James Cagney is a famous actor whose career took off during the "Golden Age of Hollywood". His career began with work in the theater, he took part in vaudeville and Broadway productions. James Cagney was also a great dancer. In 1984, he became the owner of an honorary US government award: he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
During his film career, which started in the 1930s, James Cagney managed to star in 68 films. He made a huge contribution to the development of gangster cinema. In addition, the artist appeared in 54 documentaries, where he played the role of himself. During his acting career, Kagney was nominated for an Oscar 3 times. He received the cherished golden statuette in the early 1940s for his brilliant work in the musical Yankee Doodle Dandy.
Biography facts
The future Hollywood actor was born in 1899. His birthday: July 30. James Francis Cagney Jr. was one of 7 children in the family, but 2 babies died before even a year. The hometown for the artist is New York, located in the United States.
Despite the fact that James's parents were not associated with the world of cinema or the entertainment industry, among the brothers and sisters of the American artist there are those who also chose the creative path. For example, his sister named Genie also became an actress. And brother William, in addition to his acting career, was engaged in production activities. It is noteworthy that James himself never dreamed of becoming an artist. Although a certain talent and creativity were noticeable in him from early childhood.
The actor's father is James Francis Cagney Sr. He was originally from Ireland. He worked as a bartender in one of the pubs located in Manhattan, and was also very fond of boxing. There is no information about the profession of the mother, whose name was Carolyn Elizabeth (Nelson). It is only known that there were Norwegians and Irish in her family.
The Cagney family was a believer. They attended the Catholic Church. James himself was baptized in the Chapel of St. Francis, located on the territory of Manhattan.
In childhood, James did not have excellent health. He was often ill for a long time, was a weak child. However, this did not at all prevent him from starting to play sports in his teens. Taking an example from his father, Kagney became interested in amateur boxing. He managed to take the honorable 2nd place in the competitions held in New York.
Baseball was another sports hobby of the future famous film and theater actor. In addition, James has taken part in street battles on numerous occasions. At one time he really dreamed of becoming a professional boxing fighter, moreover, the coaches said that he had the ideal data for this. However, the mother managed to dissuade James, which the actor did not want in the future.
Cagney was educated at Stuyvesant High School, graduating from this New York educational institution in 1918. By this time, practicing dancing (tap dance), James had already formed a strong interest in art and creativity. Therefore, he wanted to continue his studies at Columbia University, choosing the Faculty of Arts and Drama. At the same time, the young man became interested in foreign languages, he began to seriously study German.
Unfortunately, I only spent one semester at Cagney University. He was forced to take his documents and return to his home after his father died suddenly from complications from the flu.
The first time after returning to Manhattan, James took on completely different jobs. The family was going through a difficult period of time, money was sorely lacking. Because Cagney grabbed every opportunity. He worked part-time in a public library - he handed out books and magazines. He worked as a night porter and doorman in a hotel, worked as a salesman in a department store and as a courier for an American newspaper. James even managed to try himself as a draftsman, designer and junior architect.
After a while, James got a job at the theater, but initially not as an artist, but as a stage worker. During the same period of time, he began to participate in amateur productions, and then one day he was forced to go on a large stage to replace his sick brother in the play. This performance completely turned Cagney's world and his views on the acting profession. He was eager to become a professional actor.
During the 1920s, James Cagney performed in various performances, vaudeville. So, for example, he was a participant in the performance "Every Sailor", the musical "Pitter Patter", the play "Out of Home". Along with the development of his theatrical career, Cagney honed his talent as a dancer, eventually becoming a choreographer. He opened his own professional dance school, and in 1928 directed numbers for the Broadway show "Grand Street Follies".
A career in cinema began for the artist in 1930, when he signed a contract with the Warner Bros. studio.
Film career
The first film, in which the already famous actor starred, was "The Feast of the Sinner", which was released in the fall of 1930. This tape was a film adaptation of the play "Maggie the Magnificent", in which Cagney played one of the leading roles. The film was a great success and became an excellent springboard for the development of James's film career.
The next successful film with the participation of the talented actor was "The Gate to Hell". The premiere of the film took place in the same 1930. Archie Mayo was the main director.
Over the next year, 5 films with Kagney were released at once, 2 of which collected a huge box office. The actor starred in the projects: "Woman of Other Men", "Millionaire", "Public Enemy", "Mad Blonde", "Smart Money".
Over the next years, the artist's filmography was actively replenished with new projects. The talented James Cagney managed to quickly and decisively conquer Hollywood and become an extremely popular film actor. Among his most successful works it is worth highlighting: "Taxi!", "Photo Hunter", "Jimens", "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "There is something to sing about", "Cool guy", "Angels with dirty faces", " Every morning I die”,“The Roaring Twenties, or the Fate of a Soldier in America”,“Conquer the City”,“Bride by Cash on Delivery”,“Yankee Doodle Dandy”,“Delirium Tremens”.
In the late 1950s, the already recognized Hollywood actor decided to try himself as a director. In this role, he worked on the project "The shortest path to hell". The motion picture was released in 1957, but had no success. And after 3 years, James Cagney acted as the producer of the movie "Hours of Valor". In the same 1950s, the artist first appeared in a television series. He played a role in the show "Robert Montgomery Presents". The first episode aired in 1950. The project lasted 7 years on television, with high ratings.
The last works in cinema for the artist were roles in the films "Ragtime" (1981) and "Terrible Joe Moran" (1984).
Personal life
James Cagney was married only once. His wife was actress and singer Francis Willard Vernon, who, after marriage, took her husband's surname. The young people met while working on the musical piece "Pitter Patter". Frances was among the choir artists. The wedding took place in 1922.
In this marriage, 2 children were born: James and Kathleen.
The famous Hollywood actor passed away in 1984. He is buried in a cemetery located in the suburbs of New York.
