I recommend it. He was one of the handsomest men on the screen, be it black and white and color. He burst onto the scene with his role in Golden Boy in 1939. Since then we have been looking for and watching every Holden movie we can rent or buy. This account has been disabled. I miss him so much. There isn't a Holden film that I won't watch, but I feel his career went downhill after the 50's, probably due to the booze. If Bill had any real guts, he would have gotten off his butt and gotten into the real war. Even neighbors of many years only received a quick nod from the elusive actor. After joining the Air Force in World War II and achieving the rank of lieutenant, Holden returned to the screen working in a variety of comedies, dramas, thrillers and Westerns, all with equal box office appeal. His long-term contract was shared by Columbia and Paramount, being both underpaid and forced into low-budget films unworthy of his exceptional talent. Holden was one of the greatest actors of our times. According to the autopsy report, Holden was already dead for a week before his body was discovered. This combined his commercial investment with the added advantage of a personal residence, creating a two-fold financial asset. (Kim Novak) his reply was take a number. As a 100 percent heterosexual man, I loved that guy like a brother. It was during one of these discussions - when she was telling him which names she would like to give their future children - that he finally told her about his vasectomy. I discovered Bill Holden when I was browsing Netflix and found Sabrina. He was notoriously private. I treasure Mr. Holden's work and I'll buy every film of his I can find. His biggest contribution is towards wildlife conservation, which Stephanie Powers is managing. Great actor I watched an old Black/White yesterday of his The Key where he was a skipper of a tug in WW11 everyone of his movies excellent, dont get the same today. Following his passing, Stefanie Powers, Williams girlfriend at the time of his death. The coroner said there was a ''deep cut'' on Holden's forehead, which was followed by ''massive bleeding,'' the actual cause of death. He not only was a "sun-worshipper," outdoors, but according to "The Golden Boy" biography, he had a sunlamp installed over his toilet so he wouldn't miss a minute of exposure. By the way: I'm surprised his late-life girlfriend SteFanie Powers didn't have a Hart-to-Hart talk with him. Additional building amenities offer 24-hour security, business conference center, fitness center with sauna and underground parking. I have just discovered William Holden and I can't get enough of his beautiful soul that comes through in his acting roles. Holden had excellent genes. He was actually a very shy man which is hard to believe. Read on for more details about her love life. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. You did your best, I am sure. The "stars" of today just don't have "it". Holden, who regularly dated his leading ladies did not have that connection with Novak and that made this dance scene even more undesirable to him. Practise makes perfect as the old saying goes. That's why I'd rather watch some old film I have never seen instead of watching a new film.William Holden has to be mention in the top five of greatest leading men. Long gone, but never forgotten. Its pretty safe to say that his heavy drinking is what led to his accidental injury. I am a child of the sixties and recently watched the film "Picnic" when looking at music of my parent's generation- I don't think a film in many years has pulled me in emotionally and much attributed to William Holden's performance- Kim Novak in all her quiet gentleness was perfect for Madge. And if. I found him to be as attractive in his last movie as he was in his first. I truly believe that he aged due to the sun and cigarette smoking. I have been reading any books and articles I can get on Bill Holden and almost have the feeling that when he slipped and fell he did not want to call for help. I saw the movie because I liked Betty Hutton. :) Nancy. Truly one of the best, and, in my opinion muchunder appreciated today.God bless you Golden Boy. He tried and tried - we'd go weeks without hearing from him and then he'd resurface detoxed (by himself - ALONE - many, many times. He was then chosen out of 65 other candidates to play Joe Bonaparte in the Columbia pictures production of Golden Boy. He did the best he could and to me there will never be another to compare to william Holden. He was just another drunk bum. I think that was his first movie and she helped him get the part and with his portrayal. He was the best .as Nancy Olsen (young co-star in SUNSET BOULEVARD) stated about him , " He was the perfect movie star !". I read his biography, "Golden Boy"---what else?---and learned that the root cause of his drinking was guilt. Picnic? According to the book he started early to get enough courage to act. He tried other roles to avoid forecasting and was somewhat successful. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. In that sexy dance scene, the lights + camera angle show how bloated William Holden's face was, which is typical of people who drink too much. Alcohol is the devil's potion. He was 63. The post The Horse Soldiers (1959) Classic Movie Review 126 appeared first on ClassicMovieRev.com. His earnings on this Hollywood blockbuster not only set the standards for a new era of negotiations between the studios and actors, but also allowed him to be much more selective in his future film work. The years of his drinking started taking its toll on Holdens chiseled looks by the 1960s. The actor was best man at the 1952 wedding of President and Mrs. Reagan and remained friends with them over the years. In 1980, he retreated to this wildlife preserve, returning to Hollywood only briefly to star in his final film, Blake Edwards's S.O.B. With the right direction and material, Bill Holden was as good anactor as any at the time. It is disappointing not see in the text and comments any reference to The Country Girl and Love is a many splendored thing. A film touching and affecting in content and form with an intelligent and moving story of adult, mature, romantic and sexual love conquering the iniquity of racism. He invested in hotels in Africa, where he said he was happiest. WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 (UPI) -President Reagan expressed shock today over the death of Mr. Holden, who was the best man at his wedding to Nancy Davis. He was a conservationist and worked for years to maintain big game habitats on the African continent. Making William my second cousin. I don't pay much attention to Hollywood rumors factual or otherwise. As the best man at Ronald Reagan's wedding, his star power never dimmed. From the Archives: Gloria Swanson, Queen of Movies Golden Years, Dies, From the Archives: Dorothy Chandler, Cultural Leader, Dies, From the Archives: Audrey Hepburn, Actress and Humanitarian, Dies, Ernest Borgnine dies at 95; won Oscar for Marty, showed comic side in sitcom, From the Archives: Ella Fitzgerald, Jazzs First Lady of Song, Dies. A pressured young engineer/family man in Executive Suite (1954), a conflicted jet pilot in the Korean War film The Bridges at Toko-Ri (1954), a carefree playboy in Sabrina (1954), his most widely recognized role as an ill-fated prisoner in The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) with Alec Guinness, a World War II tug boat captain in The Key (1958), and an American Civil War military surgeon in John Fords The Horse Soldiers(1959) opposite John Wayne. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Classic Movie Rev His first starring role was in the movie "Golden Boy" (1939). Holden likely didnt realize the extent of his injury and apparently tried to stop the bleeding on his own. Alcoholism can be a fickle foe, and in Holdens case, it was a mortal enemy. I miss him. And were was Stefanie Powers? Based on all the comments in here, he truly was one of the greats. 25 titles 1. I was young when Holden and the others were making movies. The role in ''Stalag 17'' for which he won the Oscar was that of a cynical, hard-bitten prisoner of war who inevitably becomes a hero. Verify and try again. It is so sad to read of the passing of these wonderful actors and actresses of the Golden Age. Agree. He constantly placed his own need for instant gratification before the needs of his loved ones - right throughout his life. Holden in Stalag 17 & Peck in The Guns Of Navarone.just magnificent! We used to go to school dances and when we slow danced I first felt the emotion of strong physical attraction for the first time. Right around this time, Holdens films dropped substantially in quality as he spent more and more of his free time focusing on his hobbies and business dealings. Viewed by fans as the boy-next-door, this 20-year old, handsome young actor with striking features and a sensual voice had an image that earned Holden entry into an elite group of promising young actors known as the Golden Circle a group aggressively promoted by the studio that also included Susan Hayward and Robert Preston. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Holdens corpse was found in a robe and shirt laying on the floor. Career William Holden's career began with an uncredited role in the movies, "Prison Farm" and "Million Dollar Legs" in 1939. Also sad, for obviously she could do nothing to help him. I hate it when people post hurtful things, when the information is out there to ease them from their ignorance! Both very good. Post Script: In this video I made a GAFF ON STEROIDS!!! He expected to serve the normal way but was forced to the special services section where recruitment films were made. Thank you. Such a shame he died like he did. I immigrated here in my 30's. She described it as being as if the trust between them evaporating in an instant and there was just no trust left to build from. -----. I Love William Holden. He always looked about 10 years older than he was, even in the late 1940's/early 50's. He was also romantically linked to costars Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Stefanie Powers, who after his death, established the William Holden Wildlife Fund supporting wildlife preservation in Kenya, thus realizing his dream. After his discharge, there was a 17-month hiatus when he had no parts, but he then appeared in 13 movies in three years. The man was an amazing actor since his early years. Her last great love of her life was Robert Wolder and, of course, Bill's last love was Stephanie Powers but that relationship by that time was slowly dissolving because of his drinking. Stefanie, meanwhwile, tried several time to have a "Heart-to-Heart" talk with him about his boozing, and got nowhere. Although he always maintained residences in California, Holden also had houses in Switzerland and in Kenya. Oops, something didn't work. Lewis once interviewed Sam Peckinpah, director of The Wild Bunch a movie about a bunch of misfits in the West at the beginning of the 20th Century who have outlived their time. The police said he had apparently died of natural causes and had been dead for possibly two or three days. I search, William Holden. The resemblance between WH and Tom Hanks is uncanny when WH was much younger. You're nothing but a poor imbecile. Each time I watch him, I see what a great actors and a person that was so good at his craft. Thanks for the memories. Hey Dan,Do yourself a favour and check out The Country Girl from the same era. He was out doors a lot and no one used sun screen then. It's power is greater than the human will. RIP. Mr. Holden was for many years a sort of grownup boy-next-door type, but his acting developed a fine cynical edge in such films as ''The Bridge on the River Kwai'' and ''Sunset Boulevard'' as well as ''Stalag 17.'' William Holden Died Drunk and Alone William Holden began working in Hollywood as a piece of beefcake. They had two children of their own, Peter and Scott, and raised a daughter, Virginia, from Marshalls previous marriage. We danced to that song in Picnic and then I saw the movie with Holden and Novak and it amplified those same feelings for the first time in my life. In an auto-bio he stated he was a very poor dancer, and had to get very drunk to do that scene. I generally don't miss the opportunity to watch a William Holden movie. When he wanted to be left alone to drink, he made it known that he wanted to be alone. No funeral or memorial service was held, per his wishes. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. He was great in every movie I've seen him in. He had everything, and didn't realize it. He was regarded as cooperative with the press and with the studios where he worked, although he was on occasion suspended for refusing scripts he believed to be below his standards. Resend Activation Email. What also aged him was the bad eye lifts he got which took way the normal bags under his eyes, making his face appear gaunt and old before his time. I didn't appreciate them then like I should have. This prestigious high-rise is a sought-after address and home to a number of bicoastal celebrities and Hollywood executives because it epitomizes contemporary living in a chic seaside environment. Happy memories for me as I saw it with my mom who is gone now. What more could you ask for? Who gives a fuck if he drank the world. Mr. Holden, 63 years old, was found dead at the apartment Monday morning by the building manager. Drinking might age one's innards, but Errol Flynn looked great when his autopsy showed internal organs that were anything but Oh, stop it. He followed that film up with a screen version of the movie of Our Town. He first came onto the scene with his 1939 hit film Golden Boy. These are both known culprits of premature aging. He was an enigma; men wanted to emulate him and women wanted to copy and paste him into their lives. He joined us our table and told us about filming The Bridge on the River Kwai. It didn't look like this, however. It is hard to believe that William Holden has been dead now for 30 years. January 19, 2022, 6:17 pm, by The gourmet kitchen is a cook's delight with black granite countertops, Poggerpohl cabinetry, Gaggenau appliances and a Sub-Zero refrigerator, full-size freezer and wine cooler. I was shocked to read that his wife of 30 years Brenda Marshal and the mother of his 2 sons, was born in the Island of Negros, in the Philippines where I was born and raised. His death was ignominious and far too soon (And The Earthling was his last released film) but I doubt if he would have hated it. Actor. He was a serial adulterer and not a devoted family man. And he would hardly ever give anyone notice before vanishing for weeks at a time. I've lived with alcoholism, be it a family member or friend, and through my experiences, drinking doesn't make you a bad person, sometimes, just sad. The Theme from Picnic and Moonglow I can listen to for hours. Get the day's top news with our Today's Headlines newsletter, sent every weekday morning. Please enter your email and password to sign in. I told police what happened and the studio paid to have it all covered up being it was self defense nobody was charged and the studio kept the truth about Holden out of the press etc. He left her $75,000 (equivalent to $584,000 in 2021). At the scene, investigators recovered a large empty bottle of vodka in his trash can as well as 4 beer boles and a mostly full bottle of vodka on his kitchen counter. Drag images here or select from your computer for William Holden memorial. An alcoholic drinks because he/she is an alcoholic. They really should have been together, neither Bill nor Audrey were happy the rest of their lives. Holden was/is one of my favourite actors.Nearly met him in late 1979 while working at the bar "Theatre Royal".He walked in on my day off and bought a bottle of Champagne after seeing Deborah Kerr (former costar) in her play "After The Fair".Kerr toured Australia with this production and Holden was in Sydney,Australia to film one of his last motion pictures "The Earthling". Although I am a big fan of William Holden's work, I can see in some of the comments that people sometimes confuse the man with the characters he played. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. He had suffered from alcoholism for decades before slipping and falling while changing his clothes and hitting his head on a nightstand. He also starred in the television mini-series ''The Blue Knight,'' about police officers, and in a television movie, ''21 Hours at Munich.'' Tap the bell icon while youre at it. He followed that film up with a screen version of the movie of Our Town. Columbias president Harry Cohn had half the mind to fire him. However, so happy that I lived during the 'glamorous' years when the world was a much nicer place and the likes of Bill Holden, Cary Grant, Paul Newman, Rita Hayworth, Ingrid Bergman et al were there for us - on a weekly basis - at the local cinema. ''That level means he was heavily intoxicated,'' Mr. Wilson said. Holden's apartment was on the fourth floor, number 43. Thank goodness for digitized movies like DVD, where I can watch him anytime. At junior college he took a course in radio drama, and made his first stage appearance at the Playhouse Theater. I think WH may have been a manic depressive and that his dependency on alcohol was not his main problem. The coroner, Dr. Thomas Noguchi, said, ''The death was caused by an accidental fall involving tripping over or slipping on a throw rug, then falling into the sharp edge of a bedside table.'' Holdens performance in that film received with almost unanimous acclaim. I think the combo of naturally looking older and the sun is why he appeared to age poorly. I still enjoy watching William Holden's movies. Examination revealed an apparent laceration on his forehead approximately 3 inches in length. I was one of the people present when Holden was killed, I was with a blond women who was one of his beards, William was gay and the women were used to hide his gay life from the public. His permanent home was in Palm Springs but he maintained an apartment in Santa Monica. Having starred in such television programs as VEGA$ and Spenser: For Hire. Facts Verse I agree with those who refer to his looks, in the film Towering Inferno, he played the buildings architect a role that the studio tried to get Steve McQueen to take. The movie Picnic 1955. His acting is so honest and sincere that it just rivets me. By the 1950s, he was starring in hit after hit like: Sunset Boulevard (1950), The Country Girl (1954), Picnic (1955), and The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) to name a few. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. I've read that Bill Holden had an apartment in Hong Kong as well as one in CA. I do this just to expose people to great movies from the past. Forgive him for his faults and thank him for all he has given us. Bill carried those traits in his heart but could only translate them through the characters he played on screen. After drinking like a fish for decades on in, Holden found himself pretty much washed up. That's how I felt when I watched PICNIC for the first time on TCM this past June. There was the sense that this polite, no-nonsense man was capable of heroics if the need arose. As a young-buck actor who was easy on the eyes but not quite refined yet as a performer. Both destroyed themselves with alcohol and died early & painful deaths. I'll watch him every chance I get. February 19, 2023, 6:22 am, by Why does fame and wealth destroy so many people? What we need to do is continue the enlightened war on drugs for another 50 years, put millions more in jail (mostly blacks males), keep the DEA and all the other enforcement agencies employed that do not produce a single product except unemployable felons, and take another look in 2065 when we have turned the tide on global warming. You can always change this later in your Account settings. It is available from most DVD providers, including Amazon. One of the biggest hurdles that he faced was his lifelong, very public battle with drinking and alcoholism. That is love, dedication, respect, and hard work. He was well-known for being a very private individual. Even more, the actress was married twice. And he was one of the best, he was one of the best. I can watch Picnic a 1000 times and still enjoy his role along with his Kim Novak's, outside of the epics, there is no other film as detailed as Picnic, it had everything. It was just silly and random enough to fit a man uncomfortable with his random, often silly, world. He had not reached the point in the disease process of having DT' s (delirium tremens.) Appearing in films like Picnic in 1955 and The Bridge on the River Kwai in 1957. He deserves credit for creating his African Reserve to help the wildlife. He played a similar hard-bitten character in the role in Stalag 17 that won him an Oscar. There was one Elvis and only one William Holden. And before you go, take a moment to show us a little love by giving this video a like and by subscribing to our channel if you havent already. Facts Verse Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I rank Bill Holden & Gregory Peck, equally as the greatest actors I have ever seen. Bill Holden was one of our greatest and not ever forgotten. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. The classic "boy next door" whom everyone loves, and gets along with. I watch one of his films everyday. Try again later. LAUREL AND HARDY FAN GROUP KEEPS LAUGHING, PHOTOS OF THE DAY: DEAN MARTIN AND FRIENDS. But instead, he likely died of blood loss within about 15 minutes of his accident. Another observation about him is that he was in incredible shape for the times. But then again, who really knows. He really was great in "Love is a Many Splendored Thing" ! William Holden, original name William Franklin Beedle, Jr., (born April 17, 1918, O'Fallon, Illinois, U.S.found dead November 16, 1981, Santa Monica, California), American film star who perfected the role of the cynic who acts heroically in spite of his scorn or pessimism. Still, I have a gut feeling that the truth about the death of the great star is so much stranger, darker, and more shocking. In that film, which was based on a play by Clifford Odets, Holden played Joe Bonaparte, a violinist who becomes a boxer. Picnic, The moon is blue, Golden boy, Breezy, The world of Suzie Wong, Love is a many splendored thing, Born Yesterday (my favorite so far), Escape from Fort Bravo, Streets of Loredo, The country Girl and Sabrina. And they all hailed from Milenback, Lancaster, England. Mr. Holden, who was 63 years old, was found by an apartment manager. I was totally in love with him. Amen! I fell in love with him when many years later I watched The world of Suzie Wong. and The World of Suzie Wong. Today I am watching The horse soldiers for about the 10th time and yesterday on TV it was Paris when it sizzle,a completely stupid film.I would love it if they put on Breezy or any other film of William Holden.I do not care what else is on if his films are on I watch it..He was a great actor and they do not have actors nowadays of his caliber or his good looks and charm.I had my dream visit to the USA 2014-15 and did a tour of Paramount studios when they were closed for the Christmas holidays.I also stayed in Santa Monica just so I could see where he had been and also visited the Pasadena players theater.My favorite movies of William Holden are Sabrina,Sunset Boulevard and Picnic.My favorite piece of music is Moonglow and the theme from Picnic.Why the older stars on the walk of fame are so far away from the old Grauman`s theater i do not know.This is what my generation come to see in Hollywood .While his movies are still played on TV William Holden will never be forgotten R.I.P. Will still remember Bill as the handsome, sexy guy in his prime. In the dance scene, which is well recognized, it was William Holden's ability to embrace the tenderness of the moment and reflected in the simple way in which he holds Kim Novak's hand drawing both hands close to his heart- I find this performance haunting. Watching tcm tonight, Stalag 17 was on, William Holden, one of my favorite actors. (1950), for which Holden earned his first Best Actor Oscar nomination. Mr. Holden was separated in 1963 from his wife, with whom he had two sons, Peter and Scott; they were later divorced. And it being now April 2018, Wm Holden would have been 100 this year! I've long admired how William Holden died. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Makes me emotional, as well. Roughly a quarter million of these unlucky souls sustain injuries so severe that they end up dying. Wish somebody had been with him when he had a fall. There is a point beyond acting, a point where living becomes important. July 2, 2021, 6:38 am, by His early films didnt necessarily take full advantage of his talents but he amassed a sizeable fan-following nonetheless that was quite impressive. Talk about lengthy speeches. But when he got the role of Joe Gillis opposite Gloria Swanson in Sunset Blvd(1950) the world found out he not only looked good, he could act. But that really shouldnt be cause for any judgment. Addiction is a disease and we can put every person on the planet in jail and nothing is going to change until we mandate that the only answer is education, 10% of the population have the addiction bug, and it's a total waste of lives and resources to put people in jail for drug use when only that addictive 10% are going to abuse alcohol and other drugs, and it's pointless to imprison all that use when a small fraction destroy themselves whether it is legal or not. I agree. He also earned himself a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. .Bill Holden was the real deal. Was never marketed properly when released by Universal. I thank him for the legacy he left us. These roles include a prisoner-of-war entrepreneur in Stalag 17 (1953), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. I ALWAYS thought he was a terrific actor.When I first saw him on the screen in 1957 I liked him. From Findadeath.com: In November of 1981, Holden was living in Santa Monica, California, on Ocean Avenue. She was devastated when Bill died in 1981. There was a large quantity of blood surrounding the body as well as all over the bedding and blankets. From the condition of his body, it was decided that he had been dead for at least 4 days. Flippo asked Parton about what the most outrageous thing shed [] More, Robert Urich was known throughout the world as a tough guy. Sometimes I wonder what his life would have been like if Audrey Hepburn was apathetic about having children. That November, his apartment manager noticed he had not seen Holden in several days. I met William Holden at Gaddis restaurant in Hong Kong late 1956 or early 57. Yes, I'm a BIG fan since 1942, I think it was. Loved the movie Breezy! Holden's birth name was William Franklin Beedle, Jr. His last name was changed to Holden by an agent that was still in love with his ex-wife. Interview with Stephanie Powers in-between. Living in Pasadena, Holden was spotted by a talent scout from Paramount Pictures in 1937 while playing the part of an 80-year-old man. But beyond that, he seemed like his normal self and was without any complaints or major concerns.
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