You probably know him as the tall, imposing guy who looks like he owns every room he walks into. Maybe you know him as the guy who talked to a pig in Babe. But honestly, if you haven’t been paying attention to James Cromwell TV shows, you’re missing out on one of the most insane resumes in Hollywood history.
He's 6'7". He’s 86 years old as of early 2026. And he is still outworking actors half his age.
Most people think of him as a "movie star" because of the Oscar nomination for Babe or his role in L.A. Confidential. But James Cromwell has been a staple of your television screen since the mid-70s. We're talking about a guy who went from playing a goofy neighbor on All in the Family to a Nazi doctor in American Horror Story and a crotchety billionaire communist in Succession.
The range is actually kind of terrifying.
The Succession Power Move: Ewan Roy
Let’s start with the big one. If you’ve spent any time on the internet in the last few years, you’ve seen the memes of Ewan Roy. In the world of James Cromwell TV shows, Succession is the modern crown jewel.
Cromwell played Ewan, the estranged, ultra-wealthy, but strictly anti-capitalist brother of Logan Roy. He was basically the only person who could look Brian Cox in the eye and make him flinch. He didn’t have a ton of screen time, but man, he made every second count.
🔗 Read more: Blink-182 Mark Hoppus: What Most People Get Wrong About His 2026 Comeback
Remember the Thanksgiving episode? Or when he decided to give his entire multi-billion dollar inheritance to Greenpeace just to spite his grandson, Greg? That is peak James Cromwell. He brings this specific brand of "righteous indignation" that feels so real it’s uncomfortable. He actually got Emmy nominations in 2020, 2022, and 2023 just for guest-starring in that role.
That’s the thing about Cromwell. He doesn't need to be the lead. He just needs to show up, say something cutting, and leave everyone else in the dust.
When Things Got Weird: American Horror Story and Six Feet Under
If Succession showed his "grumpy grandpa" side, American Horror Story: Asylum showed us something way darker. Honestly, his performance as Dr. Arthur Arden is one of the most disturbing things ever put on cable TV.
He played a former Nazi scientist hiding out in an asylum. It was grim. It was violent. And it won him an Emmy in 2013 for Outstanding Supporting Actor. It’s a masterclass in how to play a villain who doesn't twirl his mustache. He’s just cold. Methodical.
Then you’ve got Six Feet Under.
💡 You might also like: Why Grand Funk’s Bad Time is Secretly the Best Pop Song of the 1970s
From 2003 to 2005, he played George Sibley. This role was a total 180. He started as a charming, intellectual second husband for Ruth Fisher, but then the show pulled the rug out from under us. We found out George had severe, recurring psychotic depression.
There’s actually a funny bit of trivia here: Cromwell wasn't super happy with how that went. He once told TV Guide that the writers didn't tell him about the character’s mental health spiral until it was happening. He said, "I'm not a goof... I like to know when I'm being led somewhere." Even when he’s annoyed with the script, the guy delivers.
The Star Trek Legend (Yes, He Was Four Different People)
You can't talk about James Cromwell TV shows without mentioning the final frontier. Most casual fans know him as Zefram Cochrane from the movie Star Trek: First Contact. But Trekkies know he was all over the TV shows long before that.
- Star Trek: The Next Generation: He played Prime Minister Nayrok in "The Hunted" (1990).
- TNG again: He was the Yridian information broker Jaglom Shrek in "Birthright."
- Deep Space Nine: He played Hanok in the episode "Starship Down."
- Enterprise: He made a cameo as Cochrane in the pilot, "Broken Bow."
He even voiced Cochrane again in Star Trek: Lower Decks in 2022. The guy is basically the "Godfather" of the Star Trek universe. Fun fact: He actually broke his leg during the filming of the "Birthright" episodes, which is why his character suddenly spends a lot of time sitting down or disappearing from shots.
The Early Days: From All in the Family to Barney Miller
If you look back at his 70s and 80s work, it’s wild to see how much he's changed. He was Stretch Cunningham on All in the Family. He was a regular on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. He did guest spots on MASH*, Three's Company, and Little House on the Prairie.
📖 Related: Why La Mera Mera Radio is Actually Dominating Local Airwaves Right Now
He was the "tall guy" they called whenever they needed a doctor, a lawyer, or a slightly eccentric neighbor. He spent decades being "that guy" before Babe turned him into a household name at age 55. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best part of a career happens in the second act.
Why He’s Still Winning in 2026
Cromwell isn't just coasting on nostalgia. He’s been in Law & Order: Organized Crime, played John McWilliams in Julia, and showed up in the Apple TV+ series Sugar.
The reason he’s so successful is simple: he’s authentic. Off-screen, he’s a massive activist. He’s been arrested more times than some rock stars for protesting everything from animal testing to climate change. He brings that same "I don't care if you like me" energy to his roles.
He doesn't play characters to be loved. He plays them to be understood.
How to Watch the Best of James Cromwell
If you want to see why he's a legend, here is your weekend watchlist:
- Succession (HBO/Max): Watch for the scenes where he absolutely destroys Cousin Greg with words.
- American Horror Story: Asylum (Hulu/Disney+): Only if you have a strong stomach. It's his best "evil" role.
- Six Feet Under (HBO/Max): Watch his descent as George Sibley; it’s heartbreaking work.
- Star Trek: First Contact: Okay, it’s a movie, but it’s the definitive version of his most famous character.
Next time you see a 6'7" older man on a show looking like he’s about to lecture the lead character into oblivion, check the credits. It’s probably James Cromwell, and you’re probably about to see some of the best acting on television.
Actionable Next Step
If you're a fan of his work in Succession, go back and watch his episodes in ER (Season 7). He plays Bishop Lionel Stewart, and you can see the early foundations of the moral weight he brings to his later, more famous roles. It’s available on Hulu and Max.