News and Notes

Commentary From the Editors

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Tall, Kindly, Corrupt Farmer-Cop Turns 70

James Cromwell, who played kindly Farmer Hoggett in the 1995 movie Babe -- and not-so-kindly Police Captain Smith in LA Confidential (1997) -- was born on this day in 1940.

What a fascinating career he's had. His height (6' 7") hasn't kept Cromwell from playing a variety of real-life characters, from Britain's Prince Philip (in The Queen, 2006) to George Bush the elder (in W, 2008).

He was a pretty good physical match for Bush, who was often described as "lanky" -- although Cromwell had 5 inches on the actual 6' 2" president.

Cromwell also likes fun T-shirts, it seems.

He's not done with the real-life characters, either. The IMDB says that later this year he'll play Pius XII -- the controversial World War II-era pope.

More photos of James Cromwell >>

Credit: Daniel Padilla (top); photos supplied by WENN.

Labels: George Bush, James Cromwell, Landmark Birthdays, Prince Philip