How Did James Cagney Die?
James Cagney died of Heart attack on March 30, 1986, at age 86.
What was James Cagney's cause of death?
James Cagney died of a heart attack on March 30, 1986, at his farm in Stanford, New York, at the age of 86. He had suffered from diabetes and circulatory problems and had grown frail in his later years, largely retiring to his farm. President Ronald Reagan, a former fellow actor, delivered a eulogy at his funeral.
How old was James Cagney when they died?
James Cagney was 86 years old at the time of death.
When did James Cagney die?
James Cagney died on March 30, 1986.
James Cagney Biography
James Francis Cagney Jr. was born on July 17, 1899, in New York City. A dynamic, fast-talking performer, he became the archetypal Hollywood gangster in The Public Enemy and White Heat, yet won his Oscar for the exuberant musical Yankee Doodle Dandy, showcasing his roots as a song-and-dance man.
Personal Life
Who are James Cagney's parents?
Unknown
Was James Cagney married?
James Cagney was married once, to Frances Vernon (1922–None).
Did James Cagney have children?
James Cagney had 2 children: James Cagney Jr., Cathleen Cagney.
What religion was James Cagney?
James Cagney was Catholic.
What was James Cagney's ethnicity?
James Cagney was of American heritage.
Career Highlights
Movies
- The Public Enemy (1931) — Watch on Amazon
- Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) — Watch on Amazon
- Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) — Watch on Amazon
- White Heat (1949) — Watch on Amazon
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Awards
- Academy Award for Best Actor (1943)
- AFI Life Achievement Award (1974)
Facts About James Cagney
- Won the Best Actor Oscar for the musical Yankee Doodle Dandy
- Defined the fast-talking Hollywood gangster in The Public Enemy and White Heat
- Trained as a song-and-dance man before his tough-guy screen image
- His White Heat line 'Made it, Ma! Top of the world!' is film legend
James Cagney Quotes
"Made it, Ma! Top of the world!"
Legacy
James Cagney is remembered as one of the most electric and versatile stars of the studio era, forever tied to the classic Hollywood gangster.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-08-17