- Home
- James Mason
James Mason
Known for: ActingJames Neville Mason (known as James Mason; May 15, 1909 – July 27, 1984) was an English actor who made a significant impact on both British and American cinema. His acting career began in the 1930s, where he initially gained recognition for his stage performances in London's West End. He made his film debut in 1935 with the British film "Late Extra," marking the start of his illustrious on-screen journey. Throughout his career, Mason showcased his exceptional acting abilities, often portraying complex and morally ambiguous characters. His commanding presence, distinctive voice, and versatile range allowed him to effortlessly transition between genres, from dramas to thrillers and even period pieces. One of Mason's most acclaimed performances came in 1945 when he starred as the troubled and enigmatic Johnny McQueen in the film "Odd Man Out." His portrayal of the wounded Irish nationalist earned him widespread praise and established him as a respected leading man. Mason's notable filmography includes memorable roles in films such as "The Wicked Lady" (1945), "Pandora and the Flying Dutchman" (1951), "A Star Is Born" (1954), "North by Northwest" (1959), and "Lolita" (1962). His ability to bring depth, sophistication, and complexity to his characters captivated audiences and garnered critical acclaim. Beyond his film career, Mason also dabbled in producing and directing. He co-produced and starred in the acclaimed film "A Star Is Born," showcasing his multifaceted talent and creative vision. Throughout his life, Mason was recognized with numerous awards and nominations, including three Academy Award nominations for Best Actor. He was highly regarded by his peers and critics alike for his impeccable craft and his ability to elevate any production he was a part of.
Filmography 86
North by Northwest
Julius Caesar
as Brutus
Cross of Iron
Lolita
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
as Captain Nemo
Evil Under the Sun
as Odell Gardener
The Verdict
as Ed Concannon
Yellowbeard
as Captain Hughes
A Star Is Born
as Norman Maine
Journey to the Center of the Earth
as Sir Oliver S. Lindenbrook
The Fall of the Roman Empire
as Timonides
The Boys from Brazil
as Eduard Seibert
Madame Bovary
as Gustave Flaubert
Kubrick by Kubrick
as Self (archive footage)
Mandingo
as Warren Maxwell
Heaven Can Wait
as Mr. Jordan
Prince Valiant
as Sir Brack
The Last of Sheila
as Philip Dexter
Cold Sweat
Bad Man's River
Murder by Decree
as Dr. Watson
Inside Out
Lord Jim
as Gentleman Brown
George Washington
as Gen. Edward Braddock
Ivanhoe
as Isaac of York
The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel
as Field Marshal Erwin Rommel
The Passage
as Professor Bergson
The Blue Max
as General Count von Klugermann
Age of Consent
as Bradley Morahan
Mayerling
as Franz Joseph I of Austria
The Desert Rats
as Field Marshal Erwin von Rommel
Pandora and the Flying Dutchman
as Hendrick van der Zee
Odd Man Out
as Johnny McQueen
The Pumpkin Eater
as Bob Conway
Georgy Girl
as James Leamington
The Trials of Oscar Wilde
as Edward Carson
The MacKintosh Man
as Sir George Wheeler
Bigger Than Life
as Ed Avery
The Man Between
as Ivo Kern
East Side, West Side
as Brandon Bourne
The Story of Three Loves
as Charles Coutray
The Prisoner of Zenda
as Rupert of Hentzau
The Reckless Moment
as Martin Donnelly
Genghis Khan
as Kam Ling
Bloodline
as Sir Alec Nichols
The Deadly Affair
as Charles Dobbs
Caught
as Larry Quinada
North Sea Hijack
as Admiral Brindsen
5 Fingers
as Ulysses Diello
Island in the Sun
as Maxwell Fleury
The Marseille Contract
as Jacques Brizard
The Man in Grey
as Lord Rohan
Charade
as The Murderer / Maj. Linden / Jonah Watson
Frankenstein: The True Story
as Dr. John Polidori
Sid & Judy
as Self (archive footage)
Fire Over England
The Water Babies
as Mr. Grimes / Voice of Killer Shark
Child's Play
as Jerome Malley
Autobiography of a Princess
as Cyril Sahib
Great Expectations
as Magwitch
The Shooting Party
as Sir Randolph Nettleby
Spring and Port Wine
as Rafe Crompton
People of the Wind
as Jafar Qoli (voice)
Roger Moore: A Matter of Class
as Self (archive footage)
Hotel Reserve
as Peter Vadassy
The Sea Gull
as Trigorin
The Seventh Veil
as Nicholas Cunningham
The Wicked Lady
as Captain Jerry Jackson
Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel
as Jean Tallien
The Assisi Underground
as Bishop Nicolini
Thunder Rock
as Streeter
The Mill on the Floss
as Tom Tulliver
Fanny by Gaslight
Kidnap Syndicate
as Filippini
Escape from Zahrain
as Johnson
11 Harrowhouse
as Charles D. Watts
The Yin and the Yang of Mr. Go
as Y.Y. Go
A Place of One's Own
Cry Terror!
as Jim Molner
Secret Mission
as Raoul de Carnot
Hero's Island
as Jacob Weber
Candlelight in Algeria
as Alan Thurston
Hatter's Castle
Fear in the City
as Chief of Police
The Upturned Glass
as Michael Joyce
The High Command