Super Eco

James Cromwell was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1940, the son of actress Kay Johnson and producer/director John Cromwell. Though an engineering student during college, he became an professional actor in his mid-30s, debuting on television in an episode of The Rockford Files in 1974.

Though appearing consistently in film and television through the 1970s and 1980s, Cromwell gained international acclaim with his Oscar-nominated performance in 1995's Babe, where he played Farmer Arthur Hoggett. Since the mid-1990s, he has consistently appeared as a supporting character in major motion pictures, including L.A. Confidential, The Green Mile, The Queen and W., where he played George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States.

Notable Eco Activity

James Cromwell has been a vegetarian since 1974 and a vegan since 1995. He has appeared in PETA advertisements as an advocate for animal rights and urges people to make small changes in their lives with the goal of conserving water and improving the treatment of animals. He describes experiencing the "smell, terror and anxiety" in a Texas stockyard, which convinced him to stop eating meat.

Cromwell believes personal education is the largest step people can take to living a healthier, eco-friendly and animal-friendly lifestyle. He has spoken out against factory farming and encourages meat-eaters to learn the process by which pigs are killed.

In addition to animal rights activism, Cromwell has been an outspoken opponent of the war in Iraq, and was an ardent supporter of the Black Panthers during the Vietnam War, when he was a member of The Committee to Defend the Panthers.

Related Media

James Cromwell interview by The Green Girls, James Cromwell ad for PETA

• James Cromwell Details

  • Birth Date

    January 27, 1940

  • Born In

    United States

  • Home Page

    Unavailable

  • Lives In

    United States

  • Organizations

    Unavailable

  • Occupation

    Actor, Animal Rights Activist