Last updated on: February 19, 2025

Stoddard Greenwood Spader was an advocate of education. Known primarily as the father of famed actor James Spader, Stoddard had an enormous effect on both of his children – particularly James who went on to become one of Hollywood’s finest actors. But who exactly was Stoddard Greenwood Spader? Let’s delve into his life and uncover more of this man who helped influence James Spader.

Quick Facts About Stoddard Spader

Early Life

Stoddard Greenwood Spader was born on May 17, 1916, in New York. He grew up in a family that held education close to their hearts – both his parents, Vanderbilt Reginald Spader and Mary Heaton Beers were involved with education as both were connected in either academia or politics – providing him with strong values which would later inform both his career choices and family life.

Education and Career

From an early age, Stoddard was immersed in learning. His family’s deep involvement with education inspired him to pursue a teaching career; eventually becoming one himself and devoting much of his life working in education – helping students grow and learning alongside fostering human rights campaigns around the globe. Stoddard believed deeply in education’s power to transform lives.

Jean Fraser was also an educator; together, she and Stoddard fostered an environment in their home where learning and creativity were always celebrated, instilling those values upon their children, particularly James Spader who went on to use creativity in his acting career.

Family Life

Stoddard had three children. James Spader became his most notable offspring; born February 7th 1960. James later achieved success as an actor with roles in movies like Sex, Lies & Videotape as well as TV shows like The Blacklist.

James was raised by two older sisters, Libby and Annie, both who shared his passion for education. While Libby pursued various fields like teaching, advertising, classical music management and more; Annie chose the path set before her by following in their footsteps by becoming an educator herself; teaching kindergarten art then moving on to Brearley School where she still teaches today.

Stoddard had a profound effect on his children; James Spader has spoken at length about their liberal values and passion for learning being influential factors in his own life, with Stoddard teaching about creativity and the value of education having particular impact as James pursued acting.

READ ALSO: James Spader Net worth, Age, Partner, Family, Facts & More

Legacy

James Stoddard passed away on September 27, 1996; but his legacy lives on in his children and James Spader specifically. While not widely recognized, Stoddard had a profound effect on James Spader; often speaking about how his upbringing helped mold his career; the lessons taught to him by Stoddard about creativity, education and thinking outside of the box can be seen in some of James Spader’s more unique roles on screen.

Stoddard’s values shaped James’s career. Known for his complex characters and profound performances, his success as an icon in Hollywood can be directly traced to Stoddard’s beliefs about education and creativity – evident throughout James’s work.