All My Children soap opera star James Mitchell died Friday at the age of 89. The former ballet dancer suffered from heart disease and had recently contracting pneumonia.
James Mitchell was best known for his long-running role on All My Children as ruthless business tycoon Palmer Cortlandt. His last appearance on the soap opera was as a guest star for the show’s 40th anniversary.
Prior to All My Children, James Mitchell was a ballet dancer and Broadway player for many years before transitioning to film and television. Mitchell signed on to All My Children in 1979 for a role contracted to last only one year. Instead, he became one of the show’s longest lasting stars. Mitchell remained on contract with All My Children through 2009.
“He really enjoyed it,” Mitchell’s partner Albert Wolsky said of his role on All My Children. “The meaner he could be, the happier he was… Actors love to play the villain. He loved playing mean.”
Having watched Mitchell in action on All My Children many times, we can honestly say he was damn good at doing it too. R.I.P.
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