He could not have children with Audrey Hepburn because he had a vasectomy after his last son was born in the mid 40s. When Ryan was murdered in 1976 by a car bomb WH attended his funeral. Stalag is my favorite but have liked them all. Sunset Boulevard, Love is a many splendored thing. Breezy was a bit cheezy (tee hee) but I don't think any other older actor could have pulled off the role of Frank Harmon the way he did. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Bill Holden was one of our greatest and not ever forgotten. RIP. The years of his drinking started taking its toll on Holdens chiseled looks by the 1960s. I saw it again just last week on TCM. See the article in its original context from. He also starred in the television mini-series ''The Blue Knight,'' about police officers, and in a television movie, ''21 Hours at Munich.'' [14] Capucine met actor William Holden in the early 1960s. And promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. As I write I am watching "The Wild Bunch". He was unparalleled; excellent actor.I too, miss him. William Holden is my favorite actor. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. The family moved to California when he was very young, and he attended public schools in Monrovia and Pasadena. A lot has been said here about William Holden. January 27, 2023, 6:25 pm, Trending Facts Verse His role in ''Network '' in 1976 won him a third. I think he would like that a lot. According to the medical examiner, Holden had tripped on a throw rug and hit his head on the nightstand. 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. Although Holden was clearly one of Hollywood's most popular leading men in films that were the top money grossers of their day, and was considered the top box office draw in 1956, he also became an unwitting victim of the studio system. Perhaps because he was a drinker they thought maybe hed reveal something in an un-guarded moment. Interview with Stephanie Powers in-between. He studied at the Pasadena Playhouse, the company that . God Bless Him for his contribution he made while on the planet and may TCM continue to bring his movies to us for always. And if. My understanding is that he could not have children. He invested much of his earnings from that film into various business ventures including a radio station in Hong Kong. If he wasn't drinking, he would probably not be so convincing when acting disappointed, but proud "old-fashioned" Pike Bishop. If Bill had any real guts, he would have gotten off his butt and gotten into the real war. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. OceanAire is located just steps from the beach not far from the Santa Monica pier and famed Third Street Promenade in the heart of the city. I also liked his segment on the "I love Lucy" showhe was a gem. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? But nows the time for you to shine! Dawber has married to NCIS star Mark Harmon for more than three [] More, Jan Smithers is a former television actress that is best known for her portrayal of the character Bailey Quarters on the television series WKRP in Cincinnati. His body was found four days later. It is so sad to read of the passing of these wonderful actors and actresses of the Golden Age. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. As to the suggestion that he never found true love, I disagree. I do this just to expose people to great movies from the past. It was called "The Earthling" and co-stared Ricky Schroder in one of his first films!! Mike Couch. He was a wonderful actor. You would be thrilled to know that Stef brought your conservation dreams to life by creating the William Holden Wildlife Foundation in your honor - an enormous achievement. He was handsome but not in a classic matinee-idol style; he was the decent average man, only a bit better than average. This reminds me of the cartoon I saw many years ago. Most stars knew each other, and they usually worked with each eventually. Don't you think Stefanie has regrets over this? It is hard to believe that William Holden has been dead now for 30 years. Needs a first in the mouth. Indifferent directing, little known costars, minimal budget how does the actor do under such paltry circumstances? The post Stalag 17 (1953) Classic Movie Review 79 appeared first on ClassicMovieRev.com. Try again later. It would seem that his one weakness was always the bottle. We will miss him. I was a great fan of William Holden's, and to this day collect his movies. Holden, just 63 when he died, had most recently appeared in the Blake Edwards' film "S.O.B." and was "a loner," according to Edwards, who wasn't surprised that Holden's body went so long without being discovered. He's so believable in all of his roles, no matter how much fluff there was in the script or how insignificant the role might have been performed by another actor. Yes! 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. Watch the dance sequence from "Picnic." They don't make them like that anymore. Holden had 3 natural children. Timeless. He also had the habit of disappearing for many days, without notice. I've often wondered how he was affected by that drunk driving accident in 1966, where a man was killed. He had a hit with the made for television movie "The Blue Knight" in 1973 and earned an Emmy Award for his performance. See where that gets you. His brother fought and died in WW2 as a fighter pilot showing his great qualities too. (1981). Holden was the godfather of the Reagans youngest daughter. I was young when Holden and the others were making movies. He was well-known for being a very private individual. He was partial owner of the building at #535. Yes, the part that established him as a Hollywood powerhouse was the wholesome young prizefighter who just wants to be a violinist in Golden Boy. Regardless of his problems, he was human, just like the rest of us, and he portrayed a warmth seldom seen on film. Director: Billy Wilder | Stars: William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson Votes: 224,388 2. He rounded out the remainder of the 1940s starring in films like Streets of Laredo, Miss Grant Takes Richmond, and Dear Wife. Author - https://t.co/B4YpcyjjC4 This also probably fueled his drinking. In turn, this led to Holden feeling compelled to drink more and more. In 1953, he was cast in "Stalag 17" for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. He brought so much to every picture he appeared in. The examiner reckoned that Holden didnt comprehend the seriousness of his injury, tried to stop the bleeding himself, and passed out from blood loss. I Goofed 'cause the actress in said film was NANCY KWAN BITCHIN' and enjoyable film; N'est-Ce Pas?? As his character said to Bing's character in Country Girl, "I need an actor who can remember his lines and show up for work", Holden obviously remembered his lines and showed for work. I agree with your Mother and my Mother.If you have nothing nice to saydon't say anything at all! According to forensic evidence, the actor remained conscious up to half an hour after the accident. I struggle with writing screenplays today, and sadly many of the greatest films in the past would NOT be made today. Since then we have been looking for and watching every Holden movie we can rent or buy. Thats why it took so long for someone to find him. Cry your heart out Leonrado Di Caprio. Watched the bridge on the river kwai last night and enjoyed Holdens performance again. He had not reached the point in the disease process of having DT' s (delirium tremens.) For more information, contact 310.395.4648 or go to www.oceanaire.com. They really should have been together, neither Bill nor Audrey were happy the rest of their lives. I miss him. He had the kind of face that improved over the years. 'I'm Not a Classic Actor'. A treasure. He was in a car accident wherein a person was killed. Drinking and his smooth nature left a great legacy. Although he was still relatively young by Hollywoods standards. He had everything we wanted for ourselves. Can't watch it anymore - the ending is too sad. I have seen almost all his movies except for a few B/W movies and the Seventh Dawn, because I simply cannot find it online. Her husband Robert Taylor was handsome too.I loved Holden's rugged good looks and his acting. Search above to list available cemeteries. Life did not elude you; yours was a life full of good works to be celebrated. We all have too many demons and not enough angels. cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Its kind of hard to believe but William Holden has been dead now for almost 4 decades. Then he made a comeback in 1969 with The Wild Bunch and was praised for his work in Network in 1976. For his contribution to the film industry, Holden has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located at 1651 Vine Street. xxxx. The Los Angeles Coroner said today that the death of the actor William Holden sometime last week was probably accidental, the result of a fall. Try again later. He had suffered from alcoholism for decades before slipping and falling while changing his clothes and hitting his head on a nightstand. Who gives a fuck if he drank the world. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Stefanie Powers' Love Life Including 2 Failed Marriages and Her Deep Love for William Holden. Many of the old timers had more talent and natural good looks. I taught Film Studies for 20 years and I would single out Sunset Boulevard as a film that only showed Holdens talent but also provided a useful window onto Hollywoods history. NICE! This in turn caused Holden to drink more. Before he escapes from the prison camp, he spends most of his time figuring out ways to get out of working for the Japanese. William Holden passed away in 1981 at the age of 63. By David Lobosco- http://greatentertainersarchives.blogspot.com/2011/11/last-days-of-william-holden.html?m=1. I can't explain why it makes me so emotional. As we all know, curiosity killed the cat, and Mr. Martin was sure taught a lesson that day. In the 60s, Holden founded the exclusive Mount Kenya Safari Club with his oil-tycoon billionaire friend Ray Ryan and Swiss financier Carl Hirschmann. They starred in the films The Lion (1962) and The 7th Dawn (1964). I always loved Bill Holden in every picture he was in. Bill Holden was a beautiful classy man, loved the wild life of Africa, brilliant actor, will always be handsome, and that wonderful voice. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. The Shorecliff Towers. Jeez. The director Billy Wilder said that he was ''the best movie actor of his generation. Are you ready to be a guest on the show? January 19, 2022, 6:17 pm, by And he was forever in Stanwycks debt for believing in him enough to pull him through that picture. The dance scene with Kim Novak in Picnic.Ahhhhh! He always brought a reassuring presence to any scene. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. He was one of the finest actors of his time. Many of us leave behind loved ones but when you think clearly about it..dying is what we all do alone. Against his better nature, the real hero would eventually come out but next to his predecessors, Holden's heroes were complex, ambiguous men. His films were well written, well directed, and cast correctly. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Loved him! Sad. A nostalgic journey to the past to relive the golden days of entertainment! Holden died young but due to the decades of alcohnolic poisoning he really looked alot older.RIP Mr Holden.Now In Gods Care . I believe, his constant sun-worshipingdamaged his skin; he was a heavy smoker and perhaps drinking had something else to do with it but I don't believe he drank as much as people were led to believe. While in high school and junior college, Holden immersed himself in sports. Learn more about managing a memorial . Join Facts Verse to learn more about the Inside William Holden Frightening Final Moments. I love the way he leaves the prison camp at the end of Stalag 17. CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/SubDazeWithJordanTheLionMERCH: http://shop.spreadshirt.com/jordanthelionDONATE: www.patreon.com/jordanthelionPAYPAL DONATI. He had so many productive years ahead of him. I treasure Mr. Holden's work and I'll buy every film of his I can find. Agreed! (1981), was more successful and a Golden Globe-nominated picture. Perhaps its time has come, as they say. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) This seductive dance is the epitome of intimacy for single people in the 1950s and a sign to discerning women that this man can fulfill his masculine responsibilities. Money, fame, looks, and talent. That being said, I am a big fan of Mr. Holdens film work. To me, this is one of his greatest roles and one of the greatest movies of all time. They spoke. He was probably dead within 15 minutes. He became one of the most popular male movie stars ever, respected by the critics and by directors. She starred alongside Hollywood titans like John Wayne, William Holden, . This was all BEFORE his brother was killed. . Based on all the comments in here, he truly was one of the greats. There was the sense that this polite, no-nonsense man was capable of heroics if the need arose. Aside from swooning from his looks ever since I was a kid, I miss hearing his wonderful deep voice. In that film, which was based on a play by Clifford Odets, Holden played Joe Bonaparte, a violinist who becomes a boxer. But, he was still getting good roles untill he died.Dan. Yes, I thought that segment 'I love Lucy' was priceless. Finally, Bill realized there was no way out. His disappearing acts became more and more frequent towards the end of his life. Thanks for writing. I also enjoyed Stalag 17, The Bridges at Toko-RI, Bridge on the River Kwai, Alvarez Kelly, Omen II and even his last movie, SOB. The fact that he drank like he did is his perogative. Nobody could have played that role and given it the resonance Holden did.. William Holden himself lived on the buildings fourth floor at unit number 43. Unfortunately, this time it didn't happen that way. Really. 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. 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 have yet to find a truly complete biography of him.He drank and smoked a lot because that is what men did at that time. Amen! Those absences for weeks at a timewell, he wasn't doing nothing. What did the beautiful Stephanie Powers see in him with the mess he was at the end? Long gone, but never forgotten. It's unfortunate, but at least his work can still be enjoyed to this day. Stefanie heard about it on the radio in her car going to work. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. You did your best, I am sure. He used a flashlight to navigate the apartment. Died a sad man. The latter proved to be one of his most financially lucrative film roles making him an instant multi-millionaire. I did not know that he was an alcoholic until today and I am 66! He constantly placed his own need for instant gratification before the needs of his loved ones - right throughout his life. This may well have been the last small film he was stuck in, and had it not been for his acting prowess, the film would likely not even have been released. He was an enigma; men wanted to emulate him and women wanted to copy and paste him into their lives. According to a report put out by the chief medical examiner, Holden appeared to have tripped on a throw rug before hitting his head sharply on the nightstand. His detachment from his children for many years, his need for instant gratification (alcohol, sex, etc) right through his life, his need for aloneness for long stretches of time, are all classic signs of manic depression. 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. Fine actor, of course. He always looked about 10 years older than he was, even in the late 1940's/early 50's. Beginning in 1950, his career took off when Billy Wilder tapped him to star as the down-at-the-heels screenwriter Joe Gillis, who is taken in by faded silent-screen star Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) in Sunset Blvd. I immediately became obsessed with his persona. In his personal life, his affairs and his drinking wreaked chaos with those who loved him. Consistent with Jones' original vision, newer technology was employed that was not available in his day, bringing the building up to its present, one-of-a-kind, luxury condominium status. I don't even watch tv or go to movies anymore because most of the stars are so plain looking and have so little talent. He was terrific in both of those films. I think a case can be made for the idea that he was depressed because he drank.