James Allen Whitmore, Jr. passed away on February 6, 2009. He was 87 years old. Whitmore was born on October 1, 1921 in White Plains, New York. He graduated from Yale University and was a member of the Skull and Bones (George Bush and John Kerry were both members). He served in the Marine Corps during World War II.

Whitmore appeared on Broadway following World War II and quickly went to film. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in his firs major picture – Battleground – with Spencer Tracy. Other major films included The Asphalt Jungle, The Next Voice You Hear, Above and Beyond, Kiss Me, Kate, Them!, Oklahoma!, Black Like Me, Guns of the Magnificent Seven, Tora! Tora! Tora!, and Give ‘em Hell, Harry!, for which he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of former U.S. President Harry S Truman.

In the 1960s, Whitmore began his foray into television. He appeared in the series The Law and Mr. Jones and guest starred on other shows.

Whitmore’s last major role was as the librarian Brooks Hatlen in the The Shawshank Redemption. He was a long term spokesperson for Miracle Gro.

Whitmore was married four times. Twice to Nancy Mygatt with whom he had three sons. He spent most of his later summers in New Hampshire performing with the Peterborough Players. He was diagnosed with with lung cancer in November 2008.