Millard Mitchell was a talented and versatile actor who appeared in many films and television shows in the 1940s and 1950s. He won a Golden Globe Award for his performance in the film My Six Convicts (1952), and was also known for his roles in A Foreign Affair (1948), Twelve O’Clock High (1949), Singin’ in the Rain (1952), and The Naked Spur (1953). However, his career and life were cut short by lung cancer, which took his life at the age of 50. In this article, we will explore the cause and circumstances of his death, and how he is remembered today.
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Early Life and Career
Millard Mitchell was born to American parents in Havana, Cuba, on August 14, 1903. He started his acting career on Broadway and radio in the 1930s, and made his film debut in 1931. He appeared as a bit player in eight films between 1931 and 1936, but then took a six-year hiatus from film work. He returned to Hollywood in 1942, and became a successful supporting actor in various genres, such as comedy, drama, western, and musical. He often played sardonic, yet stolid characters, who added depth and humor to the stories. He married actress Peggy Gould in 1942, and they had two daughters, Mary Ellis and Margaret. Their daughter Maggie Schpak is a noted Hollywood jewelry designer.
Golden Globe Award and Critical Acclaim
One of Mitchell’s most notable roles was in the film My Six Convicts (1952), where he played James T. Connie, a psychologist who works with six prison inmates. His performance was praised by critics and audiences alike, and he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture. He was also nominated for the same award for his role as R.F. Simpson, a fictional movie mogul, in the musical comedy Singin’ in the Rain (1952), which is considered one of the greatest films of all time. He also received critical acclaim for his roles as Col. Rufus Plummer in Billy Wilder’s A Foreign Affair (1948), as Gregory Peck’s commanding officer in the war drama Twelve O’Clock High (1949), as High-Spade Frankie Wilson in Winchester ’73 (1950), and as a hapless old prospector in The Naked Spur (1953).
Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Death
Mitchell was a heavy smoker, which contributed to his health problems. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1953, and underwent surgery to remove part of his lung. However, the cancer had spread to other parts of his body, and he died on October 13, 1953, at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California. He was only 50 years old. He was interred in Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California. According to IMDb, he had a net worth of $1 million at the time of his death.
Legacy and Influence
Millard Mitchell left behind a rich legacy of film and television work, which showcases his talent and versatility as an actor. He is remembered for his memorable characters, his witty dialogue, and his distinctive voice. He influenced many actors who followed him, such as Jack Lemmon, who admired his performance in A Foreign Affair. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which honors his contribution to the entertainment industry. He is regarded as one of the finest character actors of his era, and his films are still enjoyed by many fans today.
