Does anyone know if he still had the HK apt. Loved him! I thought you might like to see a memorial for William Holden I found on Findagrave.com. The post Sunset Blvd. He had the kind of face that improved over the years. I recommend it. Facts Verse Its pretty safe to say that his heavy drinking is what led to his accidental injury. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. I love him. By all accounts Bill was very likable and although he was deceitful in his personal life, the characters he brought to life on the screen had all the qualities we want our heroes to possess. Picnic, River Quai, Sunset Blvd, and the Wild Bunch!!!! Many of us leave behind loved ones but when you think clearly about it..dying is what we all do alone. ''Even though the alcohol level rises when a body decomposes - and this body was badly decomposed - that level is far above the legal limit of .10.''. Joyce Jameson was one of the original actresses who perfected the "dumb blonde" persona in films like the Oscar-winning The Apartment and Good Neighbor Sam. Happy memories for me as I saw it with my mom who is gone now. His death competes for my preference with the death of Bat Masterson. Popular, by Williams Mother and my fathers mother were sisters. However, so happy that I lived during the 'glamorous' years when the world was a much nicer place and the likes of Bill Holden, Cary Grant, Paul Newman, Rita Hayworth, Ingrid Bergman et al were there for us - on a weekly basis - at the local cinema. Lets talk about it, because I am always looking for bright and funny guests. The movie was released last July. His most notable movies included ''Our Town'' (1940); ''Apartment for Peggy'' (1948); ''Union Station'' (1950); ''Executive Suite'' (1954); ''Sabrina'' (1954); ''The Country Girl'' (1954); ''The Bridges at Toko-Ri'' (1955); ''Love is a Many-Splendored Thing'' (1955); ''Picnic'' (1956); ''The Key'' (1958) and ''The World of Suzie Wong (1960). This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. I love you Bill. I met William Holden at Gaddis restaurant in Hong Kong late 1956 or early 57. Yes, I'm a BIG fan since 1942, I think it was. 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. Bill played the early anti-heroes, the guy who only looked out for number one, the selfish, lazy, opportunist. Evidence suggests he was conscious for at least half an hour after the fall. 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. Read the book Full Service by Scotty Bowers..who fixed Holden up with Hookers but too drunk to participate. Interview with Stephanie Powers in-between. agree with Gary R One of my favorite was the I Love Lucy show in 1955. Bill carried those traits in his heart but could only translate them through the characters he played on screen. Here's to you Bill. 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. Holden never remarried but in recent years was a close friend of actress Stefanie Powers. Click on Kaya Morgan to return to author's bio page and other stories. And when reading about his personal life and suffering you realize he had to draw from his own internal makeup to bring you close- I saw him in Network and there were moments where you felt the same- He was older than my father, but Picnic will always make you want to step back in time. One of the biggest hurdles that he faced was his lifelong, very public battle with drinking and alcoholism. I ALWAYS thought he was a terrific actor.When I first saw him on the screen in 1957 I liked him. Months?? Watch the dance sequence from "Picnic." After her role on that classic sitcom ended, Jan became more interested in being a mother than being an actress. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Follow, Classic Movie Reviews and world-famous short summaries Jun 11, 2021 06:00 A.M. Stefanie Powers had a deep love for actor William Holden before his tragic death in the 80s. He was one of the handsomest men on the screen, be it black and white and color. The late actor William Holden left $250,000 to his - UPI In 1953, he was cast in "Stalag 17" for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. She reported that he was drinking at the time when he gave her a ring. Thanks for writing. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Letters at 3am: I Admire How William Holden Died - Columns - The Austin I think the combo of naturally looking older and the sun is why he appeared to age poorly. Even so, he quietly emoted powerful sensuality, desire and confidence in the way he held and looked at Novak. He was a conservationist and worked for years to maintain big game habitats on the African continent. In William Holden's case, he could make a run-of-the-mill quickie film noir really pop. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. January 28, 2023, 4:29 pm, by Holden was born William Franklin Beedle Jr. on April 17, 1918, in OFallon, Ill. His father, a chemist, moved his family to Pasadena when William Jr. was very young. Yes, I was about nine or so ~ : ) Anyway, Mr. Holden caught my 'eye'. As I write I am watching "The Wild Bunch". The post The Horse Soldiers (1959) Classic Movie Review 126 appeared first on ClassicMovieRev.com. :) Nancy. He made several attempts to be transferred from this placement but was never allowed to do so. In his personal life, his affairs and his drinking wreaked chaos with those who loved him. By Oyin Balogun. I have watched that scene a hundred times and I can't get over how tender he is and his movements of his shoulders and bringing Madge closer to him. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. He was great in every movie I've seen him in. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. 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. Alcohol being one the commonly used ways to feel better. 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. 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. Loved William Holden and I am heading to Santa Monica in January 2015.My dream has always been to get to California and to see his hand and footprints somewhere in Hollywood. I will never forget that dance scene in "Picnic" with Kim Novak. He had no real reason to drink like that. I still enjoy watching that movie today when it is on tv. Sunset Blvd? It was called "The Earthling" and co-stared Ricky Schroder in one of his first films!! If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. March 29, 2021, 4:49 am, Way back in 1980, Dolly Parton sat down with Chet Flippo of Rolling Stone magazine for what she thought was just going to be a typical interview. It was the William Holden drinking helmet ( a crash helmet with springs attached ) if memory serves that cartoon was in Hustler, f*****g hilarious. Oops, we were unable to send the email. These roles include a prisoner-of-war entrepreneur in Stalag 17 (1953), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. Don't you think Stefanie has regrets over this? After that, he starred in a screen adaption of the film Our Town that further established him as one of Hollywoods leading men. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. According to friends he was preparing to act in That Championship Season, a movie version of the Broadway play. 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. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. William RIP. 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. What more could you ask for? Join Facts Verse to learn more about the Inside William Holdens Frightening Final Moments. His career peaked in 1957 with the enormous success of The Bridge on the River Kwai. Mr. Holden's performance established him immediately as star. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? That's what really happened. He was part-owner of The Shorecliff Towers high-rise apartment building on Ocean Avenue. I ADORED THE MOVIE. Our friendship never waned. Died a sad man. Right around this time, Holdens films dropped substantially in quality as he spent more and more of his free time focusing on his hobbies and business dealings. Watching tcm tonight, Stalag 17 was on, William Holden, one of my favorite actors. 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. Talk about lengthy speeches. William Holden had an affair around 1937 to 1939 ..actually a seven year affair with a lady named Eve Farrellactress..they had two kids togetherduring the time she was married to Emil Newman.composer and brother to Alfred Newman composer at 20th Century Foxthe female was Arleen Newman who later married Bing Crosby's sonDennis..he later killed himself.by shotgun.his son by Pat Sheehan Patrick Crosby later died recently of AIDS. Aside from swooning from his looks ever since I was a kid, I miss hearing his wonderful deep voice. Why? I'm wrong. Dan, Dan, have you watched Born Yesterday where he starred with Judy Holliday and Broderick Crawford? What he came to represent was integrity, the same thing you get from someone like Henry Fonda.. William Holden is my favorite actor. Year should not be greater than current year. He burst onto the scene with his role in Golden Boy in 1939. WH was a functional alcoholic. Yes, gorgeous, intelligent, well traveled - the best. Also, watching You Tube, seeing Mr. Holden in "What's My Line" and at the Brown Derby on the Lucy show, I can fall under his spell every day. Holden's apartment was on the fourth floor, number 43. Rock stars are infamous for their insatiable appetites for all things in excess. Does touching each other spark heat? 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. William Holden, original name William Franklin Beedle, Jr., (born April 17, 1918, O'Fallon, Illinois, U.S.found dead November 16, 1981, Santa Monica, California), American film star who perfected the role of the cynic who acts heroically in spite of his scorn or pessimism. 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. ''For me, acting is not an all-consuming thing, except for the moment when I am actually doing it. As a teenager I was into Elvis Presley, but somewhere in my subconscious, William Holden had made an impact. Then they begin talking about their plans to give up the outlaw life. Mr. Holden, who was 63 years old, was found by an apartment manager. Stefanie Powers 'Would Have Had a Child' with William Holden Inside 4 Strange Celebrity Death Conspiracy Theories - Weird Worm Love him!! Along with about anything that has Holden in it. Non-addicts learn all drugs are used in moderation, and addictive people learn quicky what makes them feel terriblyIn the early 1980s, many Alcoholics Anonymous meetings began to see younger and younger people coming in to meetings and it quickly became apparent that it was drugs like cocaine that were causing this to happen. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? I loved William Holden, he was one of those actors who just commanded the screen, he had talent, looks, and charmhe's among my favorites like Tyrone Power, and Robert Taylor, beautiful to watch and enjoy! Actually I didnt know he existed until the late 1960s since I was born in 1955. He expected to serve the normal way but was forced to the special services section where recruitment films were made. They are great actors. Tough to work out if he was drunk. That's right, no one. Written by a real loser. Psychiatrist speaking! 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. A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE: THE LAST DAYS OF WILLIAM HOLDEN - Blogger During World War II, Holden served in the Army Air Corps where he acted in training films. 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. 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. However, many audience members didnt realize that. There's really nothing mysterious about his life or his passing. (1950) is certainly 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. Indifferent directing, little known costars, minimal budget how does the actor do under such paltry circumstances? "I'm not surprised that this could have happened." His last film appearance was in Blake Edwards' "S.O.B." Will still remember Bill as the handsome, sexy guy in his prime. And he was one of the best, he was one of the best. 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. The source of Bill's haggard appearance was largely due to sun damage and cigarettes. Tyrone, Robert Taylor and others. On April 17, 1918, William Franklin Beedle Jr of OFallon, Illinois came into the world. Wayne Clanton. It was Same Time Next Year. William Holden (1918 1981) won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1953 for his role in Stalag 17. Holden was the first married actor to enlist in WW2 - into the Army Air Corps. He slammed into the piece of furniture with such force that it was jammed about three to four inches into the plaster wall. Timeless. He followed these roles up by playing a cynical military sergeant in the Oscar-winning 1953 film Stalag 17. He was in Hong Kong to meet his wife, and then return to Columbo to finish the film. His long-term contract was shared by Columbia and Paramount, being both underpaid and forced into low-budget films unworthy of his exceptional talent. Lately, I saw the scene from "Love is a many Splendored Thing" from Utube made me want to know and read about him. In an auto-bio he stated he was a very poor dancer, and had to get very drunk to do that scene. William Holden is my favorite actor. Please reset your password. 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. 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. He is handsome, talented, intelligent, popular and kind. 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. January 19, 2022, 6:17 pm, by What the hell more did he need from life that booze could only give him? Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Despite his far-reaching fame and the fact that he won an Academy Award in 1954. Judas, howd you wind up in a smelly ditch in Korea? He also earned himself a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. We Enjoyed the Glamour & just used our Imagination unlike the Movies of Today which are full of Bad Language & Violence.rip Bill knowing you left such a Legacy in the Movie World. (1950) Classic Movie Review 81. He did great work with his African Reserve and it seemed like his life was coming together before his tragic death. His last two commercial hits, 1974s The Towering Inferno and 1976s Network pretty much wrapped up his decades-long career. Heartwarming and so meaningful a film!! Odds are if you are a current American circa 2016 you are a godless pansy in debt up to your brainless skull with chewed nails and chicken wing sauce on your carcass. I was devastated when he passed away and especially the way it happened. The film crew saw it being delivered and contacted my father to see if they could use it and they did. This is a carousel with slides. Holden had two uncredited roles before his first starring role in Golden Boy (1939), in which he played a violinist-turned-boxer. William Holden passed away in 1981 at the age of 63. 'I'm Not a Classic Actor'. 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. They starred in the films The Lion (1962) and The 7th Dawn (1964). 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. This reminds me of the cartoon I saw many years ago. He really was great in "Love is a Many Splendored Thing" ! For his contribution to the film industry, Holden has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located at 1651 Vine Street. I am a hobbyist and not a professional film reviewer. A lot has been said here about William Holden. Please enter your email and password to sign in. So sad, he was extremely handsome. Still, I feel in my . Bill Holden was a very handsome man and I always admired him after that movie. you aren't familiar with Holliday or Crawford, you are in for a treat Judy Holliday is another great actress who died much too soon & tragically. "I often marvel how people today think things were much better in the "good old days." Although he always maintained residences in California, Holden also had houses in Switzerland and in Kenya. '', 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. I think WH may have been a manic depressive and that his dependency on alcohol was not his main problem. The post William Holden Died Drunk and Alone appeared first on ClassicMovieRev.com. He was a chronic alcoholic so I'm afraid you are incorrect as he drank very heavily right through his life. Simple theme. 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. These are both known culprits of premature aging. Finally, Bill realized there was no way out. His role in TV Net is basically the same. Against his better nature, the real hero would eventually come out but next to his predecessors, Holden's heroes were complex, ambiguous men. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. He brought so much to every picture he appeared in. Even neighbors of many years only received a quick nod from the elusive actor. I agree with those who refer to his looks, in the film Towering Inferno, he played the buildings architect a role that the studio tried to get Steve McQueen to take. The Final Films. From a money pit 100 feet deep to Shakespearean manuscripts, the legendary finds on Oak Island have kept it in the news for centuries. Appearing in films like Picnic in 1955 and The Bridge on the River Kwai in 1957. (1981), was more successful and a Golden Globe-nominated picture. I understand that Clint has said it is one of his favorites. during the making of Suzie Wong. He was a great actor. Many have had tons of plastic surgery and still look horrible. He was a great actor and a star. Thanks for writing in. There are wonderful actors today - Javier Bardem comes to mind - but they broke the mold with Bill. William Holden also became a heavy drinker and womanizer, being linked with actresses Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Capucine, Shelley Winters, and Eva May Hoffman among others. by Kaya Morgan. (1950) Classic Movie Review 81 appeared first on ClassicMovieRev.com. I first saw Bill Holden when I was about 9 years old in the movie "Love is a many splendor thing" and I thought he was soooo handsome. 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. VentureCapital | Corporate Services | Venture Opportunities | Resources | Contact Us | Island Extras | Home. Learn more about merges. Helped set up the William Holden Wildlife Foundation and Educational Center in Kenya. Mr. Holden, 63 years old, was found dead at the apartment Monday morning by the building manager. Bless her. Awesome Actor with Immense 'Sex Appeal. At junior college he took a course in radio drama, and made his first stage appearance at the Playhouse Theater. Holden and his wife separated in 1963 and were later divorced.