James Coburn
Actor
About James Coburn
James Harrison Coburn III was an American actor whose career spanned over four decades, though he's often remembered for his iconic roles in the 1960s and 1970s. Born in Laurel, Nebraska, Coburn developed his distinctive acting style after studying under Stella Adler in New York. His breakthrough came with the role of Britt in 'The Magnificent Seven' (1960), which established his persona as the cool, laconic antihero. Coburn became particularly famous for his portrayal of secret agent Derek Flint in the spy spoofs 'Our Man Flint' (1966) and 'In Like Flint' (1967), creating a character that parodied the James Bond phenomenon. After a career lull in the 1980s due to rheumatoid arthritis, he made a remarkable comeback, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'Affliction' (1997). His final years saw him in acclaimed roles including 'The Limey' (1999) and 'Monsters, Inc.' (2001) as the voice of Randall Boggs. Coburn's unique blend of toughness, humor, and charisma made him one of Hollywood's most distinctive character actors.
The Craft
On Screen
Coburn was known for his distinctive laid-back, laconic delivery and naturalistic approach to acting. He possessed a deep, resonant voice and a sardonic wit that became his trademark. His style often involved minimal movement and maximum impact, using subtle facial expressions and timing to convey emotion. Coburn excelled at playing cool, detached antiheroes and characters with hidden depths, bringing a sense of authenticity and world-weariness to his roles. He was particularly adept at action sequences, performing many of his own stunts, which added to his credibility as a tough guy character.
Milestones
- Breakthrough role in 'The Magnificent Seven' (1960)
- Starred in 'The Great Escape' (1963) alongside Steve McQueen
- Created the iconic Derek Flint character in 'Our Man Flint' (1966)
- Won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'Affliction' (1997)
- Voiced Randall Boggs in Pixar's 'Monsters, Inc.' (2001)
- Overcame severe rheumatoid arthritis to continue acting career
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (1997) - Affliction
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (1997) - Affliction
- Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor (1997) - Affliction
- National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor (1997) - Affliction
- Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor (1997) - Affliction
Nominated
- BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer (1961) - The Magnificent Seven
- Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year (1961)
- Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male (1999) - Affliction
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1994)
- Cinecon Career Achievement Award (1997)
- Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival (2000)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
James Coburn's portrayal of Derek Flint created an enduring archetype of the super-spy that both parodied and influenced the spy genre. His cool, detached antihero persona in Westerns and action films helped define the masculine ideal of the 1960s. Coburn's distinctive style influenced countless actors who followed, particularly in the realm of laconic, tough-guy performances. His ability to blend humor with toughness created a template for the modern action hero. The Flint character, in particular, became a cultural touchstone of the 1960s, representing the era's fascination with espionage and technological sophistication.
Lasting Legacy
James Coburn left a lasting legacy as one of Hollywood's most distinctive character actors, known for his unique voice and cool demeanor. His career demonstrated remarkable longevity, spanning from the Golden Age of Hollywood to the modern era of computer-animated films. Coburn's Oscar win late in his career for 'Affliction' showcased his dramatic range and earned him critical recognition that had eluded him during his most popular years. His influence can be seen in the performances of actors who adopted his minimalist, naturalistic approach to tough-guy roles. Coburn's ability to reinvent himself and overcome personal health challenges to continue working serves as an inspiration in the entertainment industry.
Who They Inspired
Coburn influenced a generation of actors with his understated, naturalistic approach to playing tough characters. His work in the spy genre directly influenced later parodies and homages, including Austin Powers. Actors such as Kurt Russell, Bruce Willis, and even more contemporary performers have cited Coburn's cool, laconic style as an influence. His success in both dramatic and comedic roles demonstrated the versatility that character actors could achieve. Coburn's late-career resurgence also provided a model for aging actors seeking meaningful roles in their later years.
Off Screen
James Coburn was married twice and had two children. He was known for his interest in martial arts, particularly karate, and studied under Chuck Norris. Coburn was also a passionate photographer and jazz enthusiast. In his later years, he became an advocate for alternative medicine after successfully treating his severe rheumatoid arthritis with holistic treatments, which he credited with saving his career.
Education
Studied drama at Los Angeles City College; trained at the Actors Studio in New York under Stella Adler
Family
- Beverly Kelly (1959-1979)
- Paula Murad Coburn (1993-2002, until his death)
Did You Know?
- Was a black belt in karate and studied martial arts for over 30 years
- Suffered from severe rheumatoid arthritis for over 20 years before finding relief through holistic treatments
- Was considered for the role of James Bond before Sean Connery was cast
- His distinctive gap-toothed smile became one of his trademarks
- Was an accomplished photographer whose work was exhibited in galleries
- Was a passionate jazz enthusiast and occasionally played the saxophone
- Performed many of his own stunts throughout his career
- Was a close friend of Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson
- His voice work as Randall Boggs in 'Monsters, Inc.' was one of his final performances
- Was originally cast in 'Dirty Harry' but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts
In Their Own Words
I'm not a star. I'm an actor. A star is someone who lives in Beverly Hills and has a swimming pool. I'm just a working stiff.
The only thing I have in common with James Bond is that we both like women.
I've always been a character actor, even when I was playing leads.
You learn more from your failures than from your successes. Don't ever be afraid to fail.
I don't believe in typecasting. I believe in being an actor and playing different roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was James Coburn?
James Coburn was an American actor known for his distinctive deep voice, laconic delivery, and cool demeanor. He rose to fame in the 1960s with roles in 'The Magnificent Seven' and 'The Great Escape,' and later became iconic for playing secret agent Derek Flint in the spy spoofs 'Our Man Flint' and 'In Like Flint.'
What films is James Coburn best known for?
Coburn is best known for 'The Magnificent Seven' (1960), 'The Great Escape' (1963), 'Charade' (1963), 'Our Man Flint' (1966), 'In Like Flint' (1967), 'Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid' (1973), and his Oscar-winning performance in 'Affliction' (1997). He also voiced Randall Boggs in 'Monsters, Inc.' (2001).
When was James Coburn born and when did he die?
James Coburn was born on August 31, 1928, in Laurel, Nebraska, USA. He died on November 18, 2002, at the age of 74 in Beverly Hills, California, from a heart attack.
What awards did James Coburn win?
Coburn won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'Affliction' (1997), along with a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award, and several critics' awards for the same role. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994.
What was James Coburn's acting style?
Coburn was known for his laid-back, laconic delivery and naturalistic approach to acting. He specialized in playing cool, detached antiheroes with a sardonic wit, using minimal movement and subtle expressions to convey emotion. His distinctive deep voice and gap-toothed smile became trademarks of his persona.
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Films
1 film
