By the way: I'm surprised his late-life girlfriend SteFanie Powers didn't have a Hart-to-Hart talk with him. If you look close esp. Ahead of his time in trying to save animals. He was a great actor and a wonderful man. in Sizzles in Paris, you can see that he had a lot of sun damage to his skin. I, too agree 100 percent about the dance scene in Picnic. Disturbingly, there was a large amount of blood surrounding his body and soaked into his bedding and sheets. He was elusive by nature and as such wouldn't be pinned down, so much so that he probably chose not to call 911 when in mortal danger. Miss you,Dottie K. That is so true I just realized Audrey Hepburn and William holden died at the same age 63 and both of their lives were unhappy I think that's saying u fall in love once in a life time is true. Watch the dance sequence from "Picnic." William Holden (1918 1981) won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1953 for his role in Stalag 17. I agree. It is hard to believe that William Holden has been dead now for 30 years. Nobody could have played that role and given it the resonance Holden did.. They are great actors. I always thought when I was growing up that William Holden was the most handsome and gorgeous man I've had ever seen. 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. LAUREL AND HARDY FAN GROUP KEEPS LAUGHING, PHOTOS OF THE DAY: DEAN MARTIN AND FRIENDS. Why didn't S.Powers do anything when she hadn't heard from him in four days? Add to that a life-long cigarette habit and you have the lizard appearance he had late in life. Even though he clearly had talent, his lack of experience made shooting very difficult and after just two weeks of filming. Years ago, as a teenager, I worked at Blockbuster Video (when they were still around), and I was/still am a huge Quentin Tarantino fan. Selected by Esquire magazine in 1995 as one of the "100 Sexiest Stars" in film history, and nicknamed Hollywood's Golden Boy, William Holden illuminated the silver screen in 70 films for more than three decades. He was probably dead within 15 minutes. I think his aging is more from the sun damage than anything else. Perhaps he and Powers were not on good terms or perhaps she was traveling for work or perhaps it is normal in their relationship to go so many days without contact. He didn't have to act. He need not have worried. A lot has been said here about William Holden. He was out doors a lot and no one used sun screen then. 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. And it being now April 2018, Wm Holden would have been 100 this year! cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 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. I'm only sorry he has no idea how many of us today still enjoy and admire his films. Well, now it is one of my favorites. And who could forget the epic period piece The Bridge on the River Kwai in 1957? RIP Mr. Holden and Mr. McElfay. I remember my girlfriend and I sitting in the theatre through "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" twice. He also earned himself a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It was then that he took the name William Holden, which he made his legal name in 1943. Holden died in 81 just shortly after the Reagan Administration started their reign. On the scene they found an empty vodka bottle in the trash can, along with 4 beer bottles and a partially full bottle of vodka on the kitchen sink. I think he was already a well practised alcoholic by then. His relationship with S Powers was fizzling out by the time he died, hence the four days having passed before he was found dead. It was the William Holden drinking helmet ( a crash helmet with springs attached ) if memory serves that cartoon was in Hustler, f*****g hilarious. Thank goodness for digitized movies like DVD, where I can watch him anytime. I think that was his first movie and she helped him get the part and with his portrayal. 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. Still considered one of the most architecturally cutting-edge buildings in Santa Monica, this spacious masterpiece exudes luxury and tranquility. But William Holden beat all the odds by achieving his instant stardom with his very first leading role. Professor Henry Barnes (Edmund Gwenn) has decided that he has lived long enough and spontaneously wants to commit suicide. There's really nothing mysterious about his life or his passing. My 14 year old asked for Stalag for Christmas this year. The same holds true for his later parts when he was an older, compromised man with a noble vision still fighting past that disappointed, craggy (wonderful) face. January 27, 2023, 7:28 pm, by The movie Picnic 1955. Wow. She did 5 movies with him, so you know she thought he was good. Happy Birthday today William!!! However William Holden died - he was really a great actor. It didn't look like this, however. This comment has been removed by the author. She wanted to marry him and have kids but he was already married and couldn't have any more kids. VentureCapital | Corporate Services | Venture Opportunities | Resources | Contact Us | Island Extras | Home. I always thought Bill Holden was a bell-weather actor. On Monday November 16, 1981, the building manager, Bill Martin, let curiosity get the best of him. God Bless Him for his contribution he made while on the planet and may TCM continue to bring his movies to us for always. Now days sex has become the staple of how love or passion is measured.In the old films the smallest touch or gesture can be so passionate or romantic. I just got too tired of looking at people's ugly, no-talent sons, daughters, cousins, etc. Ive watched it in theaters, dvd, Netflix, and even listened to it while riding my bicycle. There is a point beyond acting, a point where living becomes important. Director: Billy Wilder | Stars: William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson Votes: 224,388 2. #TCMParty #FilmNoir #FemmeFatale, The Challenge (1982) Classic Movie Review 217 https://is.gd/BEEZVI #action #martialarts, Doctor X (1932) Classic Movie Review 288 https://is.gd/cZ6yox #comedy #horror, #OTD 44 years ago The Warriors (1979) premiered. Mr. Holden worked CIA for many years as a deep-cover operative. Even when he was in his 40's he had a great body. Holden and Ernest Borgnine are sitting by a campfire, passing the bottle, said Lewis. With the right direction and material, Bill Holden was as good anactor as any at the time. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Watched the bridge on the river kwai last night and enjoyed Holdens performance again. I just read the book 'Audrey and Bill' a romantic Biography of Audrey Hepburn and William Holden. Excellent actorbut who can have any sympathy for an otherwise loser who literally drank himself to death? He really was great in "Love is a Many Splendored Thing" ! The Shorecliff Towers. I have just discovered William Holden and I can't get enough of his beautiful soul that comes through in his acting roles. There were 8 bloody Kleenexs found next to his body, and a working telephone just inches away from him. Facts Verse Many people who ridicule his drinking would sell their mothers ass for a buck. Both very good. At junior college he took a course in radio drama, and made his first stage appearance at the Playhouse Theater. Written by a real loser. I watched Golden Boy last night and another channel showed The Green Mile at the same time. They spoke. I find it both sad and very odd that it was the building manager who was the first to be concerned about his absence and investigate. ''That level means he was heavily intoxicated,'' Mr. Wilson said. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. I heard that both of them fell in love in "Sabrina" & wanted to get married but Holden honestly told her he could not have children so she married someone else, actually married like 3 times and had one son. A man and a woman dancing, not just dancing, but slow dancing. There was the sense that this polite, no-nonsense man was capable of heroics if the need arose. When William Holden was on screen, everyone else fell back in shadow. William Holden, the film star who won an Oscar in 1953 for his role in ''Stalag 17'' and who represented the manly, straightforward, romantic figure during a career of more than 40 years, was found dead yesterday in his apartment in Santa Monica, Calif. Mr. Holden, who was 63 years old, was found by an apartment manager. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). As the best man at Ronald Reagan's wedding, his star power never dimmed. He did continue to make some good movies like: The Wild Bunch (1969), The Towering Inferno (1974), and his last movie S.O.B. His death competes for my preference with the death of Bat Masterson. He and Audrey Hepburn fell in love during filming of Sabrina. It was called "The Earthling" and co-stared Ricky Schroder in one of his first films!! After returning to Hollywood, he alternated between Paramount and Columbia Pictures studio projects before his career was reborn when he was cast in "Sunset Boulevard" (1950) for which he earned an Academy Award for Best Actor nomination. It was announced Tuesday that the actor's body would be cremated and his ashes scattered over the . The SPOOK told me many covert operations were run out of the Mt. I prefer him in his older years too. The fact that he drank like he did is his perogative. To me, this is one of his greatest roles and one of the greatest movies of all time. He remained popular throughout the 50s. There was an error deleting this problem. Once he took that first sip, it was off to the races, and eventually, this affliction started to take a toll on his personal and professional life. Making William my second cousin. The will ordered that most of his estate be shared among. 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. 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 new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. In 1969, Holden made a comeback when he starred in director Sam Peckinpahs graphically violent Western The Wild Bunch, winning much acclaim. 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. I will never forget that dance scene in "Picnic" with Kim Novak. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. THE dance. Facts Verse Murdered in Google and came to this sight. So true. Nobody takes away from William Holden, the popular, talented and extraordinary actor that he was, your instead in your mediocre life you will never do or you will be nobody, I do not know how you dare to speak of someone who was excellent in what he did, and in the rest look in a mirror that you are not perfect. I think WH may have been a manic depressive and that his dependency on alcohol was not his main problem. He never made enough time for his two sons and in adulthood their relationship was estranged. A wonderful man! This is when chronic alcoholics shut out the world and drink alone for days on end. He would end up having to fight an even tougher battle [] More, What could be more mysterious than an island filled with buried treasure? Over the years Holdens rich but unpretentious voice became as distinctive as his increasingly craggy face. What can i say about William Holden my father took me to see "Picnic" i told my father i want her job! love you always Bill Holden. From then on, he made more than 50 movies; most but not all were successful, and he tried to set certain standards both for himself and for the movies in which he agreed to appear. He had everything we wanted for ourselves. (1981), was more successful and a Golden Globe-nominated picture. 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. He was in Hong Kong to meet his wife, and then return to Columbo to finish the film. I happen to believe that this is not the end of the story. I treasure Mr. Holden's work and I'll buy every film of his I can find. Lets talk about it, because I am always looking for bright and funny guests. It's so evident in his eyes. This combined his commercial investment with the added advantage of a personal residence, creating a two-fold financial asset. He leads her confidently and brings her close to his body and thats what makes this scene so steamy in 1955; its seductive and very sensual and 62 years later it still arouses the same feelings. Weve updated the security on the site. All right, Mr. DeMille, Im ready for my close-up. BTW: his brother was a fighter pilot in WW2, lost in battle. If you want the truth, read her book, One From the Heart. He was driving under the influence when he caused the accident. Apparently, they arent subscribers to the old adage that too much of a good thing can actually be a bad thing. Wow he did age badly! His work lives on, and I'm so glad he continues to be rediscovered and enjoyed by new fans. In an auto-bio he stated he was a very poor dancer, and had to get very drunk to do that scene. 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. As we all know, curiosity killed the cat, and Mr. Martin was sure taught a lesson that day. I ALWAYS thought he was a terrific actor.When I first saw him on the screen in 1957 I liked him. Psychiatrist speaking! Powers. While studying chemistry at Pasadena Junior College, he involved in local radio programs and earned himself roles in several productions put on by the Pasadena Playhouse. Lately, I saw the scene from "Love is a many Splendored Thing" from Utube made me want to know and read about him. I also think there is something strange about Stefanie Powers. The man was an amazing actor since his early years. A sort of wholesome charm was his trademark, but in later years his roles - such as that of Pike Bishop, an outlaw, in the violent film ''The Wild Bunch'' - acquired a new, hard-bitten dimension. Dan, Dan, have you watched Born Yesterday where he starred with Judy Holliday and Broderick Crawford? I thought he had lost his sex appeal eventhough he was a heavy drinker. He became one of the most popular male movie stars ever, respected by the critics and by directors. He was great in every movie I've seen him in. He was so good. Subscribe to the Classic Movie Reviews Podcast, The Bridges at Toko-Ri (1954) Classic Movie Review 188, The Horse Soldiers (1959) Classic Movie Review 126, Sunset Blvd. Holden had excellent genes. Drag images here or select from your computer for William Holden memorial. I love him. There's really no point wondering what his life would have been like if Audrey Hepburn was apathetic about having children. I agree. Beedle grew up in South Pasadena, California. 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. That is love, dedication, respect, and hard work. 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. In this film you can really see Holden's chops as a consumate performer. He had so many inner demons like so many of us. The coroner's report indicated that William Holden had died as a result of an accidental fall contributed to by a blood alcohol level of .22. . Although I am one of William Holden's biggest fans, I can completely empathize with her about the trust factor. He probably was not having blackouts. I've often wondered how he was affected by that drunk driving accident in 1966, where a man was killed. One of the biggest hurdles that he faced was his lifelong, very public battle with drinking and alcoholism. The show followed widowed aeronautical engineer named Steven Douglas and his three sons. Unfortunately, he was also known for his severe alcoholism. Theme images by, WHERE ARE THEY NOW: FORGOTTEN CHILD STARS, HOLLYWOOD LOVE: DINAH SHORE AND BURT REYNOLDS, Latest TCM Classic Film Festival Announcements, Danny G's SPECIAL Dino-Amore Month Sunday Serenade with Dino: "Senza Fine", The Classic Film Collective: 7 Amazing Facts from Sidney Poitiers Memoir The Measure of a Man. I had the fortune to visit his favourite retreat, The Mount Kenya Safari Club, near Nanyuki, Kenya. After her role on that classic sitcom ended, Jan became more interested in being a mother than being an actress. The combination led to a decline in his interest in his work and the end of his thirty-year marriage. His role in TV Net is basically the same. He could not have children with Audrey Hepburn because he had a vasectomy after his last son was born in the mid 40s. He followed that film up with a screen version of the movie of Our Town. He joined us our table and told us about filming The Bridge on the River Kwai. In 'Network' 'Towering Inferno' and, of course, his very last movie in 1981 'S.O.B.' Also fantastic movie never mentioned here "Earthling" probably 1981. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080671/?ref_=nv_sr_2 link to info about above movie. NICE! It is so sad that he had the disease of alcoholismit did take a toll on his looks imo and his health too, no doubt. During World War II, he served in the United States Army Air Corps, where he acted in training films. '', Mr. Holden also had the gift of a light touch, which was displayed in such films as ''Born Yesterday'' and ''The Moon Is Blue.'' Facts Verse Bill Holden was one of our greatest and not ever forgotten. 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. In turn, this led to Holden feeling compelled to drink more and more. It has to be manufactured. Yes, I'm a BIG fan since 1942, I think it was. Todays movie is The Bridges at Toko-Ri 1954. William Holden himself lived on the buildings fourth floor at unit number 43. But then again, who really knows. Please reset your password. He was enormously talented. Thats why it took so long for someone to find him. I recently watched in an interview on TCM and to this day she speaks highly of his acting, and his strengths as a good and loving man and partner. Its not particularly common for a Hollywood star to be made overnight. Holden holds Novak gently yet firmly. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. He did the best he could and to me there will never be another to compare to william Holden. The assembly line was always running. And he would hardly ever give anyone notice before vanishing for weeks at a time. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. He was in a car accident wherein a person was killed. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Despite being relatively young still, he was considered Hollywood old school and began losing roles to younger stars like Steve McQueen and Paul Newman. Mike Couch. I can say the film's I watched with William Holden acting,made me fell good as William was a great actor, R.I.P,William Holden. Wish somebody had been with him when he had a fall. Can't watch it anymore - the ending is too sad. He was the ultimate talented handsome movie star, and will never be replaced. The camera like his face and his next role in Golden Boy (1939), made him a star. Really great in Bridge Over the River Kwai.Beautiful girlfriend too (Stefanie Powers). Hot The Death: Dubbed "Hollywood's Golden Boy" and widely recognized as one of the most popular actors in American cinema, William Holden is perhaps best remembered for his roles in Sunset Boulevard and The Towering Inferno. He is handsome, talented, intelligent, popular and kind. These are both known culprits of premature aging. He hadnt seen Holden in many days, and became very concerned, so he let himself in, via the passkey. March 28, 2021, 6:21 am, by 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 real tragedy of Holdens life is alcohol dependence. 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. He was 63. Search above to list available cemeteries. 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. Please take the time to investigate his other occupation, longtime CIA operative. 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. Hmm,can't decide who I like more from this gendre: William Holden or Robert Mitchum. Talk about lengthy speeches. I got to Santa Monica and LA in December 2014,my lifetime dream, and did a tour of Paramount studios and saw the office where Joe Gillis stood in Sunset Boulevard.I was going to walk along Ocean Ave to Alta St but became ill on the day I had planned to go.I went to the Pasadena Rose Parade and a man standing behind me said"here comes my home town,O`Fallon Illinois and I said that is where William Holden was born.He looked at me and I told him Bill`s real name and date of birth and he at first did not believe me.I told him to Google him and when he saw the results he said to me "What a fan "I even found the Pasadena Playhouse where Bill first performed.That was also a thrill.At my age i have virtually fulfilled my dreams ,now just to meet Doris Day.I missed her when I got to Carmel.They do not make movie stars like Bill and Doris anymore.It was worth my long trip from Australia. He based his comments on an autopsy and preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. He released "Sabrina" and "The Bridges at Toko-Ri" in 1954, apparently basing his character in the latter upon his younger brother, Robert Beedle, a United States Navy fighter pilot who was killed in action in 1944. You should know your facts before you spout your conclusion! What he came to represent was integrity, the same thing you get from someone like Henry Fonda.. The scary part is that he hit it so hard, that it jammed into the wall, and left an indentation of two or three inches into the plaster. which was released in 1981. He is one of the greatest actors of all timesI wish he had not spoilt his looks on account of heavy drinking He steals your heart in Sunset Boulevard Born Yesterday Love is a many splendored thing and most of the movies in the sixties. I honestly thought he was older than 63 when he died, but years of sun & alcohol take their toll on the best of us. And hopefully William is up there with Ronnie too. Let us know in the comments section which one of his films you appreciate the most between The Towering Inferno and Sunset Blvd. However, many audience members didnt realize that. Its kind of hard to believe but William Holden has been dead now for almost 4 decades. Amen! Try again later. Total crap. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of William Holden (1890)? "The Bridge on the River Kwai" in 1957 and in . Tyrone, Robert Taylor and others. Anyone can read what you share. He expected to serve the normal way but was forced to the special services section where recruitment films were made. The next step in the process of the disease would have been non-intoxication. He tried and tried - we'd go weeks without hearing from him and then he'd resurface detoxed (by himself - ALONE - many, many times. Alcoholism usually trumps having any long lasting happiness. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. They are known, and he did often, to go off on drinking binges on their own for days. They want to be alone to do their thing.we all wished we'd stepped in. The apartment block manager claimed 'he he did not want to be disturbed'. While Robert Urich was famous for doing battle with tough foes on the screen. He was so suave, elegant, restrained and drop dead gorgeous. From Findadeath.com:In November of 1981, Holden was living in Santa Monica, California, on Ocean Avenue. He was obviously still becoming intoxicated from alcohol. His biggest contribution is towards wildlife conservation, which Stephanie Powers is managing. Thank you. Easy to tell the guy worked out/lifted wieghts. I miss him. The Horse Soldiers, Stalag 17, and Picnic are my favourites. Such a shame he died like he did. He was best man at Ronald Reagan's wedding to Nancy Davis. Dr. Noguchi said there were no other injuries or indications of foul play at this time. His plan is interrupted when the y. Sunset Blvd. during the making of Suzie Wong. Holden's ravaged looks later in life actually worked for him in The Wild Bunch and Network.