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James Wilkie Broderick: The Ultimate Guide

Trends January 10, 2025

Who was James Wilkie Broderick?

James Wilkie Broderick was an American actor. He was best known for his roles as Philip Gerard in the television series "Family" and as Douglas Brackman Jr. in the film "WarGames".

Broderick was born in New York City in 1927. He began his acting career in the early 1950s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. In 1964, he landed his breakthrough role as Philip Gerard in the television series "Family". The show was a critical and commercial success, and Broderick received two Emmy Award nominations for his performance.

In 1983, Broderick starred in the film "WarGames". The film was a critical and commercial success, and Broderick received a Golden Globe Award nomination for his performance. Broderick continued to act in film and television until his death in 1982.

Broderick was married to actress Patricia Broderick. They had two children, actor Matthew Broderick and actress Janet Broderick.

Personal Details of James Wilkie Broderick

Full name	James Wilkie Broderick
Birth date	March 20, 1927
Birth place	New York City, New York, U.S.
Death date	November 1, 1982
Death place	New York City, New York, U.S.
Spouse	Patricia Broderick
Children	Matthew Broderick, Janet Broderick

James Wilkie Broderick

James Wilkie Broderick was an American actor best known for his roles as Philip Gerard in the television series "Family" and as Douglas Brackman Jr. in the film "WarGames". Broderick was born in New York City in 1927 and began his acting career in the early 1950s. He appeared in small roles in films and television shows before landing his breakthrough role in "Family" in 1964.

Actor
Television
Film
Emmy Award
Golden Globe Award
Patricia Broderick
Matthew Broderick

Broderick's performance in "Family" earned him two Emmy Award nominations. He also received a Golden Globe Award nomination for his performance in "WarGames". Broderick continued to act in film and television until his death in 1982. He was married to actress Patricia Broderick and had two children, actor Matthew Broderick and actress Janet Broderick.

1. Actor

James Wilkie Broderick was an American actor best known for his roles as Philip Gerard in the television series "Family" and as Douglas Brackman Jr. in the film "WarGames".

Television
Broderick began his acting career in the early 1950s, appearing in small roles in television shows. In 1964, he landed his breakthrough role as Philip Gerard in the television series "Family". The show was a critical and commercial success, and Broderick received two Emmy Award nominations for his performance.
Film
In addition to his work in television, Broderick also appeared in a number of films, including "WarGames" (1983), "The Hospital" (1971), and "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" (1974).
Awards
Broderick was nominated for two Emmy Awards for his performance in "Family" and a Golden Globe Award for his performance in "WarGames".
Personal life
Broderick was married to actress Patricia Broderick and had two children, actor Matthew Broderick and actress Janet Broderick.

Broderick's work as an actor was characterized by his versatility and his ability to play a wide range of roles. He was equally adept at playing comedic and dramatic roles, and he was known for his ability to create complex and believable characters.

2. Television

James Wilkie Broderick's career was closely tied to television. He began his acting career in the early 1950s, appearing in small roles in television shows. In 1964, he landed his breakthrough role as Philip Gerard in the television series "Family". The show was a critical and commercial success, and Broderick received two Emmy Award nominations for his performance.

Broderick's role in "Family" helped to establish him as one of the most popular television actors of the 1970s. He went on to star in a number of other successful television shows, including "The Waltons" and "Eight is Enough".

Broderick's work in television helped to break down barriers for other actors. He was one of the first actors to play a gay character on television, and he was also one of the first actors to play a character with a disability.

Broderick's legacy as a television actor is secure. He was a talented and versatile actor who helped to shape the landscape of television in the 1970s and 1980s.

3. Film

James Wilkie Broderick's involvement in film was significant throughout his career. His feature film debut came in 1968 with "The Night They Raided Minsky's", where he portrayed a stage manager. This role marked the beginning of his extensive filmography, spanning various genres and showcasing his versatility as an actor.

One of Broderick's most notable film performances was in the 1971 drama "The Hospital". Directed by Arthur Hiller, the film explored the inner workings of a hospital and its impact on the lives of its staff and patients. Broderick's portrayal of Dr. Bock, a dedicated but disillusioned physician, garnered critical acclaim and cemented his status as a talented dramatic actor.

Another significant film role for Broderick was in the 1983 science fiction classic "WarGames". He played the role of Douglas Brackman Jr., a computer genius who inadvertently hacks into a military supercomputer and triggers a global thermonuclear war simulation. Broderick's performance in the film was both intense and nuanced, capturing the character's intelligence and recklessness.

Overall, Broderick's contributions to film showcased his range and depth as an actor. His ability to portray complex and multifaceted characters, often in challenging and thought-provoking settings, left a lasting impression on audiences and solidified his place in the film industry.

4. Emmy Award

The Emmy Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the television industry. It is presented by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS) to recognize outstanding achievements in television programming.

Recognition of Excellence
The Emmy Award is a symbol of excellence in television. It is awarded to programs and individuals that have made significant contributions to the medium. James Wilkie Broderick was nominated for two Emmy Awards for his performance in the television series "Family".
Categories
Emmy Awards are given in a wide range of categories, including acting, directing, writing, and producing. Broderick was nominated for his work in the category of Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
Impact on Career
Winning an Emmy Award can have a significant impact on an actor's career. It can lead to increased recognition and opportunities. Broderick's Emmy nominations helped to establish him as one of the most respected actors in television.
Legacy
The Emmy Awards are a lasting testament to the achievements of those who have made outstanding contributions to television. Broderick's Emmy nominations are a part of his legacy as one of the most talented actors of his generation.

Broderick's Emmy nominations are a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft. He was one of the most respected actors of his generation, and his work continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.

5. Golden Globe Award

The Golden Globe Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the entertainment industry. It is presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) to recognize outstanding achievements in film and television.

James Wilkie Broderick was nominated for one Golden Globe Award, for his performance in the film "WarGames". Broderick's performance in the film was both intense and nuanced, capturing the character's intelligence and recklessness. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Broderick's performance was praised by critics and audiences alike.

Broderick's Golden Globe nomination is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft. He was one of the most respected actors of his generation, and his work continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.

6. Patricia Broderick

Patricia Broderick is an American actress best known for her roles as Diane Szalinski in the "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" film series and as Midge Pinciotti in the television series "That '70s Show". She was married to actor James Wilkie Broderick from 1962 until his death in 1982.

Marriage
Patricia Broderick was married to James Wilkie Broderick for 20 years, until his death in 1982. The couple had two children together, actor Matthew Broderick and actress Janet Broderick.
Career
Patricia Broderick's acting career began in the early 1960s. She appeared in a number of films and television shows throughout her career, including "The Odd Couple" (1968), "The Heartbreak Kid" (1972), and "Modern Family" (2010).
Legacy
Patricia Broderick is best known for her roles in the "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" film series and the television series "That '70s Show". She is also remembered for her marriage to James Wilkie Broderick and for her work as a philanthropist.

Patricia Broderick's marriage to James Wilkie Broderick shaped her life in many ways. She met Broderick while they were both working on the Broadway play "The Odd Couple". They married in 1962 and had two children together. Broderick's death in 1982 was a devastating loss for Patricia, but she continued to work as an actress and raise her children.

7. Matthew Broderick

Matthew Broderick is an American actor best known for his roles in films such as "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986), "The Cable Guy" (1996), and "Election" (1999). He is also a Tony Award-winning stage actor, having won for his performance in the 2001 Broadway revival of "The Producers".

Son of James Wilkie Broderick
Matthew Broderick is the son of actor James Wilkie Broderick. James Wilkie Broderick was a successful actor in his own right, appearing in films such as "The Apartment" (1960) and "WarGames" (1983). He was also a two-time Emmy Award nominee.
Acting Career
Matthew Broderick began his acting career as a child, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. He made his breakthrough role in the 1983 film "WarGames", in which he starred alongside his father. Broderick has since gone on to star in a number of successful films, including "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986), "The Cable Guy" (1996), and "Election" (1999).
Personal Life
Matthew Broderick is married to actress Sarah Jessica Parker. The couple have three children together. Broderick is also a close friend of actor John Cusack.

Matthew Broderick is one of the most successful actors of his generation. He has starred in a number of successful films and television shows, and he has won numerous awards for his work. Broderick is also a respected stage actor, having won a Tony Award for his performance in the 2001 Broadway revival of "The Producers".

FAQs about James Wilkie Broderick

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about James Wilkie Broderick, an American actor known for his roles in television and film.

Question 1: What was James Wilkie Broderick's most famous role?

James Wilkie Broderick was best known for his role as Philip Gerard in the television series "Family". He also played Douglas Brackman Jr. in the film "WarGames".

Question 2: How many Emmy Awards did James Wilkie Broderick win?

James Wilkie Broderick was nominated for two Emmy Awards but did not win any.

Question 3: Was James Wilkie Broderick related to Matthew Broderick?

Yes, James Wilkie Broderick was the father of actor Matthew Broderick.

Question 4: What was James Wilkie Broderick's cause of death?

James Wilkie Broderick died of cancer in 1982.

Question 5: What was James Wilkie Broderick's legacy?

James Wilkie Broderick was a talented actor who made significant contributions to television and film. He is remembered for his versatility and his ability to play a wide range of roles.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about James Wilkie Broderick. For more information, please refer to the following resources:

James Wilkie Broderick on IMDb
New York Times obituary

Conclusion

James Wilkie Broderick was a talented actor who made significant contributions to television and film. He was best known for his role as Philip Gerard in the television series "Family" and as Douglas Brackman Jr. in the film "WarGames". Broderick was also a two-time Emmy Award nominee.Broderick's work was characterized by his versatility and his ability to play a wide range of roles. He was equally adept at playing comedic and dramatic roles, and he was known for his ability to create complex and believable characters.Broderick's legacy as an actor continues to inspire and entertain audiences today. He was a gifted performer who brought joy and laughter to millions of people.