James Cagney

Date of Birth: July 17, 1899

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: March 30, 1986

Biography

James Francis Cagney Jr. was an iconic American actor and dancer, best known for his energetic performances and distinctive voice. Born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City, Cagney’s early life was marked by poverty and hardship. He started his career in vaudeville and on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood, where he became one of the biggest stars of the 1930s and 1940s. Cagney’s breakthrough role came in the 1931 film “The Public Enemy,” where his portrayal of the ruthless gangster Tom Powers catapulted him to stardom. Known for his versatility, he excelled in a variety of genres, including crime dramas, musicals, and comedies. His performance in “Yankee Doodle Dandy” (1942), where he played George M. Cohan, earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Despite his tough-guy image, Cagney was known off-screen for his kindness and humility. He was married to Frances Willard Vernon from 1922 until his death in 1986, and they had two adopted children. Cagney retired from acting in 1961 but made a notable comeback in the 1981 film “Ragtime.”

5 Interesting Facts about James Cagney

1. James Cagney was a self-taught dancer and often choreographed his own dance scenes.

2. He was known for his humanitarian efforts and was a staunch supporter of labor unions.

3. Cagney was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1984.

4. He was an accomplished painter and enjoyed painting landscapes in his spare time.

5. Cagney and his wife owned a farm in Dutchess County, New York, where they raised horses.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Cagney

1. “You dirty rat!”

2. “My childhood was surrounded by trouble, but I had a good time.”

3. “I’m a professional performer and I owe everything to show business.”

4. “There’s not much to say about acting but this: Never settle back on your heels. Never relax. If you relax, the audience relaxes. And always mean everything you say.”

5. “Though I soon became typecast in Hollywood as a gangster and a hitter of women, I never used violent behavior in my private life.”