Academy Award-winning actor James Coburn has died of a massive heart attack, aged 74.
The star had been relaxing at home in Beverly Hills with his wife Paula when he collapsed about 4:30pm Pacific Standard Time, his manager reported. The actor was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Born August 31, 1928, the rugged Nebraska native began his lengthy film career starring in 1950s-era Westerns. He went on to make his name in such films as The Magnificent Seven and The Great Escape alongside Steve McQueen as well as the 1966 James Bond spoof Our Man Flint.
After four decades in show business, James won his first Oscar in 1998 for his supporting role in the critically acclaimed drama Affliction, and went on to participate in a range of projects, including the hit animated film Monster's Inc, Snow Dogs and The Man From Elysian Fields alongside Mick Jagger.
"He was a guy who looked like he was casual, but he studied and he worked and he understood character," said his manager Hillard Elkins. "He was a hell of an actor, he had a great sense of humour and those performances will be remembered for a very long time."
With more than 70 films under his belt, the star had recently put his $6 million home up for sale with plans to travel. "He died happy," Mr Elkins remarked.
In addition to Paula, his wife of nearly ten years, James is also survived by his two adult children, Lisa and James Jr, and two grandchildren.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
