Cameron Mitchell was the son of a minister, but chose a different path from his father. Prior to World War II, in which he served as an Air Force bombardier, Mitchell appeared on Broadway, and, in 1940, an experimental television broadcast, "The Passing of the Third Floor Back". He made his film debut in _What Next, Corporal Hargrove? , as Manolito Montoya, stole the show.
Father of Cameron Mitchell Jr. and Camille Mitchell.
Father of actor Cameron Mitchell Jr. , who also goes by the name Cameron Mitchell, Jr.
Uncredited, he provided the voice of Jesus Christ in The Robe , although another actor played the character.
Interviewed in Tom Weaver s book "Attack of the Monster Movie Makers" (McFarland & Co., 1994).
Was originally assigned to star in Seven Cities of Gold .
Graduated from Greenwood High School in Millerstown, Pennsylvania, in 1936.
The Pennsylvania town in which he grew up, Millerstown, is near the state capital of Harrisburg.
Of Scottish, German and Irish descent.
Changed his name from Mitzell to Mitchell, because Lynn Fontane realized his real name sounded "a little bit too much like the Hun".
Best remembered by the public for his starring role as Uncle Buck Cannon on "The High Chaparral" .
He had 12 hobbies: poker, golfing, family, animals, reading the Bible, fishing, traveling, playing basketball, soccer, philosophy, car racing and cooking.
His ex- "The High Chaparral" co-star, Henry Darrow , had a lot in common with Mitchell: both were very popular in high school, both began acting at an early age and both made a lot of westerns on their way to becoming stars.
When he came to New York, he had the thick Pennsylvania Dutch accent.
Before he was cast in producer David Dortort s "The High Chaparral" , he had appeared in a short-lived TV series that had also been produced by Dortort.
Was producer David Dortort s first choice for the co-lead role, opposite Leif Erickson , in "The High Chaparral" .
His son, Fred Mitchell, served as president of Intercontinental Packers, alongside Freds mother and Camerons first ex-wife, Johanna Mitchell, who served as Chairwoman of the Board in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Starred in his first movie when he was age 26.
Created the role of Happy Loman in Arthur Miller s "Death of a Salesman" on Broadway, and also played the role in the film version ( Death of a Salesman ).
Remained good friends with Henry Darrow and Mark Slade , during and after "The High Chaparral" .
Among the jobs he held before becoming an actor were dishwasher and theater usher.
Despite his divorce from Camille Janclaire , he maintained close ties to Canada.
Prior to being cast in "The High Chaparral" he also appeared in an episode of "Bonanza" ; both series were produced by his good friend David Dortort.
Was the only "The High Chaparral" cast member to have appeared in more movies than series star Leif Erickson.
His parents, Charles & Kathryn Mitzell, were both ministers of the Reformed Lutheran Church.
His father, Charles Mitzel, died in 1975, he lived to be 77.
All of his children were raised in Canada.
His son, Fred Mitchell, passed away in 1998, just 4 years after the death of his father.
Was a heavy smoker.
Survived by 5 of six children, and 5 grandchildren.
Interred at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California.
Served as a bombardier in the US Army Air Force during World War II.
While attending Greenwood High School, he pitched for his baseball team well enough to attract offers from several major-league teams.
His son Freds company, Mitchell Gourmet Foods, still operates out of Saskatoon, Canada, but is now owned by Maple Leaf Foods.
Began his career as a contract player for MGM in 1945.
Before he was a successful actor, he worked alongside another young unfamiliar actor, Gregory Peck , as a page at Radio City in New York City.
His 3 children had followed in his fathers footsteps - they all became actors.
Reconciled with Camille Janclaire , just before his death.
When he was a senior in high school his father wanted him to be a minister, but he decided to become an actor instead.
Attended the Theater School of Dramatic Arts in New York City.
Grandfather of Charles Joseph Mitchell.
Was the fourth of seven children.
Once did a pilot with Henry Darrow , before he worked with him on "The High Chaparral" .
Grandfather of actress Jinjara Mitchell.
Played the captain of the "Goliath" in The Deep , but his scenes were deleted.
Due to anti-German sentiment he often claimed to be of Dutch descent.
In 10th grade Mitchell was a member of Kilamanjaro The Band.
All the men in our family as far back as I cam remember were ministers.
We had a corner on the market. It just figured that I would follow,along.
[In 1961] I have to live too. 40% for her [his ex-wife], 10% to an,agent, 5% to a manager and on and on. It all comes to about 128%.
What people forget is that a professional actor works hard at his job;,even when a vehicle is terrible an actor can be good, though the public,may not give him credit.
[In 1974] I have only $26 in two bank accounts despite receiving,$200,000 in movie residuals during the last two years.
[In 1968] I was almost mobbed when I went into the black compound. All,those lousy movies I made in Europe were the only ones those poor,people could afford to see. I was a big star to them.
I must admit that I rather enjoyed the laughter.
[about making westerns] I guess Gallant Bess (1946) was my first,western. The horse in that film was remarkable. She knew a couple,hundred verbal commands.
