James Whitmore, only 'Battleground' Oscar nominee, dies

Actor James Whitmore, who received the only Academy Award nomination given an actor for Battleground, has died at age 87. Whitmore passed away in Los Angeles on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009. Born Oct. 1, 1921.

A terrifically versatile actor, on stage, screen and television, Whitmore's Battleground Oscar nomination as Best Supporting Actor came for what was only his second film. Twenty-six years later he received his only other nomination, as Best Actor for his filmed stage performance as President Harry S Truman in Give 'Em Hell, Harry!. In between he appeared in many great pictures, including The Asphalt Jungle, Kiss Me Kate, Them!, Oklahoma!, Battle Cry, Planet of the Apes, Tora! Tora! Tora! and The Shawshank Redemption. As a contract player with MGM from 1949-1953, he also appeared with future First Lady Nancy Davis (Reagan) in the religious drama The Next Voice You Hear. [Interestingly, he died on Ronald Reagan's birthday...and was born on Jimmy Carter's (not the same year).]

Not to mention scores of great TV appearances -- anyone remember his Twilight Zone one-hour episode "On Thursday We Leave For Home"?

Always a pleasure to watch, a man of great talent, and one of the last survivors of Hollywood's late, great, postwar era. And as someone noted on another thread, he's the third cast member of Battleground to pass away in the past two months -- Van Johnson in December '08, Ricardo Montalban in Jan. '09, and now James Whitmore. The remaining ranks of this film have been unimaginably decimated in just eight weeks. Time is indeed running out on these great stars of the 40s and later, I'm afraid.

RIP, Mr. Whitmore...and thanks for the years of enjoyment, still available to those who remain and will come after.