We Remember James Mitchell

Posted January 22, 2010

James Mitchell, a 58-year AFTRA member best known for his recurring role as the tyrannical patriarch of Pine Valley, Palmer Cortlandt, on the AFTRA-covered daytime drama “All My Children,” passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Jan. 22. He was 89. 

In his youth, Mitchell trained as a dancer, starring in many plays and musicals choreographed by Broadway standard Agnes de Mille and danced in the American Ballet Theater. He also danced on the big screen in such classics as “Oklahoma,” “Band Wagon” and “The Turning Point.” Over their 20-year long creative partnership, Mitchell’s distinct style came to epitomize de Mille’s work.

At the time he was asked to play “Palmer,” Mitchell was teaching movement for actors at various universities including Julliard and Yale. Although the role was originally intended to last one year, Mitchell played “Palmer Cortlandt” for nearly three decades, appearing in more than 300 episodes of “All My Children” from 1979 to 2008. He returned on Jan. 5, 2010 for the 40th anniversary episode. Mitchell survived by his longtime partner, costume designer Albert Wolsky.

 

AFTRA Partners