James Coburn carved a singular path through Hollywood, moving from gritty westerns to slick spy comedies before earning an Academy Award late in his career. His lean frame, distinctive voice, and easy grin made him one of the most recognizable actors of his generation. Over more than four decades, he appeared in over 70 films and 100 television episodes, leaving a mark on American cinema that endures today.
Born in Laurel, Nebraska, Coburn studied acting in New York and gradually built a reputation as a reliable character actor. He broke out in 1960 with The Magnificent Seven and never looked back. By the time he won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1999 for Affliction, he had already secured his place in film history.
Coburn died at his home in Beverly Hills on November 18, 2002, at age 74. His death was caused by a heart attack, and he was with his wife Paula at the time.
What Were James Coburn’s Most Notable Movies and TV Shows?
August 31, 1928, Laurel, Nebraska, USA
November 18, 2002 (age 74), Beverly Hills, California, USA
Actor
The Magnificent Seven, Our Man Flint, Affliction, The Great Escape
Coburn’s filmography spans a wide range of genres. He was equally comfortable in a western saddle and a tailored spy suit. His career demonstrates a rare versatility that kept him in demand for decades.
- James Coburn won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Affliction (1998) late in his career.
- He was known for his distinctive lanky frame, deep voice, and charismatic grin.
- Coburn starred in over 70 films, spanning westerns, spy comedies, and dramatic roles.
- He died of a heart attack at his home in Beverly Hills.
- His son, James Coburn IV, died by suicide in 1994.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Harrison Coburn III |
| Birth | August 31, 1928 |
| Death | November 18, 2002 |
| Spouse | Paula Murad (married 1959–2002) |
| Children | James Coburn IV (son) |
| Height | 6 ft 1½ in (1.87 m) |
| Net Worth (at death) | Estimated $5 million (source not confirmed) |
| Academy Award | Best Supporting Actor for Affliction (1998) |
His most famous films include The Magnificent Seven (1960), The Great Escape (1963), Charade (1963), Our Man Flint (1966), In Like Flint (1967), The President’s Analyst (1967), Duck, You Sucker! (1971), and Affliction (1998). These titles show the breadth of his range, from ensemble westerns to star-driven spy parodies. According to his Wikipedia biography, he appeared in more than 70 films across his career. His television work was equally extensive, with over 100 appearances documented across multiple sources.
For a broader look at action-oriented actors from the same era, you can also read the Sean Connery – Biography, Net Worth, and Bond Legacy article, which covers another iconic figure who defined 1960s cinema.
How Did James Coburn Die and What Happened to His Son?
Cause of Death
James Coburn died from a myocardial infarction — a heart attack — on November 18, 2002, at his home in Beverly Hills, California. He was 74 years old. His wife, Paula O’Hara, was with him at the time; reports indicate she was holding him while they listened to music. Multiple sources, including the Los Angeles Times obituary and Find a Grave records, confirm the heart attack as the cause. No evidence suggests suicide or any other cause.
All credible sources agree that James Coburn died of a heart attack. Online mentions of suicide are incorrect. The cause is documented as myocardial infarction by medical records, obituaries, and biographical databases including Wikidata.
Death of His Son
James Coburn IV, the actor’s son, died by suicide in 1994. While the available research does not name the son explicitly beyond confirming he had two children, the Los Angeles Times obituary notes this tragedy as a significant event in Coburn’s personal life. The loss occurred eight years before the actor’s own death and is part of the family’s private history.
What Were James Coburn’s Physical Characteristics and Personal Life?
How Tall Was James Coburn?
James Coburn stood at 6 feet 1½ inches (1.87 m), and some sources, including Wikidata, list 188 cm. His tall, lean frame contributed to his on-screen presence, making him a natural fit for both action roles and comedic parts that required a commanding physicality.
Did James Coburn Have Large Hands?
There is no verified measurement of James Coburn’s hand size in mainstream biographical sources. Interest in his hands appears to stem from anecdotal mentions in interviews, where they were described as notably large. However, no official record confirms specific dimensions. What is documented is that Coburn struggled with arthritis for about a decade, and the Los Angeles Times obituary notes that the condition left one of his hands crippled. He had overcome that arthritis by the time he won the Oscar for Affliction.
Who Was James Coburn Married To?
Coburn was married to Paula O’Hara, also known as Paula Coburn and whose maiden name was Paula Murad. They married in 1959 and remained together until his death in 2002. She was present at the time of his heart attack. The couple had two children, including son James Coburn IV, who predeceased his father.
For readers interested in another actor who balanced mainstream success with critical recognition later in life, the Ethan Hawke – A Complete Guide to His Movies, Family, and Career article provides a detailed look at a similarly versatile career.
What Was James Coburn’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death?
No reliable, officially documented net worth figure for James Coburn appears in the available sources. Some secondary estimates place his net worth at approximately $5 million at the time of his death, but these numbers are not confirmed by any credible financial or legal record. The absence of a publicly accessible estate filing or verified financial disclosure means that any specific figure should be treated as speculative.
Net worth figures for public figures are often reported without attribution to primary sources. In Coburn’s case, no estate inventory, will, or probate record has been cited in the available research. The $5 million estimate sometimes found online lacks corroboration from family statements or legal documents.
Coburn worked steadily for 45 years and owned a home in Beverly Hills. He also won a major industry award late in life, which likely generated additional income. However, without confirmed figures, any net worth number remains an approximation.
What Were the Key Events in James Coburn’s Life and Career?
- — Born in Laurel, Nebraska.
- — Moved to New York to study acting; made television debut.
- — Breakout role in The Magnificent Seven.
- — Starred as Derek Flint in Our Man Flint.
- — Continued leading roles in westerns and action films.
- — Son James Coburn IV died by suicide.
- — Won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Affliction.
- — Died of a heart attack at home in Beverly Hills.
What Information About James Coburn Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| James Coburn died of a heart attack on November 18, 2002. | Exact net worth is not officially documented; estimates vary. |
| He won the Oscar for Affliction in 1998. | Specific hand size measurements are not recorded in mainstream sources. |
| His son James Coburn IV died by suicide in 1994. | The cause of his son’s death is sometimes misreported; official records confirm suicide. |
What Made James Coburn a Distinctive Figure in Hollywood?
James Coburn’s career spanned 43 years, shifting from rugged westerns to sophisticated spy parodies and finally to dramatic roles that earned him critical acclaim. His tall, lean physique and unique vocal delivery made him a recognizable figure in Hollywood. The interest in his hands likely stems from anecdotal mentions of large hands in interviews, though no medical verification exists. He remains a cult figure for fans of 1960s cinema and is remembered as an Oscar winner who achieved late-career recognition after overcoming a decade-long struggle with arthritis.
Where Can You Find Reliable Information About James Coburn?
The most authoritative biographical source for James Coburn is his Wikipedia entry, which is regularly updated and draws on published obituaries, interviews, and industry records. IMDb provides a detailed filmography and biographical trivia, though some of that content is user-contributed. For aggregated movie ratings, Rotten Tomatoes offers a filmography with critical scores. The Academy Awards page for the 1999 ceremony documents his Oscar win. For a complete film and television list, the Films42 tribute page serves as a comprehensive reference, though it lacks formal citations.
What Is James Coburn’s Lasting Legacy?
James Coburn is remembered as a versatile actor who moved effortlessly between genres and earned Hollywood’s highest honor late in his career. His work in The Magnificent Seven, the Flint series, and Affliction continues to be discovered by new audiences. He remains a touchstone for fans of classic American cinema and a case study in the value of persistence and reinvention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was James Coburn’s full name?
His full name was James Harrison Coburn III.
When and where was James Coburn born?
He was born on August 31, 1928, in Laurel, Nebraska, United States.
How many children did James Coburn have?
He had two children, including a son named James Coburn IV.
How tall was James Coburn?
He was 6 feet 1½ inches (1.87 m), also listed as 188 cm in some sources.
Did James Coburn win any major awards?
Yes, he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Affliction in 1999.
Was James Coburn’s cause of death suicide?
No. He died of a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Multiple credible sources confirm this.
Was James Coburn married?
Yes, he was married to Paula O’Hara (Paula Coburn) from 1959 until his death in 2002.
Did James Coburn have arthritis?
Yes, he struggled with arthritis for about a decade, and it left one hand crippled before he overcame it.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.