James Broderick facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Broderick
Broderick in 1959
Born	James Joseph Broderick III (1927-03-07)March 7, 1927 Charlestown, New Hampshire, U.S.
Died	November 1, 1982(1982-11-01) (aged 55) New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1950–1982
Spouse(s)	Patricia Biow ​ (m. 1949)​
Children	3, including Matthew Broderick

James Joseph Broderick III (born March 7, 1927 – died November 1, 1982) was an American actor. He was famous for playing Doug Lawrence in the TV show Family from 1976 to 1980. He also had an important role in the 1975 movie Dog Day Afternoon.

Early Life and Education

James Broderick was born in Charlestown, New Hampshire. His parents were Mary Elizabeth and James Joseph Broderick II. His father was a decorated soldier from World War I. James was raised in the Catholic faith. His family had roots in both Ireland and England.

James went to Manchester High School Central. After high school, he studied pre-medical courses at the University of New Hampshire for two years. In 1945, he joined the Navy. He worked as a pharmacist mate, which meant he helped with medical tasks.

Starting His Acting Career

In 1947, James Broderick went back to college. He tried out for a play called Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw. The director, J. Donald Batcheller, was very impressed. He gave James the main role of Bluntschli.

Batcheller saw James's special talent. He told James to go to New York City. There, James met Batcheller's friend, actor Arthur Kennedy. Kennedy then suggested James attend the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. This school helped James get the training he needed for a successful acting career.

Acting on Stage and Screen

James Broderick performed in many plays on Broadway. Some of his notable stage roles include The Time of Your Life in 1969 and Johnny No-Trump in 1967.

Television Roles

Broderick starred in the CBS TV series Brenner. He played Officer Ernie Brenner in this show. He is best known for his role as Doug Lawrence in the TV show Family. This popular show ran from 1976 to 1980. James also directed some episodes of Family.

In 1978, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for his acting in Family. He also appeared in an episode of The Twilight Zone called "On Thursday We Leave for Home". He played Ralph Parker's father, "the Old Man," in some Public Television shows by Jean Shepherd. Later, his own son, Matthew Broderick, played an adult Ralphie in a live TV musical of A Christmas Story.

Film Appearances

James Broderick also had many important roles in movies. In the 1969 film Alice's Restaurant, he played Ray Brock. He was the subway train driver in The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974). He also played FBI agent Sheldon in the 1975 movie Dog Day Afternoon. Another role was Joe in The Shadow Box (1980), directed by Paul Newman.

Personal Life

James Broderick was married to Patricia Broderick, who was a playwright and painter. They had three children together. Their son, Matthew Broderick, also became a famous actor. They also had two daughters, Martha and Janet.

Death

James Broderick passed away on November 1, 1982. He was 55 years old. He died in New Haven, Connecticut, from thyroid cancer.

Selected filmography

See also

In Spanish: James Broderick para niños