James Bridges
Jimmy Bridges | |
|---|---|
| Born | James McKeen Bridges February 3, 1936 Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Died | June 6, 1993 (aged 57) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupations | |
| Partner | Jack Larson (1958—1993; Bridges' death) |
James McKeen Bridges (February 3, 1936 – June 6, 1993) was an American screenwriter, film director, producer, and actor. He was a two-time Oscar nominee: once for Best Original Screenplay for The China Syndrome and once for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Paper Chase.
Personal life
James McKeen Bridges was born on February 3, 1936, in Little Rock, Arkansas and grew up in Paris, Arkansas.[1] (Some sources indicate he was born in Paris, Arkansas.) He was born to teenaged parents, Doy Eugene Bridges (1917–1989) and Mary Celestine (née McKeen) Bridges (1918–2002). His parents' marriage ended when Bridges was a youngster. His mother later married Melvin Floyd Wiggins and had a daughter, Mary Ann Wiggins. Bridges was nicknamed "Jimmy Mac" or "Jimmy Mack" by his schoolmates.
Bridges' life partner from 1958 until his death was actor, librettist, screenwriter, and producer Jack Larson.
Career
Bridges got his start as a writer for Alfred Hitchcock Presents after catching the attention of Norman Lloyd, a producer for the series.[2] One of his episodes, "An Unlocked Window", earned him a 1966 Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Episode in a TV Series.
Bridges went on to write and direct a number of notable films, including The Baby Maker; The Paper Chase; September 30, 1955; The China Syndrome; Urban Cowboy; Mike's Murder; Perfect; and Bright Lights, Big City. Bridges was a mentor to actress Debra Winger.
Death
In 1990, Bridges was diagnosed with intestinal cancer, which he battled for three years.[3][4] He died at the UCLA Medical Center on June 6, 1993, aged 57, with the immediate cause of death being kidney failure[1] stemming from cancer.[4][5] He was buried at Oakwood Cemetery in his hometown of Paris, Arkansas.[1][6][7]
The James Bridges Theater at the University of California, Los Angeles was named in his honor in November 1999.[8]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Director | Writer | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | The Appaloosa | Yes | ||
| 1970 | Colossus: The Forbin Project | Yes | ||
| The Baby Maker | Yes | Yes | ||
| 1972 | Limbo | Yes | ||
| 1973 | The Paper Chase | Yes | Yes | |
| 1977 | September 30, 1955 | Yes | Yes | |
| 1979 | The China Syndrome | Yes | Yes | |
| 1980 | Urban Cowboy | Yes | Yes | |
| 1984 | Mike's Murder | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 1985 | Perfect | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 1986 | Palimos ng pag-ibig | Yes | ||
| 1988 | Bright Lights, Big City | Yes | ||
| 1990 | White Hunter Black Heart | Yes |
TV writer
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1963 | The Great Adventure | Episode "Go Down, Moses" |
| 1963–1965 | The Alfred Hitchcock Hour | Episodes:
|
| 1969 | The Flim-Flam Man | TV movie |
| 1972 | When Michael Calls | |
| 1973 | Carola | |
| 1985 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents | Episode "An Unlocked Window" |
| 1978–1986 | The Paper Chase | Episodes "The Paper Chase" and "The Seating Chart" |
| 2007 | SineSerye | Episode "Palimos ng pag-ibig" |
Acting roles
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | Invasion of the Saucer Men | Bobby | |
| Johnny Trouble | Ike | [2][9] | |
| 1957–1958 | Dragnet | N/a | Episodes "The Big License Plates" and "The Big Hype" |
| 1958 | Mackenzie's Raiders | Private Lewis | Episode "Mackenzie's Raiders" |
| Flight | N/a | Episode "Experiment Oxygen" | |
| Shirley Temple's Storybook | N/a | Episode "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" | |
| Joy Ride | Dirk | ||
| 1964 | Tarzan And Jane Regained... Sort Of | Lord of the forest | Andy Warhol film |
| 1968 | Faces | Extra |
References
- ^ a b c "New York Times obituary". The New York Times. June 8, 1993. Retrieved August 29, 2015.
- ^ a b King, Susan (July 6, 2011). "Adventures with Bridges". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 14, 2012. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
- ^ Russell, Ron (June 7, 1993). "James Bridges; Director, Writer of 'China Syndrome'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
- ^ a b King, Susan (November 11, 1999). "Honoring James Bridges". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
Bridges, who died of cancer in 1993 at the age of 57.
- ^ King, Susan (July 6, 2011). "Adventures with Bridges". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
Jack Larson, who was Bridges' personal and professional partner from the late 1950s until Bridges' death from cancer in 1993 at age 57.
- ^ "Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture". encyclopediaofarkansas.net. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
- ^ "Variety obituary". variety.com. June 7, 1993. Retrieved August 29, 2015.
- ^ "James Bridges Theater". UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television. Archived from the original on February 28, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
- ^ Larson, Jack (12 August 2011). "DP/30: Jack Larson & James Bridges - A Hollywood Partnership (1 of 3)". DP/30: The Oral History Of Hollywood (Interview). Interviewed by David Poland. Archived from the original on 2021-12-14. Retrieved 28 August 2015.