Joseph Bruce Ismay was born on December 12, 1862 in England. He was raised in a wealthy family and from a young age, he was groomed to take over the family business. In 1888, he married his wife Julia and together they had five children.
In 1899, Ismay became the head of the White Star Line, a prestigious British shipping company, following a family inheritance. He quickly rose through the ranks and eventually became the chairman and managing director of the company.
One of the most defining moments in Ismay's career was the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. As the highest-ranking company official onboard, he was heavily criticized for surviving the disaster while many others perished. Both Americans and the British labeled him as the "Coward of the Titanic."
Isma was portrayed in the movie "Titanic" by actor Jonathan Hyde. The film brought renewed attention to the events of that fateful night and Ismay's controversial actions.
Despite the criticism he faced, Ismay continued to work in the shipping industry after the Titanic disaster. He remained a prominent figure in British business circles until his retirement.
Joseph Bruce Ismay passed away on December 17, 1937. He left behind a complex legacy that continues to be the subject of debate among historians and Titanic enthusiasts.