Thanks for writing. Although he was still relatively young by Hollywoods standards. January 28, 2023, 4:29 pm, by He knew he was 10-15 years too old for the part, maybe alcohol eased his self-doubts. Despite his far-reaching fame and the fact that he won an Academy Award in 1954. I think he would like that a lot. The coroner said there was a ''deep cut'' on Holden's forehead, which was followed by ''massive bleeding,'' the actual cause of death. A most interesting and complex actor who left us with a long list of great movie roles to remember him by. He was the best .as Nancy Olsen (young co-star in SUNSET BOULEVARD) stated about him , " He was the perfect movie star !". I just read the book 'Audrey and Bill' a romantic Biography of Audrey Hepburn and William Holden. THE SYNOPSIS. I AGREE WITH ALL THE GOOD COMMENTS ABOUT WILLIAM HOLDEN. 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. 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. Bill played the early anti-heroes, the guy who only looked out for number one, the selfish, lazy, opportunist. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. Plus he continued to be hired his whole career, even at 60 years old, to make movies. Picnic? He based his comments on an autopsy and preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. Actor. He became a conservationist and a founder of the Mount Kenya Safari Club. Concerned, he let himself into the actor's apartment and discovered Holden's body. What could one do in a situation like that when there was such a profound breach of trust. In 'Network' 'Towering Inferno' and, of course, his very last movie in 1981 'S.O.B.' Ava, Hedy, Grace and others. 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. He also had the habit of disappearing for many days, without notice. I my very first crush was William Holden. From what, no one really knows. I will stick to the old movies when I want to watch something good! He was drinking again, and coming out of his bender, but his body gave out. He had so many productive years ahead of him. He even brought his leading ladies (the ones he was having an affair with) home to meet his wife. I've long admired how William Holden died. Alcoholism can be a fickle foe, and in Holdens case, it was a mortal enemy. And they all hailed from Milenback, Lancaster, England. Few people recall that today. 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. 4 Joyce Jameson. 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. 'I'm Not a Classic Actor'. After her role on that classic sitcom ended, Jan became more interested in being a mother than being an actress. I always loved Bill Holden in every picture he was in. His height was 1.8 m tall and weighed 89 kg. It really is disturbing how William Holden died. For his contribution to the film industry, Holden has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located at 1651 Vine Street. He would end up having to fight an even tougher battle [] More, What could be more mysterious than an island filled with buried treasure? Mr. Holden worked CIA for many years as a deep-cover operative. The 14-story building, now known as OceanAire, was originally designed in 1962 by the trend-setting, California contemporary architect, A. Quincy Jones and is still considered to be one of the most structurally unique buildings on the ocean view block. His role in ''Network '' in 1976 won him a third. I thought you might like to see a memorial for William Holden I found on Findagrave.com. I discovered Bill Holden when I was browsing Netflix and found Sabrina. It was Same Time Next Year. Then he made a comeback in 1969 with The Wild Bunch and was praised for his work in Network in 1976. I remember reading an interview in which Tarantino said one of his favorite films was "The Wild Bunch." Assistant Coroner Richard Wilson said that Holden was ''very intoxicated'' when he died, with a blood-alcohol reading of .22. To me, this is one of his greatest roles and one of the greatest movies of all time. Title Role in 'Golden Boy', It was also in 1939 that he had his first major role - and the title role - in ''Golden Boy,'' opposite Barbara Stanwyck. There aren't any "movie stars" left. Facts Verse This combined his commercial investment with the added advantage of a personal residence, creating a two-fold financial asset. I ALWAYS thought he was a terrific actor.When I first saw him on the screen in 1957 I liked him. Anyone can read what you share. Holden and his wife separated in 1963 and were later divorced. If you write screenplays that are Westerns, period pieces, serious drama--you will never get hired. He was in a car accident wherein a person was killed. Stalag is my favorite but have liked them all. God Bless Him for his contribution he made while on the planet and may TCM continue to bring his movies to us for always. Holden was one of the greatest actors of our times. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. We all have issues just being a regular person or a actor and what a great actor but a human man , no one is perfect , we all have our issues , Love you Mr. Holden thank you for all the movies I still watch. But instead, he likely died of blood loss within about 15 minutes of his accident. Oops, we were unable to send the email. 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. He did a movie when he was 53 'Breezy' and he still looked damn good. Although by that time he no longer had the youthful veneer of a handsome young leading man like he used to. His doc told him to quit drinking alcohol and coffee, no more advil and no more smoking. I was one of the people present when Holden was killed, I was with a blond women who was one of his beards, William was gay and the women were used to hide his gay life from the public. The apartment block manager claimed 'he he did not want to be disturbed'. Make sure that the file is a photo. The examiner reckoned that Holden didnt comprehend the seriousness of his injury, tried to stop the bleeding himself, and passed out from blood loss. So sad, he was extremely handsome. As a teenager I was into Elvis Presley, but somewhere in my subconscious, William Holden had made an impact. 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. Then they begin talking about their plans to give up the outlaw life. And he was one of the best, he was one of the best. The years of his drinking started taking its toll on Holdens chiseled looks by the 1960s. Evidence suggests he was conscious for at least half an hour after the fall. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Around 55 million people would beg to differ (from beyond the grave). By the end of the decade, Holden had relocated to Geneva, Switzerland. And Stalag 17.All worth watching today and forever. 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. Remember actors then worked all the time either on the films for their studios or were loaned out. In 1981, Holden was living in Santa Monica, California, on Ocean Avenue. Following this breakthrough film, his career quickly grew in stature as he played a series of roles that combined good looks with cynical detachment. January 27, 2023, 7:23 pm, by He never fails to deliver. If you think a book written by someone who never knew the man will give you answers, I need to talk to you about a bridge I have available for purchase. In 2001, a major renovation was undertaken with the goal of expanding on the work that Jones didn't have the funds or materials to complete complimenting the avant-garde design yet working within the constraints of the building. Disturbingly, there was a large amount of blood surrounding his body and soaked into his bedding and sheets. I miss him so much. It was called "The Earthling" and co-stared Ricky Schroder in one of his first films!! 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. It was announced Tuesday that the actor's body would be cremated and his ashes scattered over the . Dawber has married to NCIS star Mark Harmon for more than three [] More, Jan Smithers is a former television actress that is best known for her portrayal of the character Bailey Quarters on the television series WKRP in Cincinnati. It would be very exciting and great for the followers of my Podcast if I could interview about William Holden and post it on the podcast and YouTube. Subscribe to the Podcast All right, Mr. DeMille, Im ready[], Subscribe to the Podcast No the man I knew could[], Subscribe to the Podcast If I ever run into any[]. Why? The next step in the process of the disease would have been non-intoxication. She wanted to marry him and have kids but he was already married and couldn't have any more kids. His marriage was not a happy one. Would you like to request a film for review? The truth is that while he was a good actor, he also was a miserable drunk. His relationship with S Powers was fizzling out by the time he died, hence the four days having passed before he was found dead. 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. By Michael Ventura, Fri., Nov. 7, 2008. The post Stalag 17 (1953) Classic Movie Review 79 appeared first on ClassicMovieRev.com. The Horse Soldiers, Stalag 17, and Picnic are my favourites. If you read the book by Scotty Bowers William Holden's affair with Eve Farrell (married name Newman) is documented in the book Full Service. I have almost all his movies including S.O.B. It was just silly and random enough to fit a man uncomfortable with his random, often silly, world. He need not have worried. He followed that film up with a screen version of the movie of Our Town. 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. 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. Specifically: Ashes scattered in the Pacific Ocean, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/1890/william-holden. The back story is that Holden told Harry Cohn he wanted this dance scene removed from the film because Bill said he was a lousy dancer. As a 100 percent heterosexual man, I loved that guy like a brother. I've often wondered how he was affected by that drunk driving accident in 1966, where a man was killed. Holden, who rose to fame in. 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. Booze or not, he was still gorgeous even in his older years. Deputy press secretary Larry Speakes quoted the President as saying: ''I have a great feeling of grief. Holden's apartment was on the fourth floor, number 43. The setting is post WW2 Malaysia and the Soviet interference in that area which spawned local terrorist attacks. He was so good. Mr.Holden had that unique gift of being so manly and believable in any role he played. I have the DVD for Picnic and play it periodically as I remember those days long ago with such fond memories. A man and a woman dancing, not just dancing, but slow dancing. Tough to work out if he was drunk. Click on Kaya Morgan to return to author's bio page and other stories. Now I'm obsessed with him. 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. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Facts Verse That's what really happened. Totally fantastic and takes place in the Australian outback!! His last two commercial hits, 1974s The Towering Inferno and 1976s Network pretty much wrapped up his decades-long career. Agree. The professor ponders if his life is no longer useful while the young couple faces the challenges shared with many WW II veterans' families. Hmm,can't decide who I like more from this gendre: William Holden or Robert Mitchum. 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. William and his wife, Brenda Marshall were the two witnesses for Ronald and Nancy Reagan's wedding in 1952. 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. Maybe the hoax wouldve stood the test of time a little better than it has. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. You obviously know nothing about alcoholics then. he let himself into the actor's apartment and discovered Holden's body. He was enormously talented. Holden had two uncredited roles before his first starring role in Golden Boy (1939), in which he played a violinist-turned-boxer. What the hell more did he need from life that booze could only give him? Kenya Safari Club. Lately, I saw the scene from "Love is a many Splendored Thing" from Utube made me want to know and read about him. That way you can keep up with all of our latest and upcoming videos. Ronald Reagan was his immediate supervisor. He had not reached the point in the disease process of having DT' s (delirium tremens.) Most stars knew each other, and they usually worked with each eventually. Anne January 23, 2015 4:30 PMCathy, if you want to find out everything about Bill Holden try to find the book 'Golden Boy' The Untold Story of Bill Holden, by Bob Thomas. He had everything going for him for much of his life, and couldn't handle it. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Might have lived for another 20 years. Amen! Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. His most recent movie was ''S.O.B.,'' a farce, in which Vincent Canby, reviewing the film in The New York Times, said he was ''especially fine.'' In the new millennium, Jan has turned her interests [] More, Each year over 1.5 million patients become victims of medical malpractice in the US alone. Thanks for the memories. No matter what the world thinks you were a good actor and man. From Findadeath.com:In November of 1981, Holden was living in Santa Monica, California, on Ocean Avenue. Makes me emotional, as well. Many of the old timers had more talent and natural good looks. . 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.'' I think this resulted in great on screen chemistry. But in reality he did not emulate them in his own life. Join Facts Verse to learn more about the Inside William Holden Frightening Final Moments. Holden died young but due to the decades of alcohnolic poisoning he really looked alot older.RIP Mr Holden.Now In Gods Care . You cannot ignore his acting, and he turned in so many brilliant performances consistently film after film. 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. Being born on 17 April 1918, William Holden was 63 years old at the time of his death. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? There are no volunteers for this cemetery. His request was denied because this scene was the centerpiece of the movie. His performance as Gloria Swanson's ill-fated lover in ''Sunset Boulevard'' in 1950 was perhaps his best known; it won him a second Oscar nomination. Love is a many splendor things one of his greatest accomplishment.but he could not find The Greatest love all ! 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. 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! Of the seven full baths, the master suite has a spa bathroom with Jacuzzi, sauna and his and her separate showers. Like so many other alcoholics, William Holden continued to drink until it destroyed him and eventually took his life. I can't explain why it makes me so emotional. He followed these roles up by playing a cynical military sergeant in the Oscar-winning 1953 film Stalag 17. JEC. Loved the movie Breezy! Sad that many people dont slow dance now; they dont know what theyre missing. No funeral or memorial service was held, per his wishes. 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. They don't make them like that anymore. 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. Just try to stop them. Later she said she heard the news that he had died on her car radio. Look, Bill was a loner by nature. From the report: All the lights were off, except for the television, so they used flashlights to get around. He also appeared in the multi-star disaster film "The Towering Inferno" in 1974. 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. Picnic, The moon is blue, Golden boy, Breezy, The world of Suzie Wong, Love is a many splendored thing, Born Yesterday (my favorite so far), Escape from Fort Bravo, Streets of Loredo, The country Girl and Sabrina. Read on for more details about her love life. 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. Facts Verse Are you an expert on a movie? It was just a dance omg ..I think the pictures today with over the top sex scenes just don't get it. Bill Holden was a beautiful classy man, loved the wild life of Africa, brilliant actor, will always be handsome, and that wonderful voice. I loved him as Max in Network, but the dialogue was way too wordy. I sure wish that people who have that damnable disease of alcoholism could see the way they change under the influence - perhaps they might realize that it certainly doesn't add anything to their demeanor or looks. After that, he starred in a screen adaption of the film Our Town that further established him as one of Hollywoods leading men. Bill and Stef had been in a relationship for 9 years by this point. If his Japanese captors want a bridge built, then his men will build it. The studios are aiming for the audience of teens or folks under 25. 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. The actor was best man at the 1952 wedding of President and Mrs. Reagan and remained friends with them over the years. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. His file at CIA is still classified. I love Daniel Day Lewisand Christian Bale, but they still don't hold a candle to William Holden. One call was to break the isolation. Just recently learned who Ray Ryan was. The Final Films. William Holden was only 63 years old when he passed away. Agreed! He delivered killer performances again and again. If he had so much guilt, he should have done what JFK did and left the cushy job and made certain he got into action. According to the book he started early to get enough courage to act. 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. His films were well written, well directed, and cast correctly. 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. We're currently offline. Earlier post was correct- today's movies are computer generated garbage. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Classic Movie Rev Despite the fame and winning an Academy Award in 1954, William Holden faced a lifelong battle with drinking and alcoholism. Powers. which was his last movie and by that time he, unfortunately, had aged a lot. Holden married actress Brenda Marshall in 1941. On Monday November 16, 1981, the building manager, Bill Martin, let curiosity get the best of him. And it being now April 2018, Wm Holden would have been 100 this year! There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. He thought he could somehow prove himself to his demanding father through athletic achievement. Watched the bridge on the river kwai last night and enjoyed Holdens performance again. March 28, 2021, 6:21 am, by Today I am watching The horse soldiers for about the 10th time and yesterday on TV it was Paris when it sizzle,a completely stupid film.I would love it if they put on Breezy or any other film of William Holden.I do not care what else is on if his films are on I watch it..He was a great actor and they do not have actors nowadays of his caliber or his good looks and charm.I had my dream visit to the USA 2014-15 and did a tour of Paramount studios when they were closed for the Christmas holidays.I also stayed in Santa Monica just so I could see where he had been and also visited the Pasadena players theater.My favorite movies of William Holden are Sabrina,Sunset Boulevard and Picnic.My favorite piece of music is Moonglow and the theme from Picnic.Why the older stars on the walk of fame are so far away from the old Grauman`s theater i do not know.This is what my generation come to see in Hollywood .While his movies are still played on TV William Holden will never be forgotten R.I.P. As the best man at Ronald Reagan's wedding, his star power never dimmed. It was the William Holden drinking helmet ( a crash helmet with springs attached ) if memory serves that cartoon was in Hustler, f*****g hilarious. The Beedle family made the move to Pasadena, California when William was just three years old. They are known, and he did often, to go off on drinking binges on their own for days. I'm 60 so I recall great films from the 60s and 70s. 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. Thats actually, exactly why it took so long for anyone to find him. Learn more about merges. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Can't watch it anymore - the ending is too sad. All right, Mr. DeMille, Im ready for my close-up. Bill will never die. Truly one of the best, and, in my opinion muchunder appreciated today.God bless you Golden Boy. I just finished watching "The Earthling" one of my favorite Holden movie. Well, now it is one of my favorites. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. According to the medical examiner, Holden had tripped on a throw rug and hit his head on the nightstand. To provide an affluent owner with every conceivable amenity, there is a high-tech media room with large pull-down screen, library built of Birdseye Maple bookcases and staff quarters with private bath. I think the movie was "The Fleet's In", with Dorothy Lamour, Betty Hutton, and Eddie Bracken. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. However, many audience members didnt realize that. But in the end he does what has to be done, leading an expedition back to the camp to blow up the bridge. He doesn't deserve anyone's sympathy. His alcoholism is well documented, with directors and his fellow actors describing how he would drink in the mornings before scenes. 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). . Facts Verse Holdens performance in that film received with almost unanimous acclaim. WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 (UPI) -President Reagan expressed shock today over the death of Mr. Holden, who was the best man at his wedding to Nancy Davis. Barbara Stanwick was simply awesome. Easy to tell the guy worked out/lifted wieghts. One of his early feats after Golden Boy Our Town in 1940 followed by hit features like I Wanted Wings in 1941. Only he could make Pike Bishop so believable! What drove him to drink, I think in the changed world he found himself to be a misfit. I struggle with writing screenplays today, and sadly many of the greatest films in the past would NOT be made today. Drinking might age one's innards, but Errol Flynn looked great when his autopsy showed internal organs that were anything but Oh, stop it. Get the best viral stories straight into your inbox! Against his better nature, the real hero would eventually come out but next to his predecessors, Holden's heroes were complex, ambiguous men. You can always change this later in your Account settings. Happy memories for me as I saw it with my mom who is gone now. Weve updated the security on the site. He had everything we wanted for ourselves. Many of these people didn't have connections and nepotism to get their start. The penthouse apartment that William Holden was living in when he died. God bless you, Mr. Holden. Glad to see so many agree what a wonderful actors, conservationist he was. Apartment for Peggy: Directed by George Seaton. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. He first came onto the scene with his 1939 hit film Golden Boy. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). That being said, I am a big fan of Mr. Holdens film work. Failed to delete memorial. Those absences for weeks at a timewell, he wasn't doing nothing. Holden died in 81 just shortly after the Reagan Administration started their reign. Cathy, I hope this helps a little bit to give you an idea what Bill Holden was like. But he would have none of it. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. If only the rest of us could leave as much, To goldiesgirl who said: "The "stars" of today just don't have "it"you're blowin' smoke darlin', I'm sorry but the latest movies are the pitts. Following his passing, Stefanie Powers, Williams girlfriend at the time of his death. Holden likely didnt realize the extent of his injury and apparently tried to stop the bleeding on his own. Wayne Clanton. The police said he had apparently died of natural causes and had been dead for possibly two or three days. He was 63. 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.