James Mitchell, 1920-2010
We have sad news to report. James Mitchell, who played Palmer Cortlandt on All My Children since 1979, has passed away. He was 89.
James joined the cast of AMC in 1979 as controlling, manipulative millionaire Palmer Cortlandt. Palmer's rivalry with Adam Chandler, unconventional (and charming) relationships with wives Daisy and Opal, and his omnipresent (some would say suffocating) control over his daughter Nina's love life (how Palmer hated Cliff Warner!) provided fodder for some of AMC's richest stories.
James was born and raised in Sacramento, CA. He starred in a number of Broadway musicals, including Brigadoon, Carnival, Carousel and Billion Dollar Baby, among many others. Co-stars over the years included Carol Lawrence, Chita Rivera, and future AMC co-star Frances Heflin (Mona). On film, James starred in The Turning Point with Anne Bancroft, The Bandwagon with Fred Astaire, and Oklahoma! James was an accomplished dancer, who worked with esteemed choreographers like Agnes de Mille and Jerome Robbins. He also taught movement to actors, including a stint teaching at Yale.
James appeared less frequently on All My Children in the last few years, but made his final onscreen appearance on January 5th, for the show's 40th anniversary.
The show has confirmed they will acknowledge his passing in the show, but the details remain TBD.
Goodbye, James ... You were so good at being bad -- and in doing so, brought joy to millions of people for over 30 years. That will not soon be forgotten. Rest in peace.
PHOTO: ABC
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Comments (71)
I agree with everyone, it's sad to here of the passing of "Palmer" R.I.P and u will surely be missed.
Very sad to hear that "Palmer" has passed. I grew up watching AMC with my mom, and have continued to watch. He will be missed. I hope AMC will give him the service that he deserves. Nothing short & sweet, But something like bring back some of the old friends & family, Nina, cliff, daisy, chuck, donna, and many many more. I'm sure he would be very honor of all of his AMC family and old friends from AMC to honor him with a service that everyone would remember for a long time, After all he has been apart of the AMC family since 1979, He does deserve that. my prayers goes out to his family and also to the AMC family because i know from working with people especially that long they become your family as well. To the cast of AMC my prayers are with you. "Palmer" you will be missed. Love the AMC family
Love Ya Palmer U surely will be missed.
RIP
You will be missed.
RIP "Palmer" Hope that you are remembered with love and respect! Have been watching my whole life....so sad to hear the news.
GODBYE "PALMER". YOU'LL ALWAYS BE LOVED
They got rid of all the Gay characters on AMC and now that one of the actors that was gay has died they don't even mention it.
Yeah, like they did for Myrtle and like One Life to Live did for Asa. It truly saddens my heart to hear when a long time actor or actress from the soaps I watch passes away. I've watched All My Children from the very beginning when I was in the 6th grade and we were out for mid-term test!
Snow....don't get your granny panties in a knot dear. It has been written and announced several times since James died that AMC WILL BE DOING a special segment acknowledging "Palmer's" death. Don't go badmouthing the soap when you really don't know what it is you are saying. Geesh ...take a chill pill gal!
so sorry to hear of james passing, he will be missed. I wonder if they will bring daisy on for the special episode I hope so...