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. 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. and The World of Suzie Wong. It was announced Tuesday that the actor's body would be cremated and his ashes scattered over the . 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. Its kind of hard to believe but William Holden has been dead now for almost 4 decades. It's unfortunate, but at least his work can still be enjoyed to this day. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. 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. Saw him the next night at a night club. In the end, though, I guess no one really knows to the full extent why people do the things they do. The latter proved to be one of his most financially lucrative film roles making him an instant multi-millionaire. 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. He always brought a reassuring presence to any scene. Get the best viral stories straight into your inbox! January 27, 2023, 7:23 pm, by Columbias president Harry Cohn had half the mind to fire him. Sunset Boulevard, Love is a many splendored thing. [14] Capucine met actor William Holden in the early 1960s. It really is disturbing how William Holden died. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. January 27, 2023, 6:25 pm, Trending His body was found four days later. The Wild Bunch is my favorite, followed by Stalag 17 and The Bridges at Toko-Ri. He followed that film up with a screen version of the movie of Our Town. 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. And it which proved to be the film that landed him on the proverbial map. We will miss him. Alcoholism usually trumps having any long lasting happiness. This account has been disabled. 25 titles 1. Deputy press secretary Larry Speakes quoted the President as saying: ''I have a great feeling of grief. The entrance lobby of OceanAire underwent a complete transformation, creating a 6,000-square-foot, Zen-inspired garden of imported granite and sandstone complete with bubbling fountains and lush landscaping. The examiner reckoned that Holden didnt comprehend the seriousness of his injury, tried to stop the bleeding himself, and passed out from blood loss. A system error has occurred. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. 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. Who gives a fuck if he drank the world. I watch his movies time and time again and my favourite is "Picnic". That being said, I am a big fan of Mr. Holdens film work. Are his children as good looking as he was? If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. These roles include a prisoner-of-war entrepreneur in Stalag 17 (1953), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. I miss him so much. It's so evident in his eyes. His marriage was not a happy one. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. We were close friends for many years. 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. It's kind of hard to believe but William Holden has been dead now for almost 4 decades. He truly let his light shine. Just saw "Love is a Many Splendored Thing" and loved William Holden and always remembered him for his roles with Asian women, like "World of Suzi Wong" -- Of course, I am Chinese and would have done anything for him. It's power is greater than the human will. 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. On April 17, 1918, William Franklin Beedle Jr of OFallon, Illinois came into the world. With the right direction and material, Bill Holden was as good anactor as any at the time. He was so good. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) . It pains me to see how poorly he aged. Now I'm obsessed with him. The man was an amazing actor since his early years. https://classicmovierev.com/the-warriors-1979/. The price of fame. He was 63. Or perhaps he isolated himself from all who cared for him. I'm not being cruel in stating this. Holden never remarried but in recent years was a close friend of actress Stefanie Powers. He was actually a very shy man which is hard to believe. What we need to do is continue the enlightened war on drugs for another 50 years, put millions more in jail (mostly blacks males), keep the DEA and all the other enforcement agencies employed that do not produce a single product except unemployable felons, and take another look in 2065 when we have turned the tide on global warming. The Beedle family made the move to Pasadena, California when William was just three years old. YouTube - https://t.co/9mxCAnks6F And if. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Interview with Stephanie Powers in-between. But beyond that, he seemed like his normal self and was without any complaints or major concerns. She said she had talked to him a week before and that he was drinking. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Classic Movie Rev I always feel as though he and the other wonderful actors, actresses, dancers of the period are friends they had brought me so much joy, understanding, laughter and I cry whenever I read of another passing of these talented souls. Taking a drink in your 80s is much better than the alternative. I generally don't miss the opportunity to watch a William Holden movie. 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. If I ever run into any of you bums on a street corner, just lets pretend weve never met before. No the man I knew could lose both arms and still try to kick you to death. However William Holden died - he was really a great actor. His first role was an unaccredited appearance 1938's "Prison Farm" but he became a star almost effortlessly by virtue of his starring role in 1939's "Golden Boy." Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. My sons said it was the best black and white movue he had ever seen. As his character said to Bing's character in Country Girl, "I need an actor who can remember his lines and show up for work", Holden obviously remembered his lines and showed for work. The Theme from Picnic and Moonglow I can listen to for hours. 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. He was part-owner of The Shorecliff Towers high-rise apartment building on Ocean Avenue. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. 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. Death 12 Nov 1981 (aged 63) Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California, USA. His permanent. I can now die knowing what a man can be like when in love. 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. He was a great actor and a star. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. There aren't any "movie stars" left. RIP. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. Why didn't S.Powers do anything when she hadn't heard from him in four days? I ALWAYS thought he was a terrific actor.When I first saw him on the screen in 1957 I liked him. Total crap. So sad. Thank goodness for digitized movies like DVD, where I can watch him anytime. No one else drinks to that point. 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. What a pleasure to watch Holden, Crosby and Grace Kelly in the same picture. Those absences for weeks at a timewell, he wasn't doing nothing. He became a conservationist and a founder of the Mount Kenya Safari Club. Drinking by itself will not cause premature aging. Easy to tell the guy worked out/lifted wieghts. That's how I felt when I watched PICNIC for the first time on TCM this past June. I saw the movie because I liked Betty Hutton. He was notoriously private. 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. Please reset your password. Holden worked for many years as a deep-cover CIA operative.Yes Tracy Jo you are correct! Drinking might age one's innards, but Errol Flynn looked great when his autopsy showed internal organs that were anything but Oh, stop it. It's a wonderful movie. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. The post William Holden Died Drunk and Alone appeared first on ClassicMovieRev.com. It is probable that he may not have realized the severity of the injury and did not summon aid, or was unable to call for help. He would end up having to fight an even tougher battle [] More, What could be more mysterious than an island filled with buried treasure? Managed to convince the executive to rethink his decision. Heartwarming and so meaningful a film!! I watched Golden Boy last night and another channel showed The Green Mile at the same time. About 100%. Read on for more details about her love life. Despite his far-reaching fame and the fact that he won an Academy Award in 1954. 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. Concerned, he let himself into the actor's apartment and discovered Holden's body. Holden likely didnt realize the extent of his injury and apparently tried to stop the bleeding on his own. While still aware and breathing, William Holden bled to death on the floor of his home. NOTHING LIKE HAVING A DRINK IN YOUR LATE 80S. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. I rank Bill Holden & Gregory Peck, equally as the greatest actors I have ever seen. 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. And he was forever in Stanwycks debt for believing in him enough to pull him through that picture. Simple theme. Ronald Reagan was his immediate supervisor. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. From Findadeath.com:In November of 1981, Holden was living in Santa Monica, California, on Ocean Avenue. Agree. I can watch them over and over. What he came to represent was integrity, the same thing you get from someone like Henry Fonda.. As for tonight I will enjoy watching The Bridge on the River Kwai. March 28, 2021, 6:21 am, by 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. He was also notorious for having the bad habit of dropping off the face of the earth from time to time. He looked much older. He was a great actor and a wonderful man. Against his better nature, the real hero would eventually come out but next to his predecessors, Holden's heroes were complex, ambiguous men. By David Lobosco- http://greatentertainersarchives.blogspot.com/2011/11/last-days-of-william-holden.html?m=1. I think WH may have been a manic depressive and that his dependency on alcohol was not his main problem. The 63-year-old actor bled to death Nov. 16 after slipping on a throw rug in his beachfront apartment and striking his head on a table. Jun 11, 2021 06:00 A.M. Stefanie Powers had a deep love for actor William Holden before his tragic death in the 80s. You are well loved still not only by the many who knew you personally, but also generations of devotees. Born William Franklin Beedle Jr. in O'Fallon, Illinois and raised in South Pasadena, California, he initially followed in his father's footsteps by studying chemistry at Pasadena Junior College in California before he signed a contract with Paramount Pictures in 1937. 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. Mr. Holden's performance established him immediately as star. 1 Year-Later She Realizes Her Huge Mistake, Bebe Buell Reveals Everything About Her Rock Star Romances, The Real Reason Peter Lawford Got Kicked Out of the Rat Pack, Pam Dawber is Unrecognizable Today (Try Not to Gasp), Why Jan Smithers DISAPPEARED After WKRP in Cincinnati, Celebrities Who Died Due to Medical Malpractice, The ONE Time Dolly Parton Got Naked in Public, Rare Photos of Lynda Carter Not Suitable for All Ages, The Tragic Death of Robert Urich & His Wife, The Tragic Life and Demise of Angie Dickinson, How Each Gilligans Island Cast Member Died. He brought so much to every picture he appeared in. He didn't have to act. He first came onto the scene with his 1939 hit film Golden Boy. If you want to see a gripper, check him out in "Union Station" of 1950. Bill will never die. 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. It takes me somewhere that other movies never have. Thumbs up for you, Mr. Holden ~ : ). 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. 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. Drinking and his smooth nature left a great legacy. I think the movie was "The Fleet's In", with Dorothy Lamour, Betty Hutton, and Eddie Bracken. The resemblance between WH and Tom Hanks is uncanny when WH was much younger. This prestigious high-rise is a sought-after address and home to a number of bicoastal celebrities and Hollywood executives because it epitomizes contemporary living in a chic seaside environment. I'm only sorry he has no idea how many of us today still enjoy and admire his films. Life did not elude you; yours was a life full of good works to be celebrated. Watch the movies above. The movie Picnic 1955. He said in 1971 that he had always resented the ''ground rules of 30 years ago, when you did anything to get your name in the paper with Hedda Hopper or Louella Parsons.''. He also appeared in the multi-star disaster film "The Towering Inferno" in 1974. We all have too many demons and not enough angels. A lot has been said here about William Holden. But William Holden beat all the odds by achieving his instant stardom with his very first leading role. From expensive cars to enormous mansions to copious quantities [] More, While Peter Lawford might the least well-known member of the Rat Pack, he is sometimes referred to as the Man Who Kept The Secrets due to his secretive efforts to connect Marilyn Monroe and his brother-in-law JFK. Always one of the saddest ends for a great classic film star. 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. 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. But in the end he does what has to be done, leading an expedition back to the camp to blow up the bridge. During the filming they had to sent him to a clinic to dry out for a week. It was Same Time Next Year. Strongly influenced by his father, an industrial chemist, Holden attended Pasadena Junior College with his sights set on following in his footsteps until he was accidentally discovered in a school play by a Paramount representative. He was driving under the influence when he caused the accident. Holden was the first married actor to enlist in WW2 - into the Army Air Corps. No funeral or memorial service was held, per his wishes. (1950) Classic Movie Review 81. 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. Does he hold her firmly and bring her close to him, put her hand on his chest and lay his cheek against hers or does he keep her at arms length? We are grateful to you Bill, and all the others. As good today as then. I knew his name but never saw any of hispictures. Exusers They feel good for a short period of time and then they feel so terribly bad that they will do literally anything to escape how depressed and bad they feel later. They really should have been together, neither Bill nor Audrey were happy the rest of their lives. And it being now April 2018, Wm Holden would have been 100 this year! I think you & your sons would really enjoy the movie if you haven't already seen it by now. This browser does not support getting your location. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. LAUREL AND HARDY FAN GROUP KEEPS LAUGHING, PHOTOS OF THE DAY: DEAN MARTIN AND FRIENDS. I OWNED A TAVERN IN NEWBURGH NEW YORK FOR TWENTY FIVE YEARS, IRETIRED WENT TO FLORIDA WITH A TON OF DOUGH BUT REALLY OVER DID IT.IM 87 NOW AND HAVE TO WATCH WERE I SPEND MY MONEY.ILL HAVE ENOUGH I THINK TILL I REACH 91,BUT IVE LEARNED HUMILITY.I RETIRED AT 54,WITH A BI-POLAR CONDITION,WITH A DEGREE OF ALCOHOLISM,GOD WAS GOOD TO ME HETOLD ME I WASNT GOING TO GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING.I ALWAYS HAD PLENTY,NOW I HAVE LEARNED A LITTLE MODESTY.BILL LEARNED THE SAME THING.HE HAD SUCCESS BUT WE AND HE THINK HE EARNED MORE.LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDID THING,LOVED HIM WITH SOPHIA,EXECUTIVE SUITE,PICNIC U NAME IT.LIKED RICHARD BOONE TOO,HE WAS A RASCAL.GK, He was a father figure for me The Best. He need not have worried. Sad. He was in a car accident wherein a person was killed. Don't you think Stefanie has regrets over this? A man and a woman dancing, not just dancing, but slow dancing. Totally agree. The next step in the process of the disease would have been non-intoxication. Loved the movie Breezy! Maybe the hoax wouldve stood the test of time a little better than it has. The consummate actor, a 'man's man' as they used to sayhe made women swoon & looks at their husbands & shake their heads. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. He was handsome but not in a classic matinee-idol style; he was the decent average man, only a bit better than average. But before we dive into his early years and accomplishments, take a moment to show us a little support by giving this video a like and subscribing to our channel if you havent already. In 1986, I interviewed a CIA SPOOK who worked with Holden in East Africa. 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. She did 5 movies with him, so you know she thought he was good. Peckinpah told Lewis of Holdens role in a key scene. Holden personnified all that was great. Great memories! 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. It was called "The Earthling" and co-stared Ricky Schroder in one of his first films!! cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. I immediately became obsessed with his persona. Around November 12, 1981, William Holden fell on a rug after drinking too much and hit his head on a table. 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. William Holden, whose handsome face and easy, masculine manner made him the quintessential American in many movies, was found dead Monday morning in his apartment in Santa Monica. He was enormously talented. I just discovered Bill H. a couple months ago and watched as he aged from Golden Boy, through the 1950's, 60's and 70's and am not so sure drinking aged him. I'm 60 so I recall great films from the 60s and 70s. Self. Look, Bill was a loner by nature. He was so suave, elegant, restrained and drop dead gorgeous. What person in their right mind would go back for more of that. Later she said she heard the news that he had died on her car radio. So sad, he was extremely handsome. Mr. Holden, 63 years old, was found dead at the apartment Monday morning by the building manager. In 1969, Holden made a comeback when he starred in director Sam Peckinpahs graphically violent Western The Wild Bunch, winning much acclaim. I loved him then, I love him now. 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 agree. Many have had tons of plastic surgery and still look horrible. 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. 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 still enjoy watching that movie today when it is on tv. Holden's birth name was William Franklin Beedle, Jr. His last name was changed to Holden by an agent that was still in love with his ex-wife. This in turn caused Holden to drink more. His brother fought and died in WW2 as a fighter pilot showing his great qualities too. Mork, of course, played by the late Robin Williams. His plan is interrupted when the y. But instead, he likely died of blood loss within about 15 minutes of his accident. Every time he would say he'd never have another drink. He was out doors a lot and no one used sun screen then. During World War II, he served in the United States Army Air Corps, where he acted in training films. Dr. Noguchi said there were no other injuries or indications of foul play at this time. If you write screenplays that are Westerns, period pieces, serious drama--you will never get hired. Finally, Bill realized there was no way out. 8 blood-soaked tissues were found next to his body and so was a working telephone which he could have used to call for medical help. This reminds me of the cartoon I saw many years ago. They had two children of their own, Peter and Scott, and raised a daughter, Virginia, from Marshalls previous marriage. William Holden began working in Hollywood as a piece of beefcake. Stefanie heard about it on the radio in her car going to work. My dad would always say that home owner was a friend of WH and also he had mob connections. His work lives on, and I'm so glad he continues to be rediscovered and enjoyed by new fans. Great actor, troubled soul. She reported that he was drinking at the time when he gave her a ring. Tap the bell icon while youre at it. What did the beautiful Stephanie Powers see in him with the mess he was at the end?