Joseph Cheshire Cotten Jr. was an American film, stage, radio and television actor. Cotten achieved prominence on Broadway, starring in the original stage productions of The Philadelphia Story and Sabrina Fair.
Joseph Cotten was an American actor who was born on May 15, 1905, in Petersburg, Virginia, and passed away on February 6, 1994, in Westwood, Los Angeles, California. He had a successful career in film, theater, and television. Here are some key points about Joseph Cotten:1. Early Life: Joseph Cotten was raised in Petersburg, Virginia, and attended the Hickman School of Expression in Washington, D.C., where he developed an interest in acting.2. Career in Theater: Cotten initially pursued a career in theater and worked with the prestigious New York Theatre Guild. He gained recognition for his performances on Broadway.3. Film Career: Joseph Cotten made his film debut in the Orson Welles-directed film “Citizen Kane” (1941), in which he played the role of Jedediah Leland, a close friend of the main character, Charles Foster Kane. The film is considered a classic and one of the greatest films ever made.4. Collaboration with Orson Welles: Cotten had a close working relationship with Orson Welles and appeared in several of his films, including “The Magnificent Ambersons” (1942) and “Journey into Fear” (1943). Their collaboration was notable in the world of cinema.5. Other Notable Films: In addition to his work with Welles, Joseph Cotten appeared in various other films, such as “Shadow of a Doubt” (1943), directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and “Gaslight” (1944), co-starring Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer.6. Television Career: Cotten also had a successful career on television, appearing in various shows and TV movies during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.7. Later Career: In the later years of his career, Cotten continued to act in both film and television, appearing in projects like “The Abominable Dr. Phibes” (1971) and “Airport ’77” (1977).8. Personal Life: Joseph Cotten was married twice and had three children. He was known for his distinctive voice and his ability to portray a wide range of characters.9. Legacy: Joseph Cotten is remembered as a versatile actor who made significant contributions to both American theater and cinema. His work with Orson Welles, in particular, left a lasting impact on the film industry.Joseph Cotten’s career spanned several decades, and he left a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment. His performances in classic films like “Citizen Kane” continue to be celebrated by film enthusiasts and critics alike.