Introduction
James Mason was an iconic British actor who starred in numerous critically acclaimed movies and TV shows. He was known for his reputation as a versatile actor and his ability to adapt to different roles. However, there are many fascinating facts about James Mason that most people don’t know. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at ten surprising facts about James Mason that will leave you amazed.
1. Mason was a WW2 Volunteer
James Mason was born in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, in 1909. During the Second World War, he served as a volunteer in the British Army. Mason served in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. After he was discharged from the Navy, he developed an interest in acting.
2. He was an Artist and Sculptor
Apart from acting, James Mason was also an artist and a sculptor. He loved painting portraits and landscapes. His work was exhibited in several galleries across London. Some of his sculptures are also on display in various museums in the UK.
3. Mason was a Vocal Proponent of Animal Rights
James Mason was also a strong advocate for animal rights. He was a vegetarian and believed that animals should be treated with kindness and respect. He supported several animal welfare organizations and even became a patron of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).
4. Mason was nominated for Three Academy Awards
James Mason was nominated for three Academy Awards during his career. He was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 1955, 1959, and 1966. Despite not winning any of these awards, he was widely recognized as one of the best actors of his time.
5. He refused to Sign Long-Term Contracts
James Mason was known for his refusal to sign long-term contracts with movie studios. He preferred to work on one project at a time and believed that his independence gave him greater artistic freedom. However, this often meant that he missed out on lead roles in major productions.
6. He was a Progressive Thinker
James Mason was always ahead of his time when it came to social issues. He spoke out against racism and discrimination and believed in equality for all. He was a supporter of the civil rights movement and actively campaigned against apartheid in South Africa.
7. Mason was a Fluent French Speaker
James Mason was fluent in French and often acted in French-language films. He had a great love for the French culture and was known to spend long periods of time in France. He also spoke German and Spanish fluently.
8. He had a Passion for Gardening
In addition to his love for art and sculpture, James Mason was also a keen gardener. He spent hours in his garden planting and tending to his flowers and vegetables. He often shared his gardening tips and advice with his friends and neighbors.
FAQs:
1. Was James Mason married?
Yes, he was married twice. His first marriage was to Pamela Mason, with whom he had two children. After his divorce from Pamela, he married Clarissa Kaye, with whom he remained married until his death.
2. Did James Mason win any major awards?
Although he was nominated for several major awards, James Mason only won one Golden Globe award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama in 1955.
3. What was James Mason’s first film?
James Mason’s first film was “Late Extra,” released in 1935.
4. Was James Mason ever considered for the role of James Bond?
Yes, Mason was considered for the role of James Bond in the early days of the franchise. However, he declined the offer, and the role eventually went to Sean Connery.
5. What was James Mason’s net worth?
At the time of his death, James Mason’s net worth was estimated to be around $1.8 million.
6. Was James Mason ever knighted?
No, James Mason was never knighted.
7. What was James Mason’s favorite role?
James Mason considered his role in the movie “A Star is Born” to be his favorite.
Conclusion
James Mason was a truly remarkable actor with a rich and diverse life. From his love of art and animals to his passion for French culture and gardening, Mason had many surprising aspects to his character. He was an actor who constantly pushed the boundaries of his craft and became an icon of the British film industry. These ten surprising facts about James Mason are sure to leave you with even more respect for one of the greatest actors of the 20th century.