# Joseph Cotten

> American actor (1905–1994)

**Wikidata**: [Q95148](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q95148)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Cotten)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/joseph-cotten

## Summary
Joseph Cotten was an American actor renowned for his work in film, theater, television, and radio, spanning a career from the 1930s to the 1980s. Born on May 15, 1905, he gained prominence through collaborations with Orson Welles and appearances in classic films like *Citizen Kane* and *The Third Man*. His versatility across multiple mediums solidified his legacy in 20th-century entertainment.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 15, 1905
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Known for**: Versatile acting career across film, stage, television, and radio; iconic roles in *Citizen Kane* and *The Third Man*
- **Employer(s)**: Associated with Mercury Theatre, RKO Pictures, and various Broadway productions
- **Field(s)**: Acting, writing (autobiographer, screenwriter)

## Contributions
- **Film Acting**: Starred in *Citizen Kane* (1941), *The Third Man* (1949), and *Shadow of a Doubt* (1943), contributing to the golden age of Hollywood.
- **Stage Acting**: Performed in Broadway productions such as *The Philadelphia Story* (1939–1940).
- **Television and Radio**: Appeared in early television shows and radio dramas, including *The Mercury Theatre on the Air*.
- **Writing**: Authored his autobiography, *Vanity Will Get You Somewhere* (1981), and contributed to screenwriting projects.

## FAQs
**What were Joseph Cotten's most famous film roles?**  
Cotten is best known for his roles in *Citizen Kane* (1941), *The Third Man* (1949), and *Shadow of a Doubt* (1943), which showcased his dramatic range and collaboration with renowned directors like Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock.

**Did Joseph Cotten work in theater?**  
Yes, he began his career on stage, performing in Broadway plays such as *The Philadelphia Story* (1939–1940) and was a member of Orson Welles's Mercury Theatre company.

**What other mediums did Joseph Cotten work in?**  
Beyond film and theater, Cotten was active in radio and early television, contributing to the evolution of these mediums in the mid-20th century.

**Was Joseph Cotten recognized with awards?**  
He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival for his performance in *Portrait of Jennie* (1948).

## Why They Matter
Joseph Cotten's career bridged the transition from stage to screen, influencing the development of American cinema through iconic performances in films directed by Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock. His involvement in radio and early television also highlighted his adaptability, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry's evolution across multiple platforms.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Film Roles**: *Citizen Kane*, *The Third Man*, *Shadow of a Doubt*
- **Stage Career**: Broadway performances and Mercury Theatre affiliation
- **Awards**: Hollywood Walk of Fame star, Volpi Cup for Best Actor
- **Autobiography**: *Vanity Will Get You Somewhere* (1981)
- **Versatility**: Work in film, theater, television, radio, and writing

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Joseph Cheshire Cotten Jr. was born on May 15, 1905, in Norfolk, Virginia. He developed an interest in acting early, beginning his career on stage in the 1930s. His breakthrough came through collaborations with Orson Welles in the Mercury Theatre company, both on stage and in radio broadcasts like *The Mercury Theatre on the Air*.

### Film Career
Cotten's film debut was in *Too Much Johnson* (1938), an unreleased Orson Welles project. His first major role came in *Citizen Kane* (1941), followed by *The Magnificent Ambersons* (1942). He went on to star in Alfred Hitchcock's *Shadow of a Doubt* (1943) and Carol Reed's *The Third Man* (1949), cementing his status as a leading man in Hollywood.

### Theater and Radio Work
On Broadway, Cotten appeared in *The Philadelphia Story* (1939–1940) alongside Katharine Hepburn. His radio work included performances in *The Mercury Theatre on the Air* and *The Campbell Playhouse*, showcasing his vocal talent and adaptability.

### Television and Later Career
In the 1950s and 1960s, Cotten transitioned to television, appearing in series such as *The Twilight Zone* and *Dr. Kildare*. He continued acting in films like *From Hell to Texas* (1958) and *The Last Valley* (1970), demonstrating his enduring presence in the industry.

### Writing and Autobiography
Cotten authored his autobiography, *Vanity Will Get You Somewhere*, published in 1981, reflecting on his career and experiences in Hollywood. He also contributed to screenwriting, though his primary recognition remained in acting.

### Legacy
Joseph Cotten's death on February 6, 1994, marked the end of an era for classic Hollywood. His contributions to film, theater, and early television, alongside collaborations with legendary directors, ensure his legacy as a pivotal figure in 20th-century American entertainment. His iconic roles continue to influence actors and filmmakers, underscoring his lasting impact on the industry.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/07/obituaries/joseph-cotten-88-is-dead-actor-on-stage-and-in-films.html)
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
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5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Virtual International Authority File
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8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
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10. Internet Broadway Database
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