James Whitmore dead at 87

Actor James Whitmore died on Friday aged 87.

Whitmore died at his home in Malibu of lung cancer according to a statement from his family.

Whitmore made his Broadway debut in Command Decision in 1947, and earned a Tony Award for best performance by a newcomer, an award that would bring him to Hollywood.

His film career never took off greatly, with Whitmore often playing supporting roles, and only the occasional lead, although he excelled in character acting, picking up an Academy Award nomination as best lead actor for his 1975 portrait of Truman in “Give ’em Hell Harry!”

Whitmore also appeared in countless TV shows, including The Twilight Zone, Rawhide, Dr. Kildare and The Detectives. More recently he picked up an Emmy Award for a guest role on The Practice.

For millions though, he will be best remembered as the longtime commercial spokesman for the plant food brand Miracle-Gro.

Whitmore is survived by his third wife and two sons.