James Cromwell, the acclaimed actor best known for his role as Farmer Hoggett in the beloved 1995 film Babe, has opened up about the movie's profound impact on his life and career. In a candid interview, Cromwell revealed how working on the film about a talking pig led him to embrace veganism and become a vocal advocate for animal rights.
The Making of a Classic
Cromwell, now 84, reminisced about the unique challenges of bringing Babe to life. "It wasn't just about acting opposite a pig," he explained. "We had to create this magical world where animals could talk, think, and feel – and make audiences believe it."
The film's groundbreaking use of animatronics and trained animals set new standards for family entertainment. "Those animal trainers were true artists," Cromwell recalled. "They worked tirelessly to ensure every creature's performance felt authentic."
A Life-Changing Role
While Babe earned Cromwell an Oscar nomination, its greatest legacy may be the personal transformation it sparked. "Spending months working with these intelligent, sensitive animals changed me," he said. "I couldn't look at a pork chop the same way again."
Within two years of filming, Cromwell became a committed vegan. "The irony isn't lost on me," he noted. "I played a farmer who learns compassion from his livestock. Life imitated art."
Enduring Message
Nearly three decades later, Cromwell believes Babe's message about kindness and respect for all creatures remains vital. "That little pig taught millions about empathy," he reflected. "If one person reconsidered their food choices because of our film, then we did something important."
The actor continues to work with animal welfare organizations, proving that Farmer Hoggett's famous line – "That'll do, pig" – was just the beginning of a much larger conversation.
