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 handsome but not in a classic matinee-idol style; he was the decent average man, only a bit better than average. It made his life difficult and unhappy yet he triumphed just the same. He based his comments on an autopsy and preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. Long gone, but never forgotten. He expected to serve the normal way but was forced to the special services section where recruitment films were made. 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. Thanks for writing. What he came to represent was integrity, the same thing you get from someone like Henry Fonda.. And still so depressed he had to constantly drink. I do this just to expose people to great movies from the past. It was announced Tuesday that the actor's body would be cremated and his ashes scattered over the . 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. William Holden himself lived on the buildings fourth floor at unit number 43. The professor ponders if his life is no longer useful while the young couple faces the challenges shared with many WW II veterans' families. NICE! He did a movie when he was 53 'Breezy' and he still looked damn good. Born in the rural farming community of O'Fallon, Illinois, this son of a well-to-do family moved to Pasadena, California at age three. Add to your scrapbook. After drinking like a fish for decades on in, Holden found himself pretty much washed up. The two firms that worked hand-in-hand on the renovation were aARts ARchitecture from Santa Monica and the Pardee Construction Company of San Diego, both of which are highly respected firms in the building industry. Holden had excellent genes. When he wanted to be left alone to drink, he made it known that he wanted to be alone. He had a hit with the made for television movie "The Blue Knight" in 1973 and earned an Emmy Award for his performance. 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. "The Bridge on the River Kwai" in 1957 and in . This in turn caused Holden to drink more. Alcoholism usually trumps having any long lasting happiness. I am a Magician Mystic Marlow and have done film. The Final Films. However, by that time he was no longer the handsome leading man of movies. Holden and his wife separated in 1963 and were later divorced. I wish there was someone besides him at the end but he is irreplacable Love you William Holden ~ Kiran. 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. I wish I knew what happened to it. They are great actors. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Dr. Noguchi said there were no other injuries or indications of foul play at this time. 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. As promised Bill on this day; For the memory of you, you have left a rich cinema legacy covering decades. Many people who ridicule his drinking would sell their mothers ass for a buck. Holden married actress Brenda Marshall in 1941. Tremendously talented.and tortured. 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Throughout Monroe and Kennedys alleged affair, Lawford supposedly acted as a liaison for the President. Drag images here or select from your computer for William Holden memorial. Loved him in Picnic, Love is a Many Splendored Thing and Born Yesterday. Holden's apartment was on the fourth floor, number 43. He was then chosen out of 65 other candidates to play Joe Bonaparte in the Columbia pictures production of Golden Boy. (1950) Classic Movie Review 81 appeared first on ClassicMovieRev.com. After his discharge, there was a 17-month hiatus when he had no parts, but he then appeared in 13 movies in three years. I'm 60 so I recall great films from the 60s and 70s. 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. William Holden was a very underrated actor who was hindered by conflicted and jaded hero roles in Stalig 17 and the two bridge movies (Toko-To and Kwai). 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. Needs a first in the mouth. I think his later movies were as great as his first. In the 60s, Holden founded the exclusive Mount Kenya Safari Club with his oil-tycoon billionaire friend Ray Ryan and Swiss financier Carl Hirschmann. Oh though, how I would have readily given away my first born for just ONE night with Bill Holden. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Holden loved to travel and accepted some film roles simply because of the exotic locations alone. Art imitates life.Watch Breezy. About 100%. It is so sad to read of the passing of these wonderful actors and actresses of the Golden Age. There's really no point wondering what his life would have been like if Audrey Hepburn was apathetic about having children. [14] Capucine met actor William Holden in the early 1960s. agree with Gary R One of my favorite was the I Love Lucy show in 1955. I can now die knowing what a man can be like when in love. He had so many inner demons like so many of us. According to the Los Angeles County Coroners autopsy report, Holden was alone and intoxicated in his apartment in Santa Monica, California, on November 12, 1981, when he slipped on a rug, severely lacerated his forehead on a teak bedside table, and bled to death. Holden, who rose to fame in. He apparently died of natural causes, according to the coroners office, which will perform an autopsy today. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Does anyone know if he still had the HK apt. 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. But beyond that, he seemed like his normal self and was without any complaints or major concerns. I'll watch him every chance I get. Mr. Holden, thanks for the memory. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. His marriage was not a happy one. I am a hobbyist and not a professional film reviewer. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. 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. The 8,874 square feet of living space includes five bedrooms two are master suites, one with a sitting room. Thank you Mr Holden for all the enjoyment you given us and generations to come in discovering you and your great talent! Holden in Stalag 17 & Peck in The Guns Of Navarone.just magnificent! Hard to believe any director would hire him if it was an uncontrolable problem. ALL are great. In his personal life, his affairs and his drinking wreaked chaos with those who loved him. I Love William Holden. The rooftop deck of 1,497 square feet of outdoor living space has an octagonal Jacuzzi, mini bar, limestone wraparound balcony with rare 100-year-old, re-milled redwood decking and benches that surround the Grand Salon skylight. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Mr. Holden, 63 years old, was found dead at the apartment Monday morning by the building manager. One anonymous comment said that there was talk of foul play at the time. By the way: I'm surprised his late-life girlfriend SteFanie Powers didn't have a Hart-to-Hart talk with him. He was so suave, elegant, restrained and drop dead gorgeous. I thinkhis alcoholism is exaggerated. God Bless Him for his contribution he made while on the planet and may TCM continue to bring his movies to us for always. Holdens doctor showed up and theorized that he provably started vomiting blood, and possibly lacerated the lower portion of his esophagus. He remained popular throughout the 50s. As I write I am watching "The Wild Bunch". The Times wrote then that he was ''doing the finest acting of his career. Such a shame he died like he did. During the investigation of Natalie Wood's last days, I have uncovered new evidence that implicates Stephanie Powers' significant involvement in the hollywood legend's demise. An alcoholic drinks because he/she is an alcoholic. The characters you portrayed revealed a nugget of your true spirit. Nobody could have played that role and given it the resonance Holden did.. 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. I've often wondered how he was affected by that drunk driving accident in 1966, where a man was killed. He used alcohol and affairs in an attempt to fill that empty space in his soul. I think this resulted in great on screen chemistry. The real man behind the celluloid. Really great in Bridge Over the River Kwai.Beautiful girlfriend too (Stefanie Powers). Holden had dictated in his will that the Neptune Society cremate him and scatter his ashes in the Pacific Ocean. Try again later. 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. Fine actor, of course. During WW II, while Bill had a cushy job in the army, his brother Bob was a navy pilot and was shot down and killed. As a professor of architecture at the University of Southern California, Jones gained recognition in the postwar era by focusing on the spatial diversity and development of flexible structural systems aimed at the integration of mechanical systems in contrast to the usual static box-style designs of the time. Examination revealed an apparent laceration on his forehead approximately 3 inches in length. Holden was one of the greatest actors of our times. Would you like to request a film for review? Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. '', Eight months after his marriage to the actress Brenda Marshall in 1941, Mr. Holden enlisted in the Army Air Forces; he served more than three years. Jun 11, 2021 06:00 A.M. Stefanie Powers had a deep love for actor William Holden before his tragic death in the 80s. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Forgive him for his faults and thank him for all he has given us. Well, now it is one of my favorites. He was on a bender at the time. He rounded out the remainder of the 1940s starring in films like Streets of Laredo, Miss Grant Takes Richmond, and Dear Wife. I generally don't miss the opportunity to watch a William Holden movie. (1981), was more successful and a Golden Globe-nominated picture. He was a ok. Try again later. The post The Horse Soldiers (1959) Classic Movie Review 126 appeared first on ClassicMovieRev.com. Nothing more nothing less. In 1955 I was 14 and involved with my first girlfriend. In 1969, Holden made a comeback when he starred in director Sam Peckinpahs graphically violent Western The Wild Bunch, winning much acclaim. A most interesting and complex actor who left us with a long list of great movie roles to remember him by. Ahead of his time in trying to save animals. You did your best, I am sure. And it being now April 2018, Wm Holden would have been 100 this year! WILLIAM HOLDEN DEAD AT 63; WON OSCAR FOR 'STALAG 17', https://www.nytimes.com/1981/11/17/obituaries/william-holden-dead-at-63-won-oscar-for-stalag-17.html. 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 actor, whose original name was William Franklin Beedle Jr., was born April 17, 1918, in O'Fallon, Ill. His father was a chemist and his mother a teacher. Search above to list available cemeteries. He enlisted in the Army and was graduated a first lieutenant from the Army Air Force Officers Candidate School. Holden died in 81 just shortly after the Reagan Administration started their reign. The boy went to school in Monrovia and South Pasadena and attended Pasadena Junior College. Tomorrow, April 17, 2015 is his birthday and TCM is showing a bunch of his movies, starting in the morning. William Holden Died Drunk and Alone William Holden began working in Hollywood as a piece of beefcake. I am 76 years old and fell in love with William Holden when I was in my early teens; no one ever replaced him, not even close. His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located at 1651 Vine Street. As I said, he was a loser. Now, I am intrigued by my discovery! 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. Try again later. He deserves credit for creating his African Reserve to help the wildlife. 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. Thanks for the memories. These are both known culprits of premature aging. Ive watched it in theaters, dvd, Netflix, and even listened to it while riding my bicycle. January 19, 2022, 6:17 pm, by The characters he played on screen possessed the character traits that are most desired and admired of men: strength, integrity, courageousness, humility, empathy, love, faithfulness, kindness, and dependability. 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. To get out of the dance scene, Bill demanded stunt pay and to his surprise, Columbia wrote him a check for $8,000. He was also notorious for having the bad habit of dropping off the face of the earth from time to time. Bill Holden obviously suffered from chronic untreated depression. Sunset Blvd. WILLIAM HOLDEN'S SANTA MONICA PENTHOUSE Perhaps that's why I generally stay away from his 70's films. 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. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. It didn't look like this, however. I to am a child of the sixties and agree with your well worded assessment, I think with the way things are in the world today makes yearning for movies that reflect simpler, slower, and less stressfull times. The resemblance between WH and Tom Hanks is uncanny when WH was much younger. Many of us leave behind loved ones but when you think clearly about it..dying is what we all do alone. 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.'' He was 63. Maybe the hoax wouldve stood the test of time a little better than it has. Finally, in the late '50s he negotiated a ground-breaking contract with Columbia to star in The Bridge on the River Kwai, allowing him to become a part-owner in the film. You find his whole life story where he was born, how he got started in acting, his loves (yes there were quite a lot) and, of course, always the drinking. He was a conservationist and worked for years to maintain big game habitats on the African continent. As far as movies, my favorite movie ever is Sunset Boulevard. There is even a picture of them in the Reagan Library. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. 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. Facts Verse During the filming they had to sent him to a clinic to dry out for a week. He was so good. He made several attempts to be transferred from this placement but was never allowed to do so. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. 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. From romance to war, he was the best. We were close friends for many years. He wasn't acting when he did his great movies. It has to be manufactured. Weve updated the security on the site. There are wonderful actors today - Javier Bardem comes to mind - but they broke the mold with Bill. It was a movie I will cherish the rest of my life. From Findadeath.com: In November of 1981, Holden was living in Santa Monica, California, on Ocean Avenue. His permanent home was in Palm Springs but he maintained an apartment in Santa Monica. With Nancy's passing, it is so sad that she left, but glad that she will be with Ronnie. My sons said it was the best black and white movue he had ever seen. Although I am one of William Holden's biggest fans, I can completely empathize with her about the trust factor. And they all hailed from Milenback, Lancaster, England. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. Now I'm obsessed with him. Beedle grew up in South Pasadena, California. O'Fallon, St. Clair County, Illinois, USA, Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California, USA. I always thought when I was growing up that William Holden was the most handsome and gorgeous man I've had ever seen. Holden's ravaged looks later in life actually worked for him in The Wild Bunch and Network. As we all know, curiosity killed the cat, and Mr. Martin was sure taught a lesson that day. He burst onto the scene with his role in Golden Boy in 1939. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. They certainly do not make films like that anymore. 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. Was never marketed properly when released by Universal. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. After her role on that classic sitcom ended, Jan became more interested in being a mother than being an actress. That's how I felt when I watched PICNIC for the first time on TCM this past June. 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. Please reset your password. cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. He was not heard from much in the 1960s, when he lived in Switzerland and made several undistinguished films. The great and the splendid have all passed (except for Doris) and we are left with the dregs! His doc told him to quit drinking alcohol and coffee, no more advil and no more smoking. After Columbia Pictures signed him to a contract, he suddenly one of the most in-demand polished leading men in Tinseltown. 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 ALWAYS thought he was a terrific actor.When I first saw him on the screen in 1957 I liked him. While visiting Africa, he developed an avid interest in wildlife preservation, purchasing a 2,000-acre ranch with the goal of creating a protected animal reserve. For the diehard William Holden fans, you will know this. 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. We both had a crush on him. 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. Enough education and the symptoms will be easily recognizable. People, especially kids, were staying up longer drinking and drugging more and longer because the cocaine wired them up to the point they would stay up for days doing it, and when it was finally over, these people were incredibly depressed for days and weeks, and would do it many times, sometimes for years, until they couldn't take the horrific depression anymore, and would come crawling in for help, and all they knew was that they couldn't control their own lives anymore because all they did was return to the painfully detructive behavior. by I just finished watching "The Earthling" one of my favorite Holden movie. The coroner said there was a ''deep cut'' on Holden's forehead, which was followed by ''massive bleeding,'' the actual cause of death. If you were raised in the 1950s, you know the well-defined dating etiquette between men and woman. Death 12 Nov 1981 (aged 63) Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California, USA. 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. I agree with your Mother and my Mother.If you have nothing nice to saydon't say anything at all! With the right direction and material, Bill Holden was as good anactor as any at the time. William and his wife, Brenda Marshall were the two witnesses for Ronald and Nancy Reagan's wedding in 1952. What person in their right mind would go back for more of that. It is available from most DVD providers, including Amazon. 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. In turn, this led to Holden feeling compelled to drink more and more. For his contribution to the film industry, William Holden has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located at 1651 Vine Street. WOW! Talk about lengthy speeches. You can always change this later in your Account settings. 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. Since then we have been looking for and watching every Holden movie we can rent or buy. By the end of the decade, Holden had relocated to Geneva, Switzerland. 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. It would seem that Holden was attempting to dress himself when he either loss consciousness or tripped and ultimately passed away after sustaining major head trauma. Are you an expert on a movie? 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. Finally, Bill realized there was no way out. 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. He had so many productive years ahead of him. 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. . The camera like his face and his next role in Golden Boy (1939), made him a star. She starred alongside Hollywood titans like John Wayne, William Holden, . He was a chronic alcoholic so I'm afraid you are incorrect as he drank very heavily right through his life. How could an actor like Wm.Holden be such an alcoholic and be able to be selected to act in so many movies. 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. The "stars" of today just don't have "it". \_()_/. I truly believe that he aged due to the sun and cigarette smoking. 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. 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. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. His relationship with S Powers was fizzling out by the time he died, hence the four days having passed before he was found dead. Alcoholics hold their drink better than an average person so it is not always obvious to us average people when an alcoholic has drink taken. (1950), for which Holden earned his first Best Actor Oscar nomination. I need to go back and watch some of The Blue Knight. Read the book Full Service by Scotty Bowers..who fixed Holden up with Hookers but too drunk to participate. He was a wonderful actor, as was John Barrymore. 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. 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. My mother's favourite actor was William Holden and we went as a family to watch his movies. Before he escapes from the prison camp, he spends most of his time figuring out ways to get out of working for the Japanese. I think he would like that a lot. Also sad, for obviously she could do nothing to help him.