Actor James Whitmore dies of lung cancer at age 87

      James Whitmore has died at age 87 

James Whitmore was diagnosed with lung cancer in late November, died Friday afternoon at his home in Malibu. Whitmore, an ex-marine and a Yale graduate, will be remembered for his work in the theater, movies and TV. The Emmy and Tony winning actor had a long successful acting career along with a colorful personal life.  

 "My father believed that family came before everything, that work was just a vehicle in which to provide for your family," stated son Steve Whitmore, "At the end, and in the last two and a half months of his life, he was surrounded by his family."

In his later years, Whitmore enjoyed his large vegetable garden which went hand in hand with him being the spokesman for Miracle-Gro plant food. He also became outspoken about politics, becoming an early supporter of President Barack Obama. Speaking at a 2007 rally at Universal Studios, Whitmore told the crowd that Barack Obama had the ability and wisdom "to deal with a very, very confused and complex country, and the world." He followed that by appearing in "First Freedom First" campaign TV commercials, which advocates religious liberty and the preserving the separation of church and state.

Major Awards

Oscars
1950 Nominated Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Battleground

1976 Nominated Best Actor in a Leading Role for Give 'em Hell, Harry!   

Emmys
2000 Won Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for The Practice for playing the part of Raymond Oz

2003 Nominated Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for Mister Sterling for the part of Bill Sterling Sr.

Golden Globe
1950 Won Golden Globe Best Supporting Actor for Battleground

1976 Nominated Best Motion Picture Actor (Drama) for Give 'em Hell, Harry!