Christopher Mitchum, the second son of renowned actor Robert Mitchum, was destined to follow in his father's footsteps, just like his older brother James Mitchum. Growing up, Chris deliberately avoided the limelight, instead pursuing his education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree between 1962 and 1966.
As part of his Junior Year Abroad program, Chris attended Dublin's Trinity College, further broadening his academic horizons. After completing his degree, he developed a serious interest in filmmaking and began working as an extra in westerns at Old Tucson from 1966 to 1967.
Chris's early acting jobs included roles on the TV shows Dundee and the Culhane, starring British actor John Mills, and The Danny Thomas Hour, featuring Sammy Davis Jr. He also worked as a "gofer" on two of his father's westerns in 1969 before receiving his breakthrough role.
In 1970, Chris auditioned for John Wayne and landed a small part in the western Chisum as Billy the Kid's sidekick. Wayne introduced him to director Howard Hawks, who screen-tested Chris and gave him a starring role in Hawks' last film, Rio Lobo. Chris then co-starred with the Duke in Big Jake in 1971 before striking out on his own.
With his father's laid-back good looks and adventurous nature, Chris proved to be an assured action lead. However, his career took a downturn after a long dry spell, and he was told by a casting director that he couldn't be interviewed because he had worked with Wayne. In those highly political times, Chris's career suffered, and he went to Europe to find work.
Although he found films in Europe, they were of a lesser grade and more violent compared to his father's work. Chris continued to churn out product, including Master Samurai, Chinese Commandos, American Commandos, and Dendam Membara. Despite his father's legacy, Chris's career was popular in foreign markets such as Spain, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Today, Chris prefers writing and co-penned the screenplay for Triple Cross. He has also recently filmed a role in his son Bentley Mitchum's horror film, The Ritual, which marks a third generation of acting Mitchums, including older daughter Carrie Mitchum.
