Early Life and Education of James Cameron: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of James Cameron. A timeline of key moments.

James Cameron is a highly successful Canadian filmmaker known for his visually stunning and technologically innovative movies. He is the second highest-grossing film director of all time, with his films grossing over $8 billion worldwide. Cameron is a major figure in the post-New Hollywood era, often blending classical filmmaking with novel technologies. He's also the co-founder of production companies like Lightstorm Entertainment and Digital Domain. Three of his films have been selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1912: RMS Titanic Sank

In 1912, the RMS Titanic sank after striking an iceberg.

August 16, 1954: James Cameron's Birth

On August 16, 1954, James Francis Cameron was born. He would later become a Canadian filmmaker.

1973: Enrolled at Fullerton College

In 1973, James Cameron enrolled at Fullerton College to study physics.

1974: Left Fullerton College

In 1974, James Cameron left Fullerton College after switching his studies to English.

1977: Inspiration from Star Wars

In 1977, after seeing 'Star Wars', James Cameron quit his job as a truck driver to pursue a career in the film industry.

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1978: Marriage to Sharon Williams

In 1978, James Cameron married Sharon Williams.

1984: Divorce from Sharon Williams

In 1984, James Cameron divorced Sharon Williams.

1989: Marriage to Kathryn Bigelow and Divorce from Gale Anne Hurd

In 1989, James Cameron divorced film producer Gale Anne Hurd and married director Kathryn Bigelow.

1991: Divorce from Kathryn Bigelow

In 1991, James Cameron divorced Kathryn Bigelow.

1993: Birth of daughter with Linda Hamilton

In 1993, James Cameron and Linda Hamilton had a daughter.

1997: Financial Assistance to Guillermo del Toro

In 1997, James Cameron gave Guillermo del Toro more than $1 million to pay a ransom for del Toro's kidnapped father Federico in Guadalajara.

1997: Marriage to Linda Hamilton

In 1997, James Cameron married Linda Hamilton, the lead actress in The Terminator series.

2000: Marriage to Suzy Amis

In 2000, James Cameron married Suzy Amis, his fifth wife.

2000: Space Trip Preparations

In 2000, James Cameron spent the summer in Moscow getting ready for a potential trip to space.

2003: Space Shuttle Columbia disaster

In 2003, the shuttle flight James Cameron turned down was the tragic Space Shuttle Columbia disaster and Cameron attended the memorial service for the victims of the disaster.

2004: Application for American citizenship

In 2004, James Cameron applied for American citizenship, but withdrew the application after George W. Bush won the presidential election.

2011: Vegan Lifestyle

Since 2011, James Cameron is vegan.

2012: Purchase of New Zealand Home

In 2012, after filming Avatar in New Zealand, James Cameron bought a home and a farm there.

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2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton

In 2016, James Cameron endorsed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton for the United States presidential election.

2016: Premier Exhibitions Bankruptcy

In 2016, Premier Exhibitions, owner of many RMS Titanic artifacts, filed for bankruptcy. Cameron supported the UK's National Maritime Museum and National Museums Northern Ireland decision to bid for the artifacts.

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