Kenya Safari Club. You obviously know nothing about alcoholics then. Holdens problematic drinking started negatively affecting his chiseled good looks in the 1960s. Managed to convince the executive to rethink his decision. 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 like Stalag 17, Sunset Blvd. Timeless. I loved that car!! Facts Verse It depletes one's minerals, it induces dehydration which is bad for the skin, it affects one's ability to get restful sleep, it induces elevated blood pressure, the list goes on and on. He was unparalleled; excellent actor.I too, miss him. Murdered in Google and came to this sight. He tried and tried - we'd go weeks without hearing from him and then he'd resurface detoxed (by himself - ALONE - many, many times. I always thought when I was growing up that William Holden was the most handsome and gorgeous man I've had ever seen. What he came to represent was integrity, the same thing you get from someone like Henry Fonda.. Like so many other alcoholics, William Holden continued to drink until it destroyed him and eventually took his life. Those absences for weeks at a timewell, he wasn't doing nothing. His acting is so honest and sincere that it just rivets me. If he wasn't drinking, he would probably not be so convincing when acting disappointed, but proud "old-fashioned" Pike Bishop. The entrance lobby of OceanAire underwent a complete transformation, creating a 6,000-square-foot, Zen-inspired garden of imported granite and sandstone complete with bubbling fountains and lush landscaping. And who could forget the epic period piece The Bridge on the River Kwai in 1957? I believe Barbara Stanwyck adored himI remember her accepting an award for him and calling him her golden boy. In 1972, Holden began a nine-year relationship with actress Stefanie Powers, which sparked her interest in animal welfare. 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. He has that charm, that authenticity, which so few actors have, where they can play whatever the part is called for: Cary Grant, Robert Mitchum, some of Bogart's films, Bing Crosby in several earlier roles, as well as some of the later actors closer to my generation: Jeff Bridges, Paul Newman, Michael Douglas in some earlier films, Richard Gere, and a few others can play the soldier, the hero, the crusader, the reporter, the villain, the jaded coworkerall of them so convincingly. Tomorrow, April 17, 2015 is his birthday and TCM is showing a bunch of his movies, starting in the morning. Many have had tons of plastic surgery and still look horrible. He was a serial adulterer and not a devoted family man. It was called "The Earthling" and co-stared Ricky Schroder in one of his first films!! He left too early. By the way: I'm surprised his late-life girlfriend SteFanie Powers didn't have a Hart-to-Hart talk with him. The coroner's office said Holden was "heavily intoxicated" and his death was . After her role on that classic sitcom ended, Jan became more interested in being a mother than being an actress. Holdens doctor arrived on the scene and speculated that he might have started vomiting up blood and potentially lacerated the lower portion of his esophagus. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? I was a great fan of William Holden's, and to this day collect his movies. :) Nancy. Yes, I was about nine or so ~ : ) Anyway, Mr. Holden caught my 'eye'. Facts Verse There's really no point wondering what his life would have been like if Audrey Hepburn was apathetic about having children. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of William Holden (1890)? Just saw "Love is a Many Splendored Thing" and loved William Holden and always remembered him for his roles with Asian women, like "World of Suzi Wong" -- Of course, I am Chinese and would have done anything for him. I truly believe that he aged due to the sun and cigarette smoking. He was a great actor. I agree. As I said, he was a loser. he looked terrible, he had aged a lot. If you want the truth, read her book, One From the Heart. '', Indeed, there was a seven-year period in the late 1950's and early 60's when Mr. Holden made no movies in Hollywood; he moved abroad to Switzerland, Hong Kong and Kenya. He was partial owner of the building at #535. I'll always be a fan - but a fan of a deeply flawed human being who gave a lot of pleasure to strangers but a lot of pain to those he was supposed to be nurturing and caring for. What destroyed his looks was relentless baking in the sun and cigarettes. After drinking like a fish for decades on in, Holden found himself pretty much washed up. Bill carried those traits in his heart but could only translate them through the characters he played on screen. I can watch them over and over. 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. Bill Holden was a beautiful classy man, loved the wild life of Africa, brilliant actor, will always be handsome, and that wonderful voice. So, it shouldnt really be that big of a surprise that, with numbers like those, celebrities would face the same risk of dying [] More, Inside William Holdens Frightening Final Moments, Scientists Discovered Evidence That Exposes An Ancient Lie About Woolly Mammoths, Handlers Thought This Owl Was Male For 23 Years Then He Laid An Egg, This Baby Elephant Decided To Spend His Last Days Alongside This Creature, Woman Adpots Tiny, Adorable Puppy. Ronald Reagan was his immediate supervisor. What most people don't understand and addicts try to fool themselves about drugs like speed and cocaine, is they actually make a person feel incredibly depressed up to several weeks. He was handsome but not in a classic matinee-idol style; he was the decent average man, only a bit better than average. Holden likely didnt realize the extent of his injury and apparently tried to stop the bleeding on his own. Bill Holden obviously suffered from chronic untreated depression. Wow he did age badly! Bless her. Todays movie is The Bridges at Toko-Ri 1954. Todays movie is He was then chosen out of 65 other candidates to play Joe Bonaparte in the Columbia pictures production of Golden Boy. Search above to list available cemeteries. WH was a functional alcoholic. The Remarkable Andrew, The Fleets In and Meet The Stewarts all in 1942, and Young and Willing in 1943. It didn't look like this, however. He would end up having to fight an even tougher battle [] More, What could be more mysterious than an island filled with buried treasure? My 14 year old asked for Stalag for Christmas this year. Its pretty safe to say that his heavy drinking is what led to his accidental injury. They are known, and he did often, to go off on drinking binges on their own for days. Practise makes perfect as the old saying goes. Have seen most of his top rated movies, and this week for the first time saw Breezy, the 1973 movie he made with starlet Kay Lenz, directed by Clint Eastwood. I remember my girlfriend and I sitting in the theatre through "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" twice. Here's to you Bill. I immigrated here in my 30's. Great Actor.Foul play was the talk in Hollywood at time. (1981), was more successful and a Golden Globe-nominated picture. love is a many splendored thing - what a feat. JUST WATCHED "THE EARTHLING" SOMEHOW I HAD MISSED THAT MOVIE IN EARLIER YEARS. He left her $75,000 (equivalent to $584,000 in 2021). They are great actors. 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 believe that part of the reason he drank was from guilt; his brother was an Army Air Corps pilot who was shot down and killed during a WW II mission, while big shot actor Bill, though in the service, had a nice cushy job. Stefanie, meanwhwile, tried several time to have a "Heart-to-Heart" talk with him about his boozing, and got nowhere. I couldn't believe how handsome and classy he was. Perhaps that's why I generally stay away from his 70's films. The thought was, he'd emerge in a week or so sober and ready to work like had happened so many times before. He joined us our table and told us about filming The Bridge on the River Kwai. Always one of the saddest ends for a great classic film star. Well, I would have been concerned and checked up on him. Heres to our FRIENDS whom well always remember and to the LOVES well never forget! by Kaya Morgan. What I consider his Best Film and one of the most sleeper films of all-time was one of his last! Anyone can read what you share. He apparently died of natural causes, according to the coroners office, which will perform an autopsy today. Along with about anything that has Holden in it. A true alcoholic ( my brother) could not hold a job at a fast food restaraunt. He was 63. Taking a drink in your 80s is much better than the alternative. I met William Holden at Gaddis restaurant in Hong Kong late 1956 or early 57. William Holden (1918 1981) won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1953 for his role in Stalag 17. You would have been 95! In another unusual strategy for actors of the day, Holden also invested his wealth into an apartment building in Santa Monica, choosing to make the penthouse his home. After doing some internet research, and learning about the manslaughter issue he had in Europe, I wonder if that accelerated his dependence on alcohol. His doc told him to quit drinking alcohol and coffee, no more advil and no more smoking. The fact that he drank like he did is his perogative. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. I loved him as Max in Network, but the dialogue was way too wordy. "Sometimes he'd just get in his car and drive," the director told the AP. Are you an expert on a movie? William Holden was only 63 years old when he passed away. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Oh I forgot nobody in America reads anymore, I enjoy William Holden's work in everything he did. Bill Holden will always have a special corner of my heart so much so, that I look forward to seeing him on the other side. Thumbs up for you, Mr. Holden ~ : ). And were was Stefanie Powers? I didn't appreciate them then like I should have. 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. Join Facts Verse to learn more about the Inside William Holden Frightening Final Moments. I agree. At junior college he took a course in radio drama, and made his first stage appearance at the Playhouse Theater. Jun 11, 2021 06:00 A.M. Stefanie Powers had a deep love for actor William Holden before his tragic death in the 80s. Try again later. In the 60s, Holden founded the exclusive Mount Kenya Safari Club with his oil-tycoon billionaire friend Ray Ryan and Swiss financier Carl Hirschmann. The apartment block manager claimed 'he he did not want to be disturbed'. Since then we have been looking for and watching every Holden movie we can rent or buy. I would guess its probable and plausible because he was not only thought to be a CIA asset as he travelled the Earth constantly but he also was in an officer in the Screen Actors Guild while Reagan served as President of that Union and maybe he knew something that the powers-that-be didnt want to chance getting out. 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. What could one do in a situation like that when there was such a profound breach of trust. If education was facing these people everywhere they looked, and success stories were all around them, the sooner they would seek help and realize they didn't have to live like that.No, I take that all back. 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. You are correct Tracy Jo! Even so, he quietly emoted powerful sensuality, desire and confidence in the way he held and looked at Novak. Correct as what brought out by Holdens psychologist in the book Golden Boy who related that shortly after meeting with Holden he was visited by government officials regarding what he was discussing with Holden. I understand that Clint has said it is one of his favorites. I think he was already a well practised alcoholic by then. In 1953, he was cast in "Stalag 17" for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. Can't watch it anymore - the ending is too sad. Still, I feel in my . Thank you for your lovely remarks. His performances were always believableand his lines delivered with an honesty and sincerity that werealways convincing. I discovered Bill Holden when I was browsing Netflix and found Sabrina. Judas, howd you wind up in a smelly ditch in Korea? On April 17, 1918, William Franklin Beedle Jr of OFallon, Illinois came into the world. They certainly do not make films like that anymore. (1981). His long-term contract was shared by Columbia and Paramount, being both underpaid and forced into low-budget films unworthy of his exceptional talent. Tyrone, Robert Taylor and others. He'll always be one of the best in my opinion. He was best known for Sunset Blvd a film that always creeps the hell out of me and I supposed was meant to do just that. She did 5 movies with him, so you know she thought he was good. But one thing I have to say, he did not deserve to die all alone in November 1981, not with all the friends he had. What drove him to drink, I think in the changed world he found himself to be a misfit. In an auto-bio he stated he was a very poor dancer, and had to get very drunk to do that scene. I wish there was someone besides him at the end but he is irreplacable Love you William Holden ~ Kiran. Holden actually served during World War II, although he never saw action. I've read that Bill Holden had an apartment in Hong Kong as well as one in CA. The truth is that while he was a good actor, he also was a miserable drunk. 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. Are you ready to be a guest on the show? What did the beautiful Stephanie Powers see in him with the mess he was at the end? It has to be manufactured. He burst onto the scene with his role in Golden Boy in 1939. A lot has been said here about William Holden. I thought you might like to see a memorial for William Holden I found on Findagrave.com. When you're making a movie, you get up in the morning and you put on a cloak; you create emotions within yourself, send gastric juices rushing up against the lining of your stomach. All right, Mr. DeMille, Im ready for my close-up. By Oyin Balogun. There was a problem getting your location. Breaks my heart. Thank you for sharing it with us. Absolutely adored him in Love Is a Many Splendid Thing. 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. Facts Verse He thought he could somehow prove himself to his demanding father through athletic achievement. I was devastated when he passed away and especially the way it happened. For the diehard William Holden fans, you will know this. 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Professor Henry Barnes (Edmund Gwenn) has decided that he has lived long enough and spontaneously wants to commit suicide. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The disease process varies from person to person. A nostalgic journey to the past to relive the golden days of entertainment! The man was an amazing actor since his early years. (1950) Passed | 110 min | Drama, Film-Noir 8.4 Rate A screenwriter develops a dangerous relationship with a faded film star determined to make a triumphant return. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. He was part-owner of The Shorecliff Towers high-rise apartment building on Ocean Avenue. Also, I am sure he did drink a lot, which was common back then, but he also performed at a high level. cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Two of my favorites were Alvarez Kelly and Horse Soldiers. He also starred in the television mini-series ''The Blue Knight,'' about police officers, and in a television movie, ''21 Hours at Munich.'' I am a lucky guy as every time I watch Picnic, I get to see my dads lincoln convertable they they used in the movie. Says something about him! He was out doors a lot and no one used sun screen then. In contrast to the floor-to-ceiling glass walls is a magnificent teak and maple flooring with rare Macauba stone streaming throughout, accented by stainless steel, creating a subtle blend of complimentary textures and capturing a feeling of utter tranquility. Thats actually, exactly why it took so long for anyone to find him. I thinkhis alcoholism is exaggerated. I watch his movies whenever they're on, and I am a happily married woman.but I'm also human, like Jimmy Stewart said in reference to his attraction to Grace Kelly, and beauty is always appreciated. His role in TV Net is basically the same. And it being now April 2018, Wm Holden would have been 100 this year! Stalag 17? Many of us leave behind loved ones but when you think clearly about it..dying is what we all do alone. 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. In 1980, Holden appeared in The Earthling with popular child actor Ricky Schroder, playing a loner dying of cancer who goes to the Australian outback to end his days, meets a young boy whose parents have been killed in an accident, and teaches him how to survive. And promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. That's what really happened. Happy memories for me as I saw it with my mom who is gone now. The show followed widowed aeronautical engineer named Steven Douglas and his three sons. '', See the article in its original context from. An avid traveler, he became a managing partner in an animal preserve country club in Kenya where he began to spend much of his time. His plan is interrupted when the y. His work lives on, and I'm so glad he continues to be rediscovered and enjoyed by new fans. Finally, Bill realized there was no way out. Bill played the early anti-heroes, the guy who only looked out for number one, the selfish, lazy, opportunist. Money, fame, looks, and talent. Regardless of his problems, he was human, just like the rest of us, and he portrayed a warmth seldom seen on film. This was all BEFORE his brother was killed. Hard to believe he would be 96 if he were alive todaywow! His fellow prisoners dislike him because he is a hustler looking out for himself, but he plays a crucial role in the prison camp escape at the end. From Findadeath.com:In November of 1981, Holden was living in Santa Monica, California, on Ocean Avenue. As a young-buck actor who was easy on the eyes but not quite refined yet as a performer. He also appeared in the multi-star disaster film "The Towering Inferno" in 1974. For many years Mr. Holden was also an offscreen symbol of normality in Hollywood - the nice guy with a long marriage to one woman, the solid citizen with two children who enjoyed working around his home. If you have nothing nice to say about anybody, DON'T say anything at all. 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. Indifferent directing, little known costars, minimal budget how does the actor do under such paltry circumstances? But at least we have his movies to remember him by. Are his children as good looking as he was? It's all about charisma and lumininesce. Holden worked for many years as a deep-cover CIA operative.Yes Tracy Jo you are correct! William and his wife, Brenda Marshall were the two witnesses for Ronald and Nancy Reagan's wedding in 1952. Later she said she heard the news that he had died on her car radio. And Stalag 17.All worth watching today and forever. 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. There was an error deleting this problem. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Watching tcm tonight, Stalag 17 was on, William Holden, one of my favorite actors. 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. I AGREE WITH ALL THE GOOD COMMENTS ABOUT WILLIAM HOLDEN. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? No funeral or memorial service was held, per his wishes. During the filming they had to sent him to a clinic to dry out for a week. The family moved to California when he was very young, and he attended public schools in Monrovia and Pasadena. His roles were varied, moving him out of what he called, with dislike, his ''Smiling Jim'' slot. He didn't have to act. The post Stalag 17 (1953) Classic Movie Review 79 appeared first on ClassicMovieRev.com. Please enter your email and password to sign in. He was just a fabulous actorthere was not a movie I did not like !He was especially great in the series The Blue Knight. In 1981, Holden was living in Santa Monica, California, on Ocean Avenue. There were 8 bloody Kleenexs found next to his body, and a working telephone just inches away from him. Even though these traits make him box office gold, he is tormented. He was so suave, elegant, restrained and drop dead gorgeous. William Holden passed away in 1981 at the age of 63. About 100%. He was notoriously private. Try again. September 14, 2021, 5:02 am, by On Monday, November 16, 1981, the apartment buildings manager Bill Martin decided to investigate Holdens absence and let himself into his apartment via a passkey. The studios are aiming for the audience of teens or folks under 25. 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. William Holden, whose handsome face and easy, masculine manner made him the quintessential American in many movies, was found dead Monday morning in his apartment in Santa Monica. He was obviously still becoming intoxicated from alcohol. 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.'' Was never marketed properly when released by Universal. Popular, by One of his early feats after Golden Boy Our Town in 1940 followed by hit features like I Wanted Wings in 1941. He doesn't deserve anyone's sympathy. What person in their right mind would go back for more of that. Five years later, he starred with Paul Newman and Steve McQueen in the critically acclaimed disaster film The Towering Inferno, which became a box office smash and one of the highest-grossing films of Holdens career. Around 55 million people would beg to differ (from beyond the grave). While in high school and junior college, Holden immersed himself in sports. He was partial owner of the building at #535. Or his children? It would seem that his one weakness was always the bottle. Holden's immersion in local theater in the 1980s was particularly surprising because he was the son of legendary actor, William Holden. This is when chronic alcoholics shut out the world and drink alone for days on end. I remember reading an interview in which Tarantino said one of his favorite films was "The Wild Bunch." God Bless Him for his contribution he made while on the planet and may TCM continue to bring his movies to us for always. It was a movie I will cherish the rest of my life. ALL are great. Each time I watch him, I see what a great actors and a person that was so good at his craft. He was terrific in both of those films. They want to be alone to do their thing.we all wished we'd stepped in. GREAT NEWS! He followed that success with "Born Yesterday". My big brother, brilliant, witty,learned and kind, died from complications from alcohol, varicies, taking advil for a painful him and cigs. An assistant coroner said the actor had been ''heavily intoxicated'' when he fell. Glad to see so many agree what a wonderful actors, conservationist he was. She said she just froze, incredulous that he had kept it from her for so long while knowing she craved children of her own and while discussing spending the rest of their lives together. Stalag is my favorite but have liked them all. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. But that really shouldnt be cause for any judgment. He could not have children with Audrey Hepburn because he had a vasectomy after his last son was born in the mid 40s. You are well loved still not only by the many who knew you personally, but also generations of devotees. The movie Picnic 1955. This adored, leading man starred in some of the most revered classics of all time including Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, Sunset Boulevard, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Casino Royale, The Wild Bunch and The Towering Inferno. (1950). YouTube - https://t.co/9mxCAnks6F To soothe his anxiety, he announced he wasnt going to do the dance sober and he didnt. William Holden was one of the last great actors who left his mark in several unforgettable films like Stalag 17, sunset Boulevard, The Bridge on the River Kwai, The Key, Love is a Splendored Thing, S.O.B and many more. Hassan By David Lobosco- http://greatentertainersarchives.blogspot.com/2011/11/last-days-of-william-holden.html?m=1. Mr. Holden, 63 years old, was found dead at the apartment Monday morning by the building manager. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. In 1955 I was 14 and involved with my first girlfriend. Where The Great Actor William Holden Died Alone clyde beck 15.4K subscribers 56K views 7 years ago In this fantastic beach setting facing the Pacific Ocean, in this building called the SHORECLIFF. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. February 19, 2023, 6:22 am, by during the making of Suzie Wong. The director Billy Wilder said that he was ''the best movie actor of his generation. If you were raised in the 1950s, you know the well-defined dating etiquette between men and woman. Throughout Monroe and Kennedys alleged affair, Lawford supposedly acted as a liaison for the President. We lost an amazing actor and most importantly a great man. As the best man at Ronald Reagan's wedding, his star power never dimmed. Holden married actress Brenda Marshall in 1941. But beyond that, he seemed like his normal self and was without any complaints or major concerns. He had no real reason to drink like that. (Kim Novak) his reply was take a number. He looked much older. The Wild Bunch is my favorite, followed by Stalag 17 and The Bridges at Toko-Ri. Career William Holden's career began with an uncredited role in the movies, "Prison Farm" and "Million Dollar Legs" in 1939. Actor. 25 titles 1. 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. haha. As for tonight I will enjoy watching The Bridge on the River Kwai. The robe was reportedly folded back and beneath his body with his right arm was placed through the robes sleeve while his left arm was curled up beneath his body. 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.