Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1928-08-31
- Born Place: Laurel, Nebraska, USA
Deathday:
2002-11-18
Also Known As:
詹姆士·柯本, Джеймс Кобурн, جیمز کابرن
James Coburn
James Harrison Coburn Jr. (August 31, 1928 – November 18, 2002) was an American actor who became an iconic presence in Hollywood, particularly known for his cool demeanor, distinctive toothy grin, and versatile performances in a wide range of films and television shows over a career spanning 45 years.Born in Laurel, Nebraska, Coburn moved with his family to Compton, California, where he cultivated an early interest in acting. After serving in the U.S. Army, where he worked as a truck driver and disc jockey, he studied acting at Los Angeles City College under the tutelage of notable teachers like Jeff Corey and Stella Adler. He began his career with television appearances in the 1950s before making his film debut in 1959's "Ride Lonesome."Coburn rose to prominence in the 1960s, often sharing the screen with fellow "tough guys" like Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson. His breakthrough roles included the silent, knife-throwing Britt in John Sturges's classic Western "The Magnificent Seven" (1960) and the resourceful American POW Sedgwick in "The Great Escape" (1963). He achieved stardom as the effortlessly cool secret agent Derek Flint in the James Bond parodies "Our Man Flint" (1966) and "In Like Flint" (1967).Throughout the 1970s, Coburn continued to deliver strong performances, notably in collaborations with director Sam Peckinpah, including "Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid" (1973), where he played the titular lawman, and the acclaimed World War II epic "Cross of Iron" (1977). His career experienced a quieter period in the 1980s due to struggles with rheumatoid arthritis, but he made a remarkable comeback in the 1990s.His resurgence culminated in an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his powerful portrayal of Glen Whitehouse, the abusive father, in Paul Schrader's "Affliction" (1997). This role showcased his ability to delve into complex, darker characters with immense depth. In his later career, he also lent his distinctive voice to animated films, including the role of the menacing CEO Henry J. Waternoose III in Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." (2001).James Coburn passed away on November 18, 2002, at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances that cemented his status as one of Hollywood's truly "cool" and enduring actors.
