With great sadness, we share the news that actor Jim Mitchum, son of legendary Hollywood star Robert Mitchum, has passed away. He died on September 20 at his ranch in Skull Valley, Arizona, following a long illness.
A son who mirrored his famous father
Born May 8, 1941, in Los Angeles, Jim was the eldest child of Robert Mitchum and his wife, Dorothy Spence. Much like his father, he had a rugged charm and strong screen presence. Though his mother once hoped he would steer clear of Hollywood, Jim found himself drawn to acting from a young age.
He made his first appearance at just eight years old in Colorado Territory (1949) and officially entered the business as a teenager with the 1958 classic Thunder Road. Interestingly, the lead role had first been offered to Elvis Presley, but when his manager demanded too high a fee, the part went instead to Jim — who starred opposite his father.
A cult favorite and lifelong love of cars
In Thunder Road, Jim played the younger brother to his father’s character, and the film went on to become a beloved drive-in favorite for decades. The experience also fueled his passion for cars; he even worked on Elvis Presley’s hot rods for a time, sparking a friendship with the music icon.
Over his career — sometimes credited as James Mitchum — he appeared in more than 30 films, including In Harm’s Way (1965) with John Wayne and Kirk Douglas, Ambush Bay (1966) with Mickey Rooney, and Moonrunners (1975), which would later inspire the hit TV series The Dukes of Hazzard.
Jim also briefly ventured into music, releasing the single Lonely Birthday in 1961, though it never charted.
A critic of Hollywood’s changing ways
Despite his success, Jim became disillusioned with the movie industry. In a candid 1976 interview, he lamented the loss of Hollywood’s magic, saying,
“It’s sad to see it’s not magic anymore. There are people running things who’d put dog food on the screen if it made a profit.”
He also criticized the Academy Awards, calling them a “sideshow,” and noted that his father deserved far more recognition than he ever received.
Life beyond the spotlight
Jim retired from acting in 1994 and devoted himself to a quieter life on his Arizona ranch. There, he raised horses and created a line of premium moonshine inspired by his father’s films Thunder Road and Out of the Past.
He was married three times — first to actress Wende Wagner (1968–1978), then to Vivian Ferrand (1985–1995), and finally to Pamela K. Smith, who remained by his side until his passing.
Jim is survived by his wife, Pamela; children Will, Brian, Caitlin Ann, and Ana; stepdaughter; siblings; and grandchildren Jack, Wagner, Paige, and Winnry.
Though he was born into Hollywood royalty, Jim Mitchum made his own mark — as an actor, rancher, and man of passion and independence. From his early days on screen to his peaceful years in Arizona, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work, talent, and enduring family love.