Activist actor James Cromwell arrested in power plant protest

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/dec/21/actor-james-cromwell-arrested-ny-power-plant-protest

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James Cromwell has been arrested after protesting against a power plant in New York State.

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The Oscar-nominated star of Babe and L.A. Confidential locked himself together with two other protesters after claiming the Competitive Power Ventures facility in Orange County, a short distance to the north of New York City, will cause both dangerous toxins and lower property values in the area.

The 75-year-old was part of a 30-strong group who formed the demonstration. He was arrested with five other members and went peacefully after being charged with disorderly conduct.

Cronwell was shouting “Power to the people”, said reports.

Cromwell’s activism dates back to the 1960s when he was a member of the Committee to Defend the Panthers, set up to support the members of the Black Panthers who had been arrested on charges of conspiracy. In 2013, the actor was arrested during a protest against experiments on cats at the University of Wisconsin and in the same year, he was also part of a high-profile campaign against US retailer Walmart for better treatment of pigs.

The actor received a best supporting actor nomination at the 1996 Oscars for his role in Babe and has also starred in The Artist, The Queen, The Green Mile and Deep Impact. Most recently, he has been seen on the small screen in American Horror Story and Halt and Catch Fire.

Cromwell will next appear alongside Jude Law and Diane Keaton in Paolo Sorrentino’s upcoming series The Young Pope.