James Bridges

James McKeen Bridges (February 3, 1936–June 6, 1993) was an American screenwriter, film director, producer, and actor. He was a two-time Oscar nominee: once for Best Original Screenplay for The China Syndrome and once for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Paper Chase.

Personal life

James McKeen Bridges was born on February 3, 1936, in Little Rock, Arkansas and grew up in Paris, Arkansas. (Some sources indicate he was born in Paris.) He was born to teenaged parents, Doy Eugene Bridges (1917–1989) and Mary Celestine (née McKeen) Bridges (1918–2002). His parents' marriage ended when Bridges was a youngster. His mother later married Melvin Floyd Wiggins and had a daughter, Mary Ann Wiggins. Bridges was nicknamed "Jimmy Mac" or "Jimmy Mack" by his schoolmates.[citation needed]

Bridges' life partner from 1958 until his death was actor, librettist, screenwriter, and producer Jack Larson.

Career

Bridges got his start as a writer for Alfred Hitchcock Presents after catching the attention of Norman Lloyd, a producer for the series. One of his episodes, "An Unlocked Window", earned him a 1966 Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Episode in a TV Series.

Bridges went on to write and direct a number of notable films, including The Baby Maker; The Paper Chase; September 30, 1955; The China Syndrome; Urban Cowboy; Mike's Murder; Perfect; and Bright Lights, Big City. Bridges was a mentor to actress Debra Winger.

Death

In 1990, Bridges was diagnosed with intestinal cancer, which he battled for three years. He died at the UCLA Medical Center on June 6, 1993, aged 57, with the immediate cause of death being kidney failure stemming from cancer. He was buried at Oakwood Cemetery in his hometown of Paris, Arkansas.

The James Bridges Theater at the University of California, Los Angeles was named in his honor in November 1999.

Filmography

Film

TV writer

Acting roles

External links

• atIMDb
• atFind a Grave