James Cagney
- Born:
- July 17, 1899, New York City, New York, USA
- Died:
- March 30, 1986, Stanfordville, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Dancer
Early Life and Education
- Born James Francis Cagney in the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
- Second of seven children.
- Experienced poverty during his childhood.
- Graduated from Stuyvesant High School in 1918.
- Briefly attended Columbia University.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career in vaudeville and chorus lines.
- Gained recognition for his roles in Broadway musicals.
- Signed a contract with Warner Bros. in 1930.
- Became a major star in Hollywood, known for his energetic performances and "tough guy" persona.
- Won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942).
- Received the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1974.
Notable Works
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1931 | The Public Enemy | Tom Powers |
| 1935 | A Midsummer Night's Dream | Bottom |
| 1938 | Angels with Dirty Faces | Rocky Sullivan |
| 1942 | Yankee Doodle Dandy | George M. Cohan |
| 1955 | Love Me or Leave Me | Martin Snyder |
| 1981 | Ragtime | Commissioner Waldo |
Legacy and Impact
James Cagney remains one of the most iconic actors in American film history. His dynamic performances and versatility established him as a major star and continue to influence actors today. After a lengthy career, which included a period of retirement, James Cagney passed away at his Dutchess County farm, where he had resided for many years. While the specifics of James Cagney Jr cause of death are often sought out, James Cagney himself died of complications from diabetes.