RIP JAMES GAMMON

[Scatter]

Veteran actor James Gammon passed away at the age of 70 after battling cancer in the adrenal glands and liver for over two and a half years. Though James Gammon made a lasting impression in many television series and film projects, theater was his first love.

Veteran actor James Gammon passed away at the age of 70 after battling cancer in the adrenal glands and liver for over two and a half years.

Gammon, a top character actor of television and films, breathed his last on Friday at his daughter's house at Costa Mesa, California, surrounded by close family members.

His wife Nancy stated, "He had cancer two and a half years ago. It came back aggressively about a month ago in his adrenal glands and liver, and he was very weak. They couldn't do surgery or chemotherapy. He decided he wanted to come home, and we did hospice."

    "He did a lot of movies and TV, but I think his great presence and power was on the stage. He always had something unexpected, riveting and real."-- Paul Koslo, an actor and director who worked with Gammon

Early life
Born April 20, 1940, in the farm town of Newman, Ill., Gammon moved with his mother and siblings to central Florida after his parents split up.

He graduated from Boone High in 1959 and then began his career by working as a cameraman at Channel 6 and acting in local theater.

Lasting impression on the big and small screen
Gammon later moved to California and made his film debut in "Cool Hand Luke," the 1967 classic starring Paul Newman.

His signature voice and weathered face made him famous. Gammon is best known for his portrayal as Charlie Sheen's coach in "Major League" and its 1994 sequel.

He is also remembered for roles in the films "Urban Cowboy," "The Milagro Beanfield War," "Leaving Normal," "Ironweed," "Silverado," and "Cold Mountain."

In his television career he became extremely popular as the father on "Nash Bridges" from 1996 to 2001.

In addition, he made a lasting impression in the TV series "The Waltons," "Bagdad Cafe," "Homefront," and "Middle Ages" and also played the pivotal role in the 1995 miniseries "Streets of Laredo."

His other credits include guest appearances in "Gunsmoke" in 1966 and "Grey's Anatomy" in 2007.

Theatre his first love
Though he left a mark in many television series and film projects, theater was his first love.

Gammon founded his own theater group, the Met, in Los Angeles, in the 1970s.

He acted in many plays, including "A Lie of the Mind," "Simpatico," "The Late Henry Moss," and a 1996 Broadway production of "Buried Child."

He received several Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards for acting and directing.

Gammon was nominated for a Tony award for his role in the "Buried Child" and won a Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Principal Actor.

Paul Koslo, an actor and director who worked with Gammon at the MET stated, "He did a lot of movies and TV, but I think his great presence and power was on the stage. He always had something unexpected, riveting and real."

Gammon is survived by his wife; two daughters, Allison Mann of Costa Mesa and Amy Gammon of West Hollywood; two grandsons; a brother, Phillip of Northridge; and a sister, Sandra Glaudell of Ocala.


A great  character actor..........just saw him in the Sci-Fi film "Altered" last week, and as usual turned in a memorable performance. Rest In Peace sir.

[monsterphile]

His face always reminded me of Lon Chaney, Jr.'s face (almost like they culd have been related).  He would have been great to play Chaney in a biopic IMO. 

Rob

[michblk]

RIP Sir.  Loved your work.  I've seen him in several things, but loved him in Major League.

BK

[gracebuster]

One of the nicest guys on the NASH BRIDGES set. It was ALWAYS a pleasure to see him around. God Bless him.

[Illoman]

RIP Sir.  Loved your work.  I've seen him in several things, but loved him in Major League.

BK

That's it!! Thanks. I knew that he was in a movie I'd enjoyed and I couldn't recall which one it was.

Mike