James Mason was an English actor widely recognized for his contribution to the film industry in the 20th century.

He made his acting debut in the year 1931 and starred in numerous films and TV shows throughout his lifetime. Some of his notable film works are The Seventh Veil, The Wicked Lady, Odd Man Out, Lolita, Heaven Can Wait, The Verdict, and others.

A Short Biography & Personal Details of James Mason

James Neville Mason was born on 15th May 1909 in Huddersfield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England to Mabel Hattersley and John Mason. He held an English nationality and came from white ethnic descent.

He went and graduated from Marlborough College. While in the university, he earned a first in Architecture at Peterhouse, Cambridge where he became involved in stock theatre companies.

How Rich Was Mason?

According to various online sources, James was estimated to own a net worth at around $500k to $1 million at the time of his death.

He earned his fortune from his successful career as an actor. Mason contributed 53 years of his life to acting.

He reportedly lived in Hedgesville, Berkeley County, West Virginia where he owned a two-story house that was built in 1809.

Career Highlights

Mason made his stage debut in The Rascal in 1931 in Aldershot. He then joined the Old Vic theatre and appeared in The Cherry Orchard, Henry VII, Mesure for Measure, and more.

In 1937, Mason played a key support role in Korda’s Fire Over England along with Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh. Similarly, he starred in The High Command starring Lionel Atwill and Lucie Mannheim.

In the 1940s, he became popular for his brooding anti-heroes in the Gainsborough series of melodramas. In 1943-44, he starred in two war dramas They Met in the Dark and Candlelight in Algeria.

Some of his notable 20th-century film works are 5 Fingers, The Prisoner of Zenda, The Desert Rats, A Star Is Born, Forever, Darling, and many more.

In 1949, he appeared as Dr. Larry Quinada in his first Hollywood film Caught alongside Barbara Bel Geddes and Robert Ryan.

As a narrator, he narrated the documentary The London Nobody Knows, Kevin Brownlow: Hollywood, Unknown Chaplin, and more.

During the final stage of his life, he starred in Dr. Fischer of Geneva, The Shooting Party, A.D., and The Assisi Underground.

Who Was He Married To? Wife, Children

The late actor was married twice in his life. He was first married to Pamela Mason who is a British actress. The couple got married on 22nd February 1941 and were together until 31st August 1964. They shared two children Portland Mason Schuyler and Morgan Mason.

He then married actress Clarissa Kaye-Mason on 13th August 1971. They were married until his death on 27th July 1984.

 How Did Mason Die? 

James passed away at the age of 75 on 27th July 1984 in Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland due to a heart attack. His ashes were left to Sathya Sai Baba by his wife after her death on 21st July 1994.

James’ children retrieved his ashes from Sathya Sai after suing him and were scattered in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland alongside his friend Charlie Chaplin’s grave.

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