James Mitchell, an actor best known for his performance as wealthy Pine Valley resident Palmer Courtlandt on the ABC daytime drama All My Children, died January 22, 2010, in Los Angeles of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, complicated by pneumonia. He was 89.
Mitchell first appeared on All My Children in 1979, and made his final appearance on January 5, 2010, for the show’s 40th anniversary episode.
He was born and raised in Sacramento, and began his career as a dancer. He eventually moved east and starred in several Broadway musicals. He also appeared with the American Ballet Theater in New York, Europe and South America, and toured the U.S. with the Agnes de Mille Dance Theater.
Mitchell’s feature film credits included That’s Dancing, The Turning Point, The Bandwagon, Oklahoma! and Deep in My Heart. The latter starred Cyd Charisse, with whom he also danced with in her 1965 television special and in the 1966 Academy Awards telecast.
Prior to All My Children, from 1969 to 1973, Mitchell played the role of Professor Hathaway on the daytime series Where the Heart Is. He also appeared in the primetime series Charlie's Angels.
In addition to his work as a performer, Mitchell was active as a teacher. He taught at Yale University and at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, which awarded him an honorary doctorate in fine arts.
He is survived by his longtime partner, Albert Wolsky.