James Cagney
James Cagney has spent 68 years building what became a distinguished career as a Actor in American.
American actor and dancer (1899–1986)
"His Academy Award-winning performance as George M." — About James Cagney
| Metric | James Cagney | Avg Actor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 86 | 53 | +33 yrs |
| Height | 165cm (5'5") | 119cm | +46cm |
| Career length | 68 yrs | ~35 yrs | +33 yrs |
| Based on 4322 Actor profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about James Cagney
Did you know that James Cagney, despite his iconic tough-guy image, was a highly skilled and graceful dancer who taught dance classes early in his career?
- Cagney initially performed in vaudeville as a female impersonator before gaining fame as a tough guy.
- He was an accomplished dancer, often incorporating his skills into his tough-guy roles, notably in 'Yankee Doodle Dandy'.
- Off-screen, Cagney was a quiet family man who enjoyed farming on his ranch in Stanfordville, New York.
- He was an early president of the Screen Actors Guild and was known for his strong stance against studio exploitation.
- Cagney famously turned down the lead role in 'The Public Enemy' multiple times before finally accepting it.
His Academy Award-winning performance as George M. Cohan in "Yankee Doodle Dandy" (1942) stands as a monumental career highlight. This role allowed him to showcase his exceptional dancing and singing talents, breaking free from his gangster typecasting and cementing his status as a versatile Hollywood legend.
Cagney's electric energy and distinctive rapid-fire delivery defined the "tough guy" persona for generations, influencing countless actors. He remains an icon of classic Hollywood, celebrated for his dynamic performances and versatile talent.