Early Life and Family Background
Born in Stockton, California, on July 30, 1940, Cathleen Frances “Casey” Cagney was the adoptive daughter of James and Frances Willard “Billie” Cagney. She grew up in Hollywood’s golden age, when her father was famous. Despite her distinguished family, Casey kept her life quiet. As a child, she lived with her brother, James Francis Cagney III, who was adopted in 1940.
Cathleen saw Hollywood’s splendour but was mostly insulated from its bright limelight as a famous child. Her father, known for films like “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” encouraged artistic expression at home, but neither Casey nor her brother became actors. While there were competing unsubstantiated reports of her acting or writing career, trustworthy citations are absent.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth | July 30, 1940, Stockton, CA |
| Parents | James Cagney and Frances Cagney |
| Siblings | James Francis Cagney III |
| Marriage | Jack W. Thomas (1962–1981) |
| Children | Verniey (b. 1965) and Christina (b. 1967) |
Personal Life and Marriage
Like her background, Cathleen kept her personal life private from the media. Verniey and Christina were her daughters from her 1962 marriage to Jack W. Thomas. The marriage ended in 1981. Casey focused on her family and her love of horses, which began in Mar-Ken, throughout her marriage.
Los Angeles and Agoura Hills, noted for their wealth and entertainment industry connections, were her home. Casey lived a peaceful life focused on family and personal interests despite the possibility for public interest given her family links. Her restrained approach to her social role contrasted with Hollywood families’ turbulent stardom.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Residence | Los Angeles, Agoura Hills |
| Marriage | Jack W. Thomas (1962–1981) |
| Daughters | Verniey and Christina |
| Passions | Loved horses |
| Lifestyle | Private, away from media |
Legacy and Public Perception
Cathleen Cagney Thomas and her father, James Cagney, left a legacy. Her life is generally regarded through the prism of being the kid of a Hollywood legend, even though she had no notable career. Though Casey did not become wealthy or famous, her father’s riches and success are important to her story.
Her gentle death from cancer in 2004 ended her Hollywood career. Casey prefers solitude, therefore popular media rarely tells her narrative, despite public curiosity. Her legacy is one of familial love and the complications of being part of a recognised family, not personal success.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Death | August 11, 2004, Agoura Hills, CA |
| Age at Death | 64 |
| Parent’s Fame | Father: James Cagney |
| Public Image | Private |
| Legacy | Familial ties over personal fame |
FAQ
Was Cathleen Cagney an entertainer?
Some unsubstantiated allegations suggest Casey Cagney had an acting or writing career.
How many kids did Cathleen Cagney have?
Cagney has daughters Verniey and Christina.
Did Cathleen Cagney appear publicly?
Beyond family, Casey wanted privacy.
How did Cathleen Cagney interact with her family?
Casey was from a famous Hollywood family, but she concentrated on her family and hobbies.
How did Cathleen Cagney pass away?
Cancer killed Casey in 2004.
