in the Star Trek universe.
Ewan Roy (Succession): More recently, he played Logan Roy’s estranged, grumpy, and staunchly principled brother, utilizing his height and stern demeanor to great effect.
Personality and Activism
Outside of acting, James Cromwell is a devoted animal rights activist and a vegetarian (later vegan) since his time filming Babe. He is known for being outspoken on environmental and social justice issues, often participating in protests that reflect the same moral conviction seen in many of his characters.