James J. Corbett

James J. Corbett

actor, writer

James J. Corbett was born on Sep 01, 1866 in USA. James J. Corbett's big-screen debut came with The Beauty Shop directed by Edward Dillon in 1922, strarring Panatella. James J. Corbett is known for Gentleman Jim directed by Raoul Walsh, Errol Flynn stars as James J. Corbett and Alexis Smith as Victoria Ware. The upcoming new movie James J. Corbett plays is Gentleman Jim which will be released on Nov 14, 1942.

Considered the originator of modern boxing, Corbett became world heavyweight champ in one of the biggest upsets ever when he embarrassed the 30 pound heavier legend John L. Sullivan (1892). The handsome San Francisco bank clerk immediately had a play written for him ("Gentleman Jack"), and crossed the U.S. performing it. "Gentleman Jim" was also outstanding at baseball, playing exhibitions as he toured, and he attempted to join the 1894 Baltimore Orioles, partly to supply a season-ending attendance boost. Corbett's brother Joe pitched for the Orioles. The attempt was blocked by other teams, including the New York Giants, who beat the Orioles in the 1894 version of the World Series. His long-time pal John Montgomery Ward, was then Giants manager/player. Ward (Baseball's Radical for All Seasons), a lawyer, was a pioneer of scientific baseball, and was the other preeminent gentleman athlete of the 19th CEntury.Ward and Corbett both dated the gorgeous actress Maxine Elliott. Corbett dumped Elliott to a marry his long-time wife, while Ward's controversial relationship with Elliott broke up his (and her first) marriage.Gentleman Jim was the only top white heavyweight of the era to fight a top Black fighter, when he dueled another scientific boxer, the great Australian, Peter "The Black Prince" Jackson to a 61 round draw in 1891. Corbett lost the heavyweight championship in 1897 to Bob Fitzsimmons. Though devastated by the 1898 murder/suicide of his parents, Corbett continued his successful acting career on Broadway, and in early movies. Like Ward, he was a union organizer, active in the White Rats, the first successful U.S. actors' union.His colorful biography The Roar of the Crowd, was the basis for the fine Corbett biopic "Gentleman Jim," with Errol Flynn starring.

  • Birthday

    Sep 01, 1866
  • Place of Birth

    San Francisco, California, USA

Known For

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