Jim Mitchum, the veteran actor who starred alongside his legendary father Robert Mitchum in the 1958 cult classic “Thunder Road,” died September 20 at his ranch home in Skull Valley, Arizona, following a lengthy illness. He was 84.
A family spokesperson confirmed that Mitchum’s wife, Pamela K. Smith, was by his side when he passed away, along with the couple’s beloved poodle. The actor, who appeared in more than 35 films and television shows during his career, had been battling health issues for an extended period.
Born James Robin Spence Mitchum in Los Angeles on May 8, 1941, to Robert Mitchum and Dorothy Spence Mitchum, Jim made his film debut at age eight in the 1949 Western “Colorado Territory.” Despite his mother’s determination to keep him away from Hollywood, his striking resemblance to his father led to his breakthrough role at 16 as Robert’s younger brother, Robin Doolin, in “Thunder Road.”
The role in “Thunder Road” was originally written for Elvis Presley, but Presley wanted too much money according to family sources. Robert Mitchum also produced the film about Southern whiskey runners pitted against federal agents and organized crime. Jim’s character worked as a car mechanic, which sparked his real-life passion for automobiles and led to a brief stint as a stock car racer.
Through his work on cars, Mitchum developed a friendship with Presley and even worked on the music icon’s hot rods. This connection inspired him to attempt a singing career, and he signed a contract with 20th Century Fox in 1961. He recorded the single “Lonely Birthday,” but the song failed to achieve commercial success, ending his musical aspirations.
Mitchum’s acting career flourished throughout the 1960s with notable roles in several war films. He appeared in “The Victors” (1963) alongside George Peppard, Albert Finney, and George Hamilton; the Otto Preminger-directed “In Harm’s Way” (1965) with John Wayne and Kirk Douglas; and “Ambush Bay” (1966) featuring Hugh O’Brian and Mickey Rooney. He also starred in “Ride the Wild Surf” (1964) with Fabian and Shelley Fabares.
In the early 1970s, Mitchum had a cameo in Monte Hellman’s “Two-Lane Blacktop” and joined Dennis Hopper’s notorious project “The Last Movie” (1971), filmed in Peru. During that chaotic production, Mitchum created a short behind-the-scenes documentary called “The Last Movie Movie,” working alongside Peter Fonda and Kris Kristofferson.
One of Mitchum’s later significant roles came in 1975 with “Moonrunners,” a comedy about the illegal whiskey business that echoed themes from “Thunder Road.” The film was later redeveloped into the popular CBS television series “The Dukes of Hazzard.” He continued acting until 1994, when he decided to retire from the entertainment industry.
After his father’s death in July 1997 at age 79, Jim moved to Arizona where he managed his parents’ quarter horse ranch in Paradise Valley before eventually settling in Skull Valley. He oversaw breeding and racing operations, continuing the family’s involvement in the horse business. In recent years, he developed premium moonshine, traditional corn whiskey, and “Robert’s Rye” whiskey as tribute to his father’s film legacy.
Mitchum was married three times during his life. His first marriage to actress Wende Wagner lasted from 1968 to 1978, and they had one son, Will Spence Mitchum, in 1969. He married his second wife, Vivian Ferrand, in 1985, and they had two children together: Brian Price Mitchum and Caitlin Ann. That marriage ended in divorce in 1995.
He met his third wife, Pamela K. Smith, a former English professor, in 1993 in Arizona. Their friendship developed into romance over the years, and they married earlier this year, making 2025 a significant milestone in his personal life.
Jim Mitchum is survived by his wife Pamela, brother Christopher Mitchum, sister Petrine Day Mitchum, daughter Ana Liljeback, son Will Spence Mitchum, stepdaughter Tiffany Mitchum Greene, son Brian Price Mitchum, daughter Caitlin Ann Mitchum, and grandchildren Jack Durham Mitchum, Wagner Bernard Maximus Mitchum, Paige Mitchum, and Winnry Marie Mitchum Muir. The family plans to celebrate his life privately.
Robert Mitchum, Jim’s father, was known for his performances in films such as “Out of the Past” (1947), “The Night of the Hunter” (1955), “Cape Fear” (1962), and “Ryan’s Daughter” (1970). He received an Oscar nomination for his supporting role in “The Story of G.I. Joe” (1945) and was married to Dorothy Spence from March 1940 until his death from lung cancer and emphysema in 1997.
