Updated Feb 20, 2026
Details
Known For
Actor
Birthday
(Monday)
Died
Birthplace
Petersburg, Virginia, USA
Height
187 cm (6'1")
Nationality
Languages
English
Spouse
Patricia Medina (1960-1994)
Children
1 child: Judith Lenore LaMonte
Parents
Joseph Cheshire Cotten, Sr., Sally Whitworth Willson
Zodiac Sign
♉ Taurus
Chinese Zodiac
蛇 Snake
Name Origin
English < Biblical Hebrew (יוֹסֵף)
Popularity
Tier B -- 23,693 Wikipedia views/month
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Career
Career spanning 65 years (1938-2003)
Orson Welles →
Screen debut
First screen credit at age 32
Year context
Born in 1905 -- Einstein publishes theory of special relativity; Theodore Roosevelt was US president
Year 1905 →
DROPTHE GOOD_
18
Notable
out of 100
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Human Impact
0
Innovation
0
Giving
0
Sustainability
100
Cultural Uplift
77
Public Vote
★
★
★
★
★
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Filmography (50)
AWARDS (2)
B
star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
WON
B
Volpi Cup for Best Actor
WON
Biography
Joseph Cheshire Cotten (May 15, 1905 – February 6, 1994) was an American actor of stage and film. Cotten achieved prominence on Broadway, starring in the original productions of The Philadelphia Story and Sabrina Fair. He is associated with Orson Welles, leading to appearances in Citizen Kane (1941), The Magnificent Ambersons (1942), Journey into Fear (1943), for which Cotten was also credited with the screenplay, and The Third Man (1949). He was a star in his own right with films such as Shadow of a Doubt (1943), Love Letters (1945), Portrait of Jennie (1948), and The Third Man (1949).
Connections (4)
Related People
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Joseph Cotten?
Joseph Cotten was born on and passed away on at the age of 88.
Where was Joseph Cotten born?
Joseph Cotten was born in Petersburg, Virginia, USA.
What movies or shows has Joseph Cotten been in?
Joseph Cotten has 50 credits in our database. Notable titles include Too Much Johnson (2013), Evil (2003), The Hearse (1980), Churchill and the Generals (1979), Guyana: Crime of the Century (1979).
What is Joseph Cotten known for?
Joseph Cotten is primarily known as an actor. Joseph Cheshire Cotten (May 15, 1905 – February 6, 1994) was an American actor of stage and film. Cotten achieved prominence on Broadway, starring in…
Where can I find more information about Joseph Cotten?
You can find more about Joseph Cotten on IMDB, TMDB, Wikidata. Their full profile and filmography is available on this page.
