James Westerfield

Biography

James A. Westerfield (March 22, 1913 – September 20, 1971) was a notable American actor celebrated for his contributions to stage, film, and television.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, to candy-maker Brasher Omier Westerfield and Dora Elizabeth Bailey, he spent his formative years in Detroit, Michigan. However, conflicting reports suggest he may have spent part of his childhood in Denver, Colorado, as noted in a 1949 article from The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, which referred to him as the son of a renowned producer-director.

Westerfield's passion for acting blossomed in the 1930s when he joined the esteemed Pasadena Community Playhouse, where he showcased his talent in numerous productions. He made his film debut in 1940 and later transitioned to Broadway, earning two New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards for his supporting performances in "The Madwoman of Chaillot" and "Detective Story." After returning to Hollywood, he featured in over 40 films, including classics like "The Magnificent Ambersons" (1942), "On the Waterfront" (1954), and "True Grit" (1969).

In addition to his film work, Westerfield was heavily involved in theater, directing over 50 musicals and serving as the original stage director for the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. He also made a mark on television with guest roles in shows such as "Perry Mason" and "The Andy Griffith Show."

Westerfield shared a close friendship with actor George Reeves during their time at the Pasadena Playhouse. He was married to actress Alice G. Fay, who, alongside his mother, survived him after his untimely death from a heart attack in Woodland Hills, California, at age 58.