James Coburn Biography
Born: August 31, 1928
Date of Birth: August 31, 1928
Born in Laurel, Nebraska, the son of an auto mechanic, Coburn started playing the tough guy in the 1960s. After working in television, he made his debut as a supporting actor in Ride Lonesome, which launched his appearance in a number of well-known movies, including The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape, Charade, The Americanization of Emily, The President's Analyst and the spy spoof, Our Man Flint. With his trademark slouch and casual grin, Coburn soon came to be regarded by fans and critics as the best part of many films.
Coburn starred as Pat Garret in Sam Peckinpah's Pat Garret and Billy the Kid, a film over which the director and studio had such a falling out that Peckinpah tried to withdraw his name from the credits. The film also featured Kris Kristofferson and Bob Dylan, who, in addition, composed the soundtrack. In spite of the director's violent dislike of the final edit, Coburn's performance as a sheriff thrust into an unwanted confrontation, was hailed as a brilliant insight into an aging man-of-action.
Coburn's longevity on the screen can be attributed to his unique ability to interpret the public's current taste for heroes, whether they be wisemen or wiseacres.