Actor and activist James Cromwell

James Cromwell, the 83-year-old character actor is known for memorable roles in "L.A. Confidential," "The Queen," "Succession," and his Oscar-nominated performance as Farmer Hoggett in "Babe," is also known for his activism, including protests against animal testing and a power plant. Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz visits with Cromwell to talk about playing opposite a pig, and gluing himself to a Starbucks counter to protest pricing.
#jamescromwell
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[@susanmarie2231]

Yes, I cried when Cromwell talked about the last line in “Babe” and how it affected him. Great personal insight.

[@kirkscobey3031]

That’ll do pig … that’ll do!

[@Nan-1017]

Me too, I really felt it 😢

[@unerevuese]

I did too.

[@BeeKeeper37]

His final line in the movie Babe… That’ll do,pig… Gets me every time.

[@Everettel]

Yes, it's a classic.

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

He can't be 83 already. I remember like it was yesterday when we finally saw the fabled "Stretch Cunningham" on "All in the Family" and he perfectly embodied the guy Archie had been talking about. That was his "breakout" role for me. Been watching him ever since.

[@Jakestar105]

Yup. I remember Stretch Cunningham. He was always telling Archie jokes.

[@lhart99]

James Cromwell is one of my favorite actors ever.

[@SteveBrant55]

What an incredible interview! I was not expecting him to hear his father acknowledging him at long last when he filmed that line. I suffered from zero acknowledgement from my father my entire life. His final words to me were "There's no greatness in you." Thank you, CBS Sunday Morning, for showing me that Mr. Cromwell was able to overcome that barrier through his work. That's what I'm doing now myself.

[@janetmaragus4884]

That must have been so difficult. I wish you well.

[@wpflesh6510]

No mention of Star Trek with his character literally being the catalyst for the entire franchise

[@spinlok3943]

I was just gonna say the same thing! Its easily one of his best roles.

[@lewstone5430]

Agreed!

[@hgurwiP]

Really weird that they never mentioned that, which could only be intentional because they mentioned far smaller television roles, but not his prominent role in Star Trek one of the most influential and enduring franchises of all time

[@elsaweber4323]

I had the good fortune to meet James and he’s truly an inspiration!

[@DuckYcounTryGurl3879]

They forgot to mention he was also in season 2 of American Horror Story. His role was super creepy and really good. I really loved him when I was a child watching the movie Babe anyway and that's how I knew of this actor in the first place.

[@jcstanley1835]

His character was my favourite

[@renafielding945]

Because I have five children and I love James Cromwell, I have probably seen Babe a hundred times.

[@DebSherr]

The man is a natural! He was awesome in BABE, but his performance in THE GREEN MILE was magnificent! A true artist never retires. Destiny is what it is!

[@jwelch5742]

James Cromwell won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for playing Arthur Arden in American Horror Story: Asylum.

[@carriemae6584]

Watch L.A. Confidential when you have the chance.

[@roccosophie6498]

Being able to act, doesn't excuse you from being an idiot. The man can entertain but he also, makes an abject fool of himself with his ignorant opinions!

[@JohnnyNiteTrain]

6:10 …he was protesting against the storage of fracking waste water next to Seneca Lake back in 2011-12. I love the causes he fights for. A decent man that cares about the environment.

[@LifenaDay525]

His environmental activism is just as impressive, if not more, than his wonderful body of work as an actor.

[@JohnnyNiteTrain]

@@LifenaDay525 right on

[@nicolehall694]

Thank you so much for this interview! Waking up and finding an interview done by Ben Mankiewicz with James Cromwell is a PERFECT Sunday for me! LA Confidential is my favorite film ever made in the history of cinema. And it's great to know Mr. Cromwell is such a good man. Again, thanks so much for this!

[@Nan-1017]

@Coogan oh man…why you have to be so rude? Nicole was just sharing HER opinion 🤦‍♀️

[@carolemalezija1816]

One of my all time favorite actors ❤

[@madhabitz]

I love this guy -- what a treat to actually see him being interviewed. Cromwell adds a richness to anything he does -- in fact, he's one of a handful of actors whose TV shows and movies I will always watch if I see he is in them.

[@jwelch5742]

James Cromwell won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for playing Arthur Arden in American Horror Story: Asylum.

[@lynnyhen]

What an actor, what a life!!

[@pohanahawaii]

😻 James Cromwell!!! 🙏 Thank you for your great, diverse body of work from TV (American Horror Story: Asylum) to movies (LA Confidential, Babe 🐖) as well as your compassionate activism for animals 🐾 and the planet 🌎!

[@edwardwilliams2438]

Tall,sincere and very talented. We need more humane advocates in todays society. Nice to observe an artist without pretense. For his mileage he looks very good...."Jamie" keep up the great work.

[@ellie-tk4jy]

Why add tall? Is that a virtue?

[@albardo08]

I loved the movie Babe, and was very touched by that last scene.

[@valeriekennedy2757]

Legend. When James Cromwell shows up on screen, the temperature changes. Period.

[@ICME822]

Very touching and real story

[@Everettel]

As a vegan of course James Cromwell is my all-time favorite actor, any project he's in I watch.😁

[@coastalseasider4634]

Same for this vegetarian. 💞

[@tiffanyrice8594]

I’m not but he is a beautiful man person. I love that he is present in the moment when he does things 👍🥹

[@Inbraneinthememsane]

Figured - lowlifes like lowlifes

[@MultiSalkoo]

@@Inbraneinthememsanewhat a strange thing to say

[@Happyharold666]

He’s SO DAMN GOOD. Adore him.

[@steveconn]

Babe! Great guy (and alcoholic inventor of the Warp coil). Long live James!

[@amps8687]

Thank you for sharing this interview with James Cromwell......a fantastic actor. Glad he isn't finished!

[@1JamesMayToGoPlease]

Cromwell is a mighty fine man, in my opinion, because of his animal rights activism and his being a vegan.

[@coastalseasider4634]

Hear, hear❣️

[@JoseMorales-lw5nt]

Here's to you, Mr. Cromwell. The Black Panthers knew well to seek help from you when you put your heart on the line. For those wondering about his connection to those fearless men, do your own research.

[@tolykozin]

Babe was such a a great film, will be remembered for as long as compassion and kindness continues to live and thrive in the hearts of men and women the world over!

[@kryptonianpowers]

I heard he actually converted to being a vegan after working on the movie.

[@VEGANSAM]

This is a great & kind man...& all sentient beings are thankful of his existence.

[@giterdun77]

He is a giant of his craft, pun well intended. His skills are incredible, and graduate level courses could teach screen acting simply based on Cromwell as case study.

[@philipciaffa6643]

Consummate corruption in LA Confidential. Watching the life drain out of Kevin Spacey's eyes was a jarring scene and my lasting memory of his performance. A great interview! That'll do, Mister Cromwell!

[@angelaholmes8888]

Loved him in babe 💙💙

[@dirkdiggler2052]

Pork is done a verb, because that is what communist like Cromwell try to do to real Americans.

[@jamesoraltheacatlett1258]

I have loved a lot of his smaller roles...even miniscule ones, as well...like in "Star Trek First Contact;" and, in "Deep Impact." ~ Althea

[@mililaniman]

I love Cromwell's performances in The Green Mile and Babe.

[@mark11967AD]

This guy makes every movie he’s in so much better LA Confidential and Green Mile he was terrific and in Babe just tremendous. Terrific character presence. Thanks for the great entertainment James.

[@dre-p3058]

He also played in i-robot

[@dominique217]

Nice interview. Thanks for it.

[@47imagine]

Kind of miffed there's no mention of him in Star Trek: First Contact. He was great in that.

[@Dogdad3902]

He’s such a great actor and in my opinion is not recognized enough for his talent. Love his movies and shows. Watching I-Robot right now on FX. Great movie.

[@grammamellow1219]

That'll do. Babe. One of my favorite movies. This man is a Giant tree of a man. Wow, he is tall. Such a gentle way about him.

[@richardnogalez8772]

He's a nice man♥️

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing this nice actor!!!

[@zombiecow1909]

He's the best!!!

[@boogletz]

I love him! Everything he does!!!

[@106andie]

Love him in everything, especially The General’s Daughter and Recently in Succession, and we shouldn’t pay extra for nondairy milk 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@valeriesmith5780]

Thank you for posting this.

[@redbarchetta8782]

One of my favorite character actors.

[@lesliecurran1704]

I love James Cromwell. I cannot tell you how much I think he is just an amazing human being.

[@simplylivesimply4612]

I just finished a rewatch of "Six Feet Under" and loved him in that. "ER", too. Great actor & married to one of my favorite soap actresses, Anna Stuart.

[@maggiechan33]

I love "Babe"; for quite a while after seeing that sweet movie, I abstained from pork - I have relapsed. Kudos to Mr Cromwell for his activism + acting.

[@elizaheathen]

highly recommend everyone watch his 2012 film, "Sill Mine" -- it's wonderful

[@Slopmaster]

I loved him in “Counterpart”

[@Nyx773]

Not one mention of Star Trek 😒🖖 But he'll always be Stretch Cunningham to me.

[@keannajefferson659]

I didn't know that was him in all in the family 🤣🤣

[@alicecroll9195]

Iconic actor

[@alicecroll9195]

BEN is a top notch yet low key interviewer.

[@JoshMaxPower]

Stretch Cunningham alone would have cemented this man's place in pop culture history ! Thanks for the years of entertainment. 👍👍👍👍

[@nydiagonzalez4648]

Great actor!!!

[@MoniqueFromPlymouth]

I worked at the professional theatre company James Cromwell founded when he was a young man: StageWest in Springfield, Massachusetts. I am sadly one of the last employees. Weeks before StageWest closed its doors in 1998, I asked the artistic director if she was going to inform Cromwell that the company will be no more, so he does not think it is still running many years after he moved on. She said she did reach out to his agency with that message. I do not know if he ever got that message. I would love to meet him in person someday and see his reaction after telling him who I am (as you read about me earlier)!

[@laylaali5977]

James is a great actor

[@gusgus8134]

Six Feet Under... brilliant.

[@philipmancera2505]

The Green Mile (1999).

[@PerfectoKiss]

I appreciate his animal activism.

[@user-bd9qx7qf2f]

I first saw him as Harve Miller on Little House on the Prairie. He played Almanzo's friend from Sleepy Eye who he worked with and Almanzo's sister Eliza Jane fell for him hard, but it never worked out. Then later saw him in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation and later played Zephram Cockrane in Star Trek: First Contact.

[@lliamjurdom9505]

I loved Babe !!!! And Cromwell well done !!!!!

[@lewstone5430]

He was great in LA Confidential!

[@17moonbeams]

Saturday 10th February 2024. James Cromwell will always be Farmer Hoggett to me. I love Babe. Take care! ❤ Virginia Clark

[@bringiton5282]

He reminds me of Max Von Sydow and Charles Dance, towering brooding handsome men.

[@dorothyanderson8124]

I remember him as Stretch Cunningham on All In The Family

[@AileenTimmers-kz8rb]

Jamie is a very underated actor. Should have received best supporting actor Oscars for "La Confidental". "The Generals Daughter."

[@ALNOE_]

I know him from the movie "Owd Bob". I loved that movie when I was younger and still do. He was great in it. Played a grandfather. I won't spoil it incase you haven't watched it. However it is an amazing movie. Though the only way to watch it currently is on DVD. As it ain't on any streaming services. I don't even think it's on blu ray. Though the DVD release price is going up to. I looked the other day and it's like 35 on ebay sealed. Only one listed too. Also gotta watch as it will only work on region 1 DVD players. Only you can get around it is by using a computer and using either a built in DVD or external DVD drive. Using VLC will give you results.

[@timbuk1126]

Who remembers him as Stretch Cunningham on All in the Family?

[@pamwilkinson3751]

Loved that movie!!!

[@livaningo]

I never realized he was stretch cunningham!

[@quanmcwil402]

He’s the best

[@cocoaorange1]

Babe is a sweet movie.

[@mickylawless1941]

Loved him in Hot L Baltimore.

[@jcstanley1835]

I loved his character as Dr Arden in American Horror Story asylum

[@MACBoricua]

It’s a shame that I haven’t seen him acting lately; shame on me: He is definitely one of the mayor actors of our generation and, already transcend it to this generation…. His presence on camera is superb…. Space Cowboys, with Eastwood, Sutherland and Lee Jones, may have become underestimated but he simply delivers!

[@clipp7777]

I love this man.

[@benitomichel471]

Great piece. Probably the tallest actor ever nominated for an Oscar, Can anyone confirm?

[@johnshafer7214]

He was in Star Trek First Contact.

[@Springbok314]

Mr. Cromwell was also fantastic as the mythical Zefram Cochran, the father of warp drive, in Star Trek First Contact.

[@vegfr]

❤❤❤

[@mayling141]

Big fan of the guy🤩

[@michelemartin5262]

I love him

[@surewhynot6040]

Starbucks thanks you for the free PR

[@tomloft2000]

I just saw him on MASH last night. he played BJ's practical joking friend.

[@cleekmaker00]

James Cromwell will always have a place in History, for he portrayed the first Human to develop Warp Drive, Zefram Cochrane. 🖖🙂

[@randomhuman19]

LAC and W. Brilliant.

[@kirkscobey3031]

I’d like to see him and Christopher Heyerdahl do something together as villains!!!

[@ritacal557]

He was chilling in LA Confidential.

[@edwardabrams4972]

Great actor! Great movies! A natural actor! His dad was definitely wrong on his acting!

[@Indomita506]

I remember wanted to he be my grandad and make me a doll house like in the movie

[@ignatiusjk]

He will always be Stretch Cunningham to me.

[@ramiyazje]

Respect

[@maryjordan7724]

Good actor. Glued his hand to a counter as part of a protest at age 83 ? Proof that wisdom doesn't necessarily come with age. Lol.

[@seanshortall3983]

Stretch Cunningham

[@woodenbeast9337]

I think Babe the Piggy saved this poor soul of a man from his mean Daddy

[@ellie-tk4jy]

I want to live with him.

[@JoeCroninSHOW]

No mention of Star Trek damn

[@marymitchell8625]

He was the English maid's son in Maude, and I thought he was really English!

[@ConservativeAnthem]

Hmmm...we really need some actor advocates!