Joseph Cotten

Born:May 15, 1905

Place of Birth:Petersburg, Virginia, USA

Died:February 6, 1994

Known For:Acting

Biography

Joseph Cheshire Cotten, born on May 15, 1905, left an indelible mark on the world of stage and film. With a career that spanned decades, Cotten's talent shone brightly in both mediums. His commanding presence on Broadway captivated audiences in iconic productions like The Philadelphia Story and Sabrina Fair, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and skilled actor.

Cotten's collaboration with the legendary Orson Welles elevated his career to new heights. Their partnership resulted in timeless classics such as Citizen Kane, where Cotten's nuanced portrayal captivated viewers worldwide. His roles in The Magnificent Ambersons and Journey into Fear further showcased his range as an actor, with Cotten even contributing to the screenplay of the latter.

One of Cotten's most memorable performances came in the noir thriller Shadow of a Doubt, where he portrayed a charming yet sinister character with aplomb. His on-screen chemistry with co-stars in films like Love Letters and Portrait of Jennie added depth and emotion to his characters, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.

Cotten's role in The Third Man solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood. His portrayal of the enigmatic character in the acclaimed film showcased his ability to command the screen with charisma and gravitas. With each role, Cotten brought a unique blend of talent, charm, and sophistication that set him apart in the golden age of cinema.

Off-screen, Cotten's dedication to his craft and his colleagues earned him respect and admiration in the industry. His professionalism and work ethic were renowned among his peers, making him a sought-after collaborator on various projects. Cotten's commitment to excellence in every role he undertook left a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.

As a performer, Cotten had a rare gift for bringing complex characters to life with depth and authenticity. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres showcased his versatility and adaptability as an actor. Whether portraying a hero, a villain, or a conflicted soul, Cotten's performances always resonated with audiences, leaving a lasting impression.

Throughout his illustrious career, Cotten's contributions to the art of storytelling were immeasurable. His work continues to inspire aspiring actors and filmmakers, serving as a testament to his enduring impact on the world of cinema. Cotten's legacy as a consummate professional and a masterful performer endures, ensuring that his name will always be synonymous with excellence in the entertainment industry.

Joseph Cotten's remarkable journey from the stages of Broadway to the silver screen is a testament to his passion for his craft and his unwavering dedication to his art. His timeless performances continue to captivate audiences around the world, solidifying his status as a true icon of classic cinema. Joseph Cheshire Cotten may have left this world on February 6, 1994, but his cinematic legacy lives on, eternally preserved in the annals of film history.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Citizen Kane

Jedediah Leland

1941

Newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane is taken from his mother as a boy and made the ward of a rich industrialist. As a result, every well-meaning, tyrannical or self-destructive move he makes for the rest of his life appears in some way to be a reaction to that deeply wounding event.

The Third Man

Holly Martins

1949

In postwar Vienna, Austria, Holly Martins, a writer of pulp Westerns, arrives penniless as a guest of his childhood chum Harry Lime, only to learn he has died. Martins develops a conspiracy theory after learning of a "third man" present at the time of Harry's death, running into interference from British officer Major Calloway, and falling head-over-heels for Harry's grief-stricken lover, Anna.

Soylent Green

William R. Simonson

1973

In the year 2022, overcrowding, pollution, and resource depletion have reduced society’s leaders to finding food for the teeming masses. The answer is Soylent Green.

Touch of Evil

Coroner (uncredited)

1958

When a car bomb explodes on the American side of the U.S./Mexico border, Mexican drug enforcement agent Miguel Vargas begins his investigation, along with American police captain Hank Quinlan. When Vargas begins to suspect that Quinlan and his shady partner, Menzies, are planting evidence to frame an innocent man, his investigations into their possible corruption quickly put himself and his new bride, Susie, in jeopardy.

Gaslight

Brian Cameron

1944

A newlywed fears she's going mad when strange things start happening at the family mansion.

Tora! Tora! Tora!

Henry L. Stimson

1970

In the summer of 1941, the United States and Japan seem on the brink of war after constant embargos and failed diplomacy come to no end. "Tora! Tora! Tora!", named after the code words used by the lead Japanese pilot to indicate they had surprised the Americans, covers the days leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor, which plunged America into the Second World War.

Niagara

George Loomis

1953

Rose Loomis and her older, gloomier husband, George, are vacationing at a cabin in Niagara Falls, N.Y. The couple befriend Polly and Ray Cutler, who are honeymooning in the area. Polly begins to suspect that something is amiss between Rose and George, and her suspicions grow when she sees Rose in the arms of another man. While Ray initially thinks Polly is overreacting, things between George and Rose soon take a shockingly dark turn.

Shadow of a Doubt

Uncle Charlie

1943

Just when Charlie is feeling especially frustrated by the lack of excitement in her small town in California, she receives wonderful news: Her uncle and namesake, Charlie, is coming to visit. However, as secrets about him come to the fore, her admiration turns into suspicion.

Heaven's Gate

The Reverend Doctor

1980

Harvard graduate James Averill serves as the sheriff of prosperous Jackson County, Wyo., standing at the center of a conflict between impoverished immigrants and affluent cattle farmers. Politically connected ranchers enlist mercenary Nathan Champion—who is also vying for the affections of local madam Ella Watson—to combat the immigrant uprising. As tensions escalate, both Averill and Champion start to question their decisions.

The Magnificent Ambersons

Eugene Morgan

1942

The spoiled young heir to the decaying Amberson fortune comes between his widowed mother and the man she has always loved.

The Abominable Dr. Phibes

Dr. Vesalius

1971

After a team of surgeons botches his beloved wife's operation, the distraught Dr. Phibes unleashes a score of Old-Testament atrocities on his enemies.

Duel in the Sun

Jesse McCanles

1946

Beautiful half-breed Pearl Chavez becomes the ward of her dead father's first love and finds herself torn between her sons, one good and the other bad.

Journey into Fear

Howard Graham

1943

An American ballistics expert in Turkey finds himself targeted by Nazi agents. Safe passage home by ship is arranged for him, but he soon discovers that his pursuers are also on board.

Production

Journey into Fear

Screenplay

1943

An American ballistics expert in Turkey finds himself targeted by Nazi agents. Safe passage home by ship is arranged for him, but he soon discovers that his pursuers are also on board.