James Wainwright was an American actor who had a prolific career in films and television from the late 1960s to the late 1980s. He was best known for his roles in films such as Joe Kidd, The President’s Plane Is Missing, Killdozer, Bridger, The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover, Mean Dog Blues, Battletruck and The Survivors. He also appeared in popular TV shows such as The Virginian, Cannon, MAS*H, The Incredible Hulk, Hawaii Five-O and Beyond Westworld. He was admired for his rugged looks, deep voice and versatile acting skills. However, his life and career were cut short by a deadly disease that claimed his life at the age of 61. Here is the story of James Wainwright’s cause of death and how he fought against lung cancer.
Early Life and Career
James Wainwright was born on March 5, 1938 in Danville, Illinois. He grew up in a farming family and developed a love for horses and outdoor activities. He attended the University of Illinois and studied drama, but dropped out after two years to pursue an acting career in New York. He made his Broadway debut in 1962 in the play The Egghead and later appeared in other plays such as The Crucible, The Glass Menagerie and The Rainmaker. He also worked as a stage manager and a director for some off-Broadway productions.
In 1967, he moved to Hollywood and started his film and television career. He made his film debut in 1969 in the western The Undefeated, starring John Wayne and Rock Hudson. He then landed a supporting role in the Clint Eastwood film Joe Kidd in 1972, playing a villainous gunman named Olin Mingo. He continued to appear in various films, mostly in the genres of action, adventure, thriller and drama. Some of his notable films include The President’s Plane Is Missing (1973), a political thriller in which he played a general; Killdozer (1974), a sci-fi horror film in which he played a construction worker who faces a possessed bulldozer; Bridger (1976), a biographical film in which he played the legendary mountain man Jim Bridger; The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover (1977), a historical drama in which he played a young Hoover; Mean Dog Blues (1978), a prison drama in which he played a sadistic sergeant; Battletruck (1982), a post-apocalyptic action film in which he played a tyrannical warlord; and The Survivors (1983), a comedy film in which he played a hitman.
He also had a successful television career, appearing in dozens of TV shows and movies. He played the lead role in the detective series Jigsaw, which aired for one season in 1972-1973. He also played the main antagonist in the sci-fi series Beyond Westworld, which was based on the 1973 film Westworld and aired for five episodes in 1980. He also had guest roles in many popular shows such as The Virginian, Cannon, MAS*H, The Incredible Hulk, Hawaii Five-O, Stingray and others. He was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1974 for his performance in the TV movie The President’s Plane Is Missing.
Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Death
In the late 1980s, Wainwright’s health began to deteriorate. He was diagnosed with lung cancer, a disease that affects the cells in the lungs and causes them to grow abnormally and form tumors. Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly types of cancer, especially among smokers. Wainwright was a heavy smoker for most of his life, which increased his risk of developing lung cancer. He also had a family history of the disease, as his father died of lung cancer when Wainwright was 14 years old.
Wainwright underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments to try to stop the spread of the cancer, but they were not effective. He also suffered from other complications, such as pneumonia and infections. He lost a lot of weight and became weak and frail. He decided to retire from acting and spent his last years in his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by his family and friends. He died on December 20, 1999, at the age of 61. He was survived by his wife, actress Nancy Dussault, whom he married in 1986, and his two children from his previous marriage, James Jr. and Jennifer.
Legacy and Tributes
James Wainwright was a talented and versatile actor who left a lasting impression on his fans and colleagues. He was praised for his ability to play both heroes and villains, and for his charisma and presence on screen. He was also a generous and kind person, who supported various charities and causes, such as animal welfare and environmental protection. He was a lover of nature and animals, and owned several horses and dogs. He was also an avid reader and a fan of poetry and music.
After his death, many of his co-stars and friends paid tribute to him and expressed their condolences. Clint Eastwood, who worked with him in Joe Kidd, said that he was “a great actor and a great friend”. Walter Matthau, who starred with him in The Survivors, said that he was “a wonderful man and a terrific actor”. Robin Williams, who also appeared in The Survivors, said that he was “a gentle soul and a brilliant actor”. His wife, Nancy Dussault, said that he was “the love of my life and the best thing that ever happened to me”.
James Wainwright’s films and TV shows are still enjoyed by many viewers today, who appreciate his talent and charisma. He is also remembered by his family and friends, who cherish his memory and legacy. He is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, California. His grave marker reads: “James Wainwright. Actor. Husband. Father. Friend. 1938-1999. He made a difference.”
