James Whitmore was an American actor born on April 1, 1921, in White Plains, New York. He gained fame for his versatile performances in film, television, and theater. Whitmore is best known for his roles in movies like The Shawshank Redemption and Give 'Em Hell, Harry!, the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination. Throughout his career, Whitmore received numerous accolades, including a Tony Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He was also recognized for his work in television, appearing in popular series such as The Twilight Zone. Whitmore passed away on February 6, 2015, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.