Who Is Joseph Cotten? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Joseph Cotten was born on May 15, 1905, in Petersburg, Virginia, and passed away on April 6, 1994. He became a prominent figure in American cinema, especially through his roles in classic films like Citizen Kane and The Third Man. With a career spanning five decades, Cotten is remembered for his distinctive voice and dynamic presence on screen. He transitioned from stage to film with remarkable ease and brought depth to various characters, making him a celebrated actor of his time.
At the time of his passing in 1994, Cotten was 88 years old, and his contributions to the film industry continue to be revered in the cinematic community.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 15, 1905 |
| Age | 88 Years |
| Birth Place | Petersburg, Virginia, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 6 February, 1994 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Joseph Cotten's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Joseph Cotten stood at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall and maintained a weight of around 180 lbs (82 kg) throughout much of his life. Known for his charm and sophistication, Cotten carried himself with an elegance that complemented his acting style. His distinct features and commanding presence contributed significantly to his success as an actor.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Joseph Cotten was married to actress Lenore Kipp from 1931 until their divorce in 1939. He then married actress and playwright, Patricia Medina, in 1950, and they remained together until his death in 1994. Throughout his life, Cotten was known for being private about his personal relationships, focusing intensely on his career. His relationship with Patricia was often characterized by a strong bond and mutual support in their respective careers in the entertainment industry.
When released on May 1, 1941, Citizen Kane – based in part on the life of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst– did not do much business at theaters; Hearst owned numerous major newspapers, and forbade them to carry advertisements for the film.
Nominated for nine Academy Awards in 1942, the film won only for Best Screenplay, for Mankiewicz and Welles. Citizen Kane launched the film careers of the Mercury Players, including Agnes Moorehead (who played Kane's mother), Ruth Warrick (Kane's first wife), and Ray Collins (Kane's political opponent).
However, Cotten was the only one of the four to find major success as a lead in Hollywood outside of Citizen Kane; Moorehead and Collins became successful character film actors. Moorehead starred in Bewitched and Warrick spent decades in a career in daytime television, specifically All My Children.
Net Worth and Salary
Joseph Cotten's estimated net worth at the time of his death was about $5 million. Throughout his illustrious career, he earned a substantial income from his film roles, stage productions, and various television appearances. His lasting legacy continues to influence the acting world and remains a testament to his financial success in Hollywood.
Cotten earned spending money playing professional football on Sundays, for $25 a quarter. After graduation, he earned enough money as a lifeguard at Wilcox Lake to pay back his family's loan, with interest. He moved to Miami in 1925 and worked as an advertising salesman for The Miami Herald at $35 a week.
He started performing at the Miami Civic Theatre, and worked there for five years, also reviewing the shows for the Herald.
Career, Business and Investments
Cotten's career took off after his performance in Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane in 1941, where he received critical acclaim. He continued to star in numerous significant films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including Shadow of a Doubt, The Magnificent Ambersons, and The Third Man. Besides acting, Cotten also ventured into production and writing.
In addition to his film work, Cotten invested in real estate and various business ventures, diversifying his portfolio to secure his financial future. His contributions to cinema have left an indelible mark, and his artistic investments in theater and film paved the way for future projects in the industry.
In 1937, Cotten became an inaugural member of Welles's Mercury Theatre company, starring in its Broadway productions Caesar as Publius; it ran for 157 performances. He followed it with The Shoemaker's Holiday (1938) and Danton's Death (1938) for Welles.
Cotten also performed in radio dramas presented on The Mercury Theatre on the Air and The Campbell Playhouse. That same year Cotten made his film debut in the Welles-directed short, Too Much Johnson (1938), a comedy that was intended to complement the aborted 1938 Mercury stage production of William Gillette's 1894 play.
The film was never screened in public and was lost until 2008 (and then screened in 2013 at the Pordenone Silent Film Festival).
Social Network
Despite the limited reach of social media during his lifetime, Joseph Cotten is remembered and celebrated on various platforms today. Fans and film historians regularly share tributes and reflect on his body of work through platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and dedicated fan pages. His legacy lives on through the ongoing discussions about his contributions to film and theater.
Joseph Cheshire Cotten Jr. (May 15, 1905 – February 6, 1994) was an American film, stage, radio and television actor. Cotten achieved prominence on Broadway, starring in the original stage productions of The Philadelphia Story (1939) and Sabrina Fair (1953).
He then gained worldwide fame for his collaborations with Orson Welles on Citizen Kane (1941), The Magnificent Ambersons (1942), and Journey into Fear (1943), in which Cotten starred and for which he was also credited with the screenplay.
Education
Cotten attended the University of Virginia, where he initially pursued a degree in architecture. However, his passion for acting drew him to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, where he honed his craft. His education laid the foundation for a prolific career in entertainment, allowing him to explore various avenues in acting and performance arts.
In 1923, when Cotten was 18, his family arranged for him to receive private lessons at the Hickman School of Expression in Washington, D.C., and underwrote his expenses. Cotten served in the First Motion Picture Unit of the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.
