'All My Children' Star James Mitchell Dies

By PopEater / Wire Services Posted Jan 25th 2010 07:21AM

Soap opera star James Mitchell, who for 30 years entertained 'All My Children' fans as tycoon Palmer Cortlandt on the popular ABC daytime show, has passed away at the age of 89. Mitchell died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which was complicated by a bout of pneumonia, his longtime partner Albert Wolsky said. Watch 'AMC' Mitchell Clips Below:

Mitchell's career spanned more than just 'All My Children.' He was an accomplished dancer and stage actor, with leading roles in hit Broadway shows like 'Paint Your Wagon' and Carousel.'

Mitchell was last seen on 'AMC' for the show's 40th anniversary episode on January 5. He first joined the cast all the way back in 1979. Mitchell was nominated for seven Daytime Emmy Awards for the role, but never took home a trophy.

Mitchell enjoyed playing the icy, wealthy Palmer, who wielded power over his children and the show's fictional town of Pine Valley.

"He loved playing mean," Wolsky said. "A soap gives an actor a chance to develop something because it goes on for so long."

Born in Sacramento in 1920 and trained as a dancer, Mitchell had leading roles in the Broadway musicals "Brigadoon" and "Paint Your Wagon," and danced on stage with the American Ballet Theater.

His film credits include 1953's "The Band Wagon" with Fred Astaire, 1954's "Deep in My Heart" and 1955's "Oklahoma!"

Mitchell also taught movement for actors at Yale University and Drake University, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate.

Funeral plans were pending.

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Comments

(94)

Monday 25 January

By ms.r

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oh palmer we shall miss you rip

By Trishia

We will truely miss Palmer....what will Adam do without his arch enemy???

By Teresa P

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Agreed, I'll miss you Palmer. One of the most enjoyable feuds- Palmer and Adam. James M. bravo to your life and portrayal of Palmer/Pete Cooney.... he was an original..

By cathy rohrscheib

'oh Palmer we shall miss you rip

By MaryLynn Tillery

I can not tell you how saddend I am to find out of Palmer's death. I watched him on many different shows. I will continue to be a fan of his talent and work. Rest in peace.

By LB

Loved watching "Palmer" throughout the '80's when I was in high school. I will miss his wit and sarcasm.

By SWOODS

Very saddened about "Palmer'S" death. I have watched AMC since it started. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Wolsky.

By Cheryl

Oh That's too bad Palmer was one of my favorite people on all my children. I loved his attitude on it. I Do and Will miss you every time I see the show.

By jktejas

There is a stunning film clip of James Mitchell and Cyd Charisse dancing on YouTube. They were both so young and beautiful. Check it out.

By RitaFz

That clip is from the movie "Deep in My Heart" I first saw that clip in a film called "That's Dancing" It was a collection many dance segments from the MGM films.
I wanted to know what film it was from, so I wrote a note to James and he wrote me back. Not a form letter a hand written letter. He told me what film that clip came from.
I will treasure that letter.
Rita

By Fredi

Thanks for the information. I couldn't remember what the film was!

By Prissy

Palmer/James was my step uncle,he was a nice man and a generous person he will be missed.God bless you Albert..
Forever yours
Miss Priss

By Natalie

To Miss Priss,

If we the public loved James/Palmer as much as we do I can only imagine the loss you feel. He was a wonderful entertainer and for 30 years helped me for an hour a day to focus on the shows problems rather than my own. He will be missed as well as his talents, my most sincere condolences to you, Albert and everyone else who loved him!!!

By jasmine

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I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.IT IS NEVER EASY .

By Mandi P

My condolences to you and your family as this was a very talented actor in the traditional sense, as well as a beloved Soap Opera pilar for decades. He will be greatly missed as he has been a beacon of talent all these years for our enjoyment and entertainment. R.I.P. Sir James...

By margie abell

Palmer gone? what will Opal do now...RIP my old friend...you will be missed......

By Susan

My deepest condolences to his family. I don't watch soaps anymore but did watch AMC for years. He was always a main character and I always enjoyed his storylines. He will be missed.

By Lylegarden

I was saddened to see that our old friend, Palmer, had died. Yes, I DO wonder what Opal will do now, she has ALWAYS loved Palmer even if they were not together and she tried to deny how much she cared. He was a classy and genteel, though sarcastic and gruff, character and I will miss him.

By Sylvia Lucas

Thank-you for many years of great entertainment.

By francquie

how sad that james mitchell has passed....i met him years ago at a book signing, and he was the nicest sweetest person...that dance seen from oklahoma??? priceless.....and he so loved to dance.....thank you albert for sharing him with us for so many years....i wish you and the rest of the family peace...

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