James Broderick
A character actor whose grounded, everyman presence brought depth to roles in seminal 1970s films and television.
1927–1982 (age 55)·American actor·Birthday: March 7·The Greatest Generation
Biography
James Broderick possessed a quiet, intelligent authenticity that made him a perfect foil in the tense cinema of the 1970s. He is perhaps best remembered as the bank manager held hostage in Sidney Lumet's 'Dog Day Afternoon,' where his understated panic provided a crucial moral center. On television, he found wider fame as the thoughtful father Doug Lawrence in the drama 'Family,' a role that earned him an Emmy nomination and showcased his ability to convey deep emotion with subtlety. His career was built on reliability and nuance rather than flash, making him a trusted presence on stage, screen, and in a recurring role on 'The Waltons.' His untimely death from cancer cut short a career defined by its quiet strength.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
James was born in 1927, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When James Was Born
The biggest hits of 1927
#1 Movie
Wings
James's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1927Born
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1932Started school
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1940Became a teenager
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Could drive
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1945Could vote
WWII ends; atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $4,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Sentimental Journey" — Les Brown & Doris DayBest Picture: The Lost Weekend
1948Turned 21
Israel declares independence; Berlin Blockade begins
Gas: $0.26/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Twelfth Street Rag" — Pee Wee HuntBest Picture: Hamlet
1957Turned 30
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 40
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 50
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1982Died at 55
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
Key Achievements
- Received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role in 'Family.'
- Delivered a pivotal performance as the bank manager in the classic film 'Dog Day Afternoon.'
- Starred as patriarch Doug Lawrence in the acclaimed television drama 'Family' from 1976 to 1980.
- Had a recurring role as Mr. MacKintosh on the popular series 'The Waltons.'
Did You Know?
He was the father of actor Matthew Broderick.
Broderick served in the United States Navy during World War II.
He was a dedicated stage actor, performing in numerous Broadway and off-Broadway productions.
He attended the University of New Hampshire on a football scholarship.
“Just tell the truth, and the camera will find it.”
