Jim Mitchum, who carved his own place in Hollywood while always carrying the legacy of his legendary father Robert Mitchum, has passed away at the age of 84. The actor, known for his striking resemblance
to his father and for his breakout role in the 1958 classic Thunder Road, died on September 20 at his ranch in Skull Valley, Arizona, after a long illness. His wife, Pamela, and their cherished poodle were by his side at the time.
Jim Mitchum passes away
Born in Los Angeles on May 8, 1941, to Robert Mitchum and Dorothy Spence, Jim stepped in front of the camera at just 8 years old in Raoul Walsh’s Western Colorado Territory. Although his mother initially hoped he would avoid the film industry, his likeness to Robert made him the perfect fit for Thunder Road, where he played his father’s younger brother. The film, produced by Robert Mitchum, centered on whiskey runners in the South and went on to achieve cult status.Jim’s role as a mechanic in the film sparked his own passion for cars. He later became involved in stock car racing and even worked on Elvis Presley’s hot rods. His friendship with Presley led to a short-lived attempt at a singing career, including the 1961 single Lonely Birthday, though music didn’t bring him the same success as acting.Throughout the 1960s, Jim appeared in a string of films, including The Victors (1963), Ride the Wild Surf (1964), In Harm’s Way (1965), and Ambush Bay (1966). In the early 1970s, he had a cameo in Monte Hellman’s Two-Lane Blacktop and traveled with Dennis Hopper to Peru for the filming of The Last Movie, where Jim created a behind-the-scenes documentary. One of his later notable credits was Moonrunners (1975), which later inspired the hit TV show The Dukes of Hazzard.By 1994, Jim chose to step away from acting and focussed on ranch life. He raised Quarter Horses and later launched his own brand of whiskey, a tribute to his father’s film legacy.Jim Mitchum is survived by his wife Pamela, his siblings Christopher and Petrine, his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and extended family.
