The fetish actor who inspired the career of the great Clint Eastwood: “cinema was invented for him”
The Hollywood legend credits Cagney’s fearless style and energy as a defining influence on his own career.
At 95, Clint Eastwood remains one of the most enduring figures in American cinema. With a career spanning seven decades, he’s directed and starred in classics like 'Unforgiven’, 'Million Dollar Baby’, 'Gran Torino’, and 'Dirty Harry’. But when it comes to personal inspiration, Eastwood has singled out one actor above all others: James Cagney.
In an interview featured in the book 'Clint Eastwood: Interviews’, Eastwood reflected on Cagney’s impact:
“I was never a fan of any actor in particular—except for James Cagney. I always liked his style and energy. He wasn’t afraid.”
A tribute to Cagney’s legacy
Cagney, known for his electrifying performances in gangster films like 'The Public Enemy’, 'Angels with Dirty Faces’, and 'White Heat’, helped define the “tough guy” archetype in early Hollywood. Eastwood admired not just his acting, but his boldness and unpredictability.
In fact, Eastwood admitted that one of 'Dirty Harry’s’ most iconic scenes, where Harry eats a hot dog during a shootout, was directly inspired by Cagney’s chicken leg scene in 'White Heat’:
“That scene in 'Dirty Harry’ where I’m eating a hot dog during the shootout—that’s a steal,” Eastwood told Entertainment Weekly.
He went even further, declaring:
“Movies were invented for Jimmy Cagney, and he was invented for movies”.
Where to watch Cagney’s work
If you’re curious to explore the actor who shaped Eastwood’s cinematic style, one of Cagney’s most celebrated films, 'White Heat’ (1949), is available to stream on Apple TV+.
Related stories
Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more! Follow us now!