Born in Los Angeles but raised in Manhattan and educated at Middlebury College and Carnegie-Mellon University, James Cromwell is the son of film director
John Cromwell and actress
Kay Johnson. He studied acting at Carnegie-Mellon, and went into the theatre (like his parents) doing everything from Shakespeare to experimental plays. He started appearing on television in 1974, gaining some notice in a recurring role as Archie Bunker's friend Stretch Cunningham on
All in the Family (1971), made his film debut in 1976, and goes back to the stage periodically. Some of his more noted film roles have been in
Revenge of the Nerds (1984),
Star Trek: First Contact (1996) and the surprise classic about a charming pig,
Babe (1995). He garnered some of the best reviews of his career (many of which said he should have received an Oscar) for his role as a corrupt, conniving police captain in
L.A. Confidential (1997).
Voices of Hope ~ Words of Wisdom by Ram Dass(2026)as Narrator
Get Lost(2026)as Frederick, Red King
Living with a Visionary(2026)
Bat-Fam(2025)as Alfred
Voices of Hope ~ Words of Wisdom by Marlon Brando(2025)as Narrator
Mondo Hollywoodland(2019)
Running for Good: The Fiona Oakes Documentary(2018)
Imminent Threat(2015)
A Lonely Place for Dying(2009)
Walking the Mile (Director's Cut)(2014)
Call the Usual Suspects: The Craft of the Character Actor(2006)
Lesson Before Love(2011)
Six Feet Under(2001)
Babe(1995)
Easy Street(1986)
Night Court(1984)
The Thread(2024)as Self
The Hope PSA(2023)as Self
Succession Podcast(2020)as Self - Guest
CBS News Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley(1979)as Self - Guest
Starring Dick Van Dyke(2025)as Self
The Benny Show(2021)as Self
Minty Comedic Arts(2015)as Self
Movie Night Extravaganza(2021)as Self
Black Conservative Perspective(2019)as Self