James Cromwell has been an outspoken voice for animals since his Oscar-nominated role in Babe, the critically-acclaimed 1995 feature film about a special pig, which captured the hearts of millions of movie-goers by giving a face and a soul to countless farm animals. And ever since that seminal movie won in the category of Outstanding Feature at the 10th Annual Genesis Awards, James Cromwell has been a voice for, and two-time host of the award show that honors the major media for its positive coverage of animal issues. Says Cromwell of the Genesis Awards: "I come every year because I think it's the best award show. I care deeply about the animals and these are the only awards that give them a fair showing."

A highly respected, busy actor who has starred in numerous film and television productions, including L.A. Confidential, The Green Mile, Angels in America, Six Feet Under and more recently, the sci-fi extravaganza I-Robot, Cromwell somehow finds the time to work on the issues he cares about: animals and the environment. To increase the public's awareness of farm animal issues, Cromwell taped a video PSA for The HSUS in celebration of National Farm Animals Awareness Week (the third week in September). A proud vegan, Cromwell attributes his conversion to a series of events beginning with a disturbing motorcycle ride through the stockyards of Texas, and culminating with his role in Babe.

"Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life," says James Cromwell, an actor who really shows that he cares.