James Mason Biography

Fast Facts

• Awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960
• Has played in more than 130 movies
• Received the Actor of the Year award from the London Critics Circle Film Awards in 1986 for his work in "The Shooting Party․"
• After getting involved in theatre companies during his spare time at the University of Cambridge, he decided to join the Old Vic theatre where he received formal training from drama coach Tyrone Guthrie
• Quote: "How do I wish to be remembered, if at all? I think perhaps just as a fairly desirable sort of character actor․"
• Frequently takes on the role of sophisticated or upper-class characters
• Often portrays brooding characters who are the anti-heroes in his films
• Saved the life of comic Max Bygraves' son when the boy fell into the pool during a party at Judy Garland's house
• Was offered a minor part in "The Private Life of Don Juan," but he was fired three days into filming
• Was estranged from his family for years due to his refusal to serve in the military during World War II
• Was in contention to play James Bond in "Dr․ No," but Sean Connery was cast instead