Sunset Boulevard, Love is a many splendored thing. which was released in 1981. In 1980, he retreated to this wildlife preserve, returning to Hollywood only briefly to star in his final film, Blake Edwards's S.O.B. I loved him as Max in Network, but the dialogue was way too wordy. I watched Golden Boy last night and another channel showed The Green Mile at the same time. The classic "boy next door" whom everyone loves, and gets along with. We now have Stalag, Toko RI, Bridge on River Kwi, Paris, Sabrina, and Picnic under our belts. Popular, by If his Japanese captors want a bridge built, then his men will build it. Holden was one of the greatest actors of our times. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? We're currently offline. The Wild Bunch is my favorite, followed by Stalag 17 and The Bridges at Toko-Ri. Judging from the condition of his body, investigators estimated that he had been dead for approximately 4 days before being found. Although Holden was clearly one of Hollywood's most popular leading men in films that were the top money grossers of their day, and was considered the top box office draw in 1956, he also became an unwitting victim of the studio system. William Holden still resonates with fans around the world. Facts Verse Thats why it took so long for someone to find him. What did the beautiful Stephanie Powers see in him with the mess he was at the end? That's how I felt when I watched PICNIC for the first time on TCM this past June. What more could you ask for? Sunset Blvd? God bless you, Mr. Holden. Thank you. He's so believable in all of his roles, no matter how much fluff there was in the script or how insignificant the role might have been performed by another actor. Every time he would say he'd never have another drink. It's unfortunate, but at least his work can still be enjoyed to this day. Every woman wanted to be Novak in the dance. According to the medical examiner, Holden had tripped on a throw rug and hit his head on the nightstand. Apparently they had discussed the subject on many previous occasions and he was very much aware of how important becoming a mother was to her. I watch his movies whenever they're on, and I am a happily married woman.but I'm also human, like Jimmy Stewart said in reference to his attraction to Grace Kelly, and beauty is always appreciated. I always thought when I was growing up that William Holden was the most handsome and gorgeous man I've had ever seen. If he wasn't drinking, he would probably not be so convincing when acting disappointed, but proud "old-fashioned" Pike Bishop. The 8,874 square feet of living space includes five bedrooms two are master suites, one with a sitting room. 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.'' . Both very good. As to the suggestion that he never found true love, I disagree. 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. They really should have been together, neither Bill nor Audrey were happy the rest of their lives. His range was incredible, he could play the rugged "Real Man" in the River Kwai, keeping up with the rugged Jack Hawkins or the caring sensitive guy in a sappy romance, The World of Susie Wong and Love is a Many Splendored Thing. He based his comments on an autopsy and preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. An assistant coroner said the actor had been ''heavily intoxicated'' when he fell. And addicts that are able to get help and education about that evil process so they can clearly see that there is nothing in that world for them, they want to invest in themselves in the behavior modification that's required to make changes in their lives. He did continue to star in a few good films like The Wild Bunch in 1969, The Towering Inferno in 1974, and S.O.B in 1981. 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. His looks were beautiful in this..not sure why anyone is making this an issue, no love scene can ever compare with Kim Novack and Bill Holden's dance in Picnic. She said later that the reason she finished with him was not because he could not give her children, but because he had deceived her for so long. Bill and Stef had been in a relationship for 9 years by this point. Stefanie heard about it on the radio in her car going to work. After her role on that classic sitcom ended, Jan became more interested in being a mother than being an actress. Long gone, but never forgotten. Agree. Judas, howd you wind up in a smelly ditch in Korea? 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Despite being relatively young still, he was considered Hollywood old school and began losing roles to younger stars like Steve McQueen and Paul Newman. William Holden (1918 1981) won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1953 for his role in Stalag 17. RIP. Holden made more than 50 movies, including The Wild Bunch, Bridge On the River Kwai and Picnic. He also starred in The Blue Knight, a TV movie based on the Joseph Wambaugh novel about a Los Angeles cop. Facts Verse He looked much older. As good today as then. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Its been shown that he spoke to his girlfriend Stephanie Powers seven days before he likely passed away. Holden was the first married actor to enlist in WW2 - into the Army Air Corps. The coroner said there was a ''deep cut'' on Holden's forehead, which was followed by ''massive bleeding,'' the actual cause of death. Get the day's top news with our Today's Headlines newsletter, sent every weekday morning. Watch the dance sequence from "Picnic." Perhaps because he was a drinker they thought maybe hed reveal something in an un-guarded moment. 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. (1950). The years of heavy drinking had seriously taken a heavy toll on his physical appearance not to mention his physical and mental well-being. Holdens corpse was found in a robe and shirt laying on the floor. It is hard to believe that William Holden has been dead now for 30 years. That is love, dedication, respect, and hard work. Please reset your password. He never made enough time for his two sons and in adulthood their relationship was estranged. Just recently learned who Ray Ryan was. Resend Activation Email. That's right, no one. Maybe because I long to find "my" William Holden. Anne - you have no idea what Bill was really like. He never fails to deliver. I think his later movies were as great as his first. 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! which was his last movie and by that time he, unfortunately, had aged a lot. I wish I knew what happened to it. In William Holden's case, he could make a run-of-the-mill quickie film noir really pop. 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. It made his life difficult and unhappy yet he triumphed just the same. Educate to the point where no one can deny .that people who act stupid when drinking or drugging are addicts, and when that education light shines bright enough and continually, denial will not be possible by anyone. Does touching each other spark heat? Classy guy with intelligence.Excellent actor.Greatly missed. 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. . We both had a crush on him. -----. She said she had talked to him a week before and that he was drinking. Even though he clearly had talent, his lack of experience made shooting very difficult and after just two weeks of filming. Such a versatile and wonderful actor. It was then that he took the name William Holden, which he made his legal name in 1943. William Holden Building | Santa Monica Penthouses | Celeb RE Although he always maintained residences in California, Holden also had houses in Switzerland and in Kenya. Later on in life i met some of William Holden's friends we all came to the conclusion that "underneath it all there was pleasurable soul". I wondered about his health but he was very involved building a hunting lodge in Africa and involved with Stephanie Powers. I think the movie was "The Fleet's In", with Dorothy Lamour, Betty Hutton, and Eddie Bracken. He invested in hotels in Africa, where he said he was happiest. 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. His permanent home was in Palm Springs but he maintained an apartment in Santa Monica. Thanks for your help! The Remarkable Andrew, The Fleets In and Meet The Stewarts all in 1942, and Young and Willing in 1943. 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. 25 titles 1. In 1953, he was cast in "Stalag 17" for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? 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. The apartment block manager claimed 'he he did not want to be disturbed'. Really. We all miss him. Art imitates life.Watch Breezy. #TCMParty #FilmNoir #FemmeFatale, The Challenge (1982) Classic Movie Review 217 https://is.gd/BEEZVI #action #martialarts, Doctor X (1932) Classic Movie Review 288 https://is.gd/cZ6yox #comedy #horror, #OTD 44 years ago The Warriors (1979) premiered. For the person who said "that reflect simpler, slower, and less stressfull times. He apparently died of natural causes, according to the coroners office, which will perform an autopsy today. Based We were close friends for many years. 4 Joyce Jameson. Wayne Clanton. He made several attempts to be transferred from this placement but was never allowed to do so. Drag images here or select from your computer for William Holden memorial. Few people recall that today. 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. Ava, Hedy, Grace and others. Oak Island is a privately owned island that sits off the coast of Nova Scotia in Canada. 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. I've read that Bill Holden had an apartment in Hong Kong as well as one in CA. In recent years, Mr. Holden's frequent companion was the actress Stefanie Powers. Holden had two uncredited roles before his first starring role in Golden Boy (1939), in which he played a violinist-turned-boxer. Also sad, for obviously she could do nothing to help him. Bill played the early anti-heroes, the guy who only looked out for number one, the selfish, lazy, opportunist. Todays movie is He left too early. Now I'm obsessed with him. Join Facts Verse to learn more about the Inside William Holden Frightening Final Moments. 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. The Horse Soldiers, Stalag 17, and Picnic are my favourites. Picnic? Actually I didnt know he existed until the late 1960s since I was born in 1955. So sad. 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. According to the autopsy report, Holden was last known to be alive about one week beforehand, when he spoke to his girlfriend Stephanie Powers on the telephone. He was a great actor and a star. But instead, he likely died of blood loss within about 15 minutes of his accident. I honestly thought he was older than 63 when he died, but years of sun & alcohol take their toll on the best of us. I think WH may have been a manic depressive and that his dependency on alcohol was not his main problem. He was 63. I saw it again just last week on TCM. Are you ready to be a guest on the show? Hard to believe any director would hire him if it was an uncontrolable problem. Told everyone at work about it and one bought it also. The resemblance between WH and Tom Hanks is uncanny when WH was much younger. He was discovered by a Paramount Pictures talent scout in 1937. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Then they begin talking about their plans to give up the outlaw life. This was all BEFORE his brother was killed. January 28, 2023, 4:29 pm, by Despite the fame and winning an Academy Award in 1954, William Holden faced a lifelong battle with drinking and alcoholism. 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. I agree. Thumbs up for you, Mr. Holden ~ : ). Holden had dictated in his will that the Neptune Society cremate him and scatter his ashes in the Pacific Ocean. In this film you can really see Holden's chops as a consumate performer. His acting, his voice, his looks; he had everything. 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. Thank you for sharing it with us. Mr. Holden was separated in 1963 from his wife, with whom he had two sons, Peter and Scott; they were later divorced. Sunset Blvd. Before him, the heroic leads were usually less complex men, go-get 'em types who either started out "bad" and became "good" or stayed good all the way through. September 14, 2021, 5:02 am, by His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located at 1651 Vine Street. There's really no point wondering what his life would have been like if Audrey Hepburn was apathetic about having children. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Coroner Terms Death Of Holden an Accident - The New York Times He had everything going for him for much of his life, and couldn't handle it. 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. They certainly do not make films like that anymore. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Facts Verse His permanent. I'm not being cruel in stating this. Happy memories for me as I saw it with my mom who is gone now. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. He first came onto the scene with his 1939 hit film Golden Boy. Holden married actress Brenda Marshall in 1941. Director: Billy Wilder | Stars: William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson Votes: 224,388 2. He thought he could somehow prove himself to his demanding father through athletic achievement. Many of these people didn't have connections and nepotism to get their start. I watch one of his films everyday. He enlisted in the Army and was graduated a first lieutenant from the Army Air Force Officers Candidate School. 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. Her husband Robert Taylor was handsome too.I loved Holden's rugged good looks and his acting. Examination revealed an apparent laceration on his forehead approximately 3 inches in length. What could one do in a situation like that when there was such a profound breach of trust. In that movie, he was a perfect foil to Sir Alec Guinness, who played the very correct British army officer who helped the Japanese build an important bridge in Thailand. After his discharge, there was a 17-month hiatus when he had no parts, but he then appeared in 13 movies in three years. Masterson - gunfighter, gambler, and . The Last Days of William Holden - The Life & Times of Hollywood The show was a success due to its excellent writing and directing. Over the years Holdens rich but unpretentious voice became as distinctive as his increasingly craggy face. He used a flashlight to navigate the apartment. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. The show followed widowed aeronautical engineer named Steven Douglas and his three sons. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? He tried and tried - we'd go weeks without hearing from him and then he'd resurface detoxed (by himself - ALONE - many, many times. It really is disturbing how William Holden died. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He burst onto the scene with his role in Golden Boy in 1939. Professor Henry Barnes (Edmund Gwenn) has decided that he has lived long enough and spontaneously wants to commit suicide. This is when chronic alcoholics shut out the world and drink alone for days on end. He was drinking. Sunset Blvd. william holden arlene holden - bdcgtoronto.ca God Bless you Bill. A most interesting and complex actor who left us with a long list of great movie roles to remember him by. As for tonight I will enjoy watching The Bridge on the River Kwai. The coroner, Dr. Thomas Noguchi, said, ''The death was caused by an accidental fall involving tripping over or slipping on a throw rug, then falling into the sharp edge of a bedside table.'' I got to Santa Monica and LA in December 2014,my lifetime dream, and did a tour of Paramount studios and saw the office where Joe Gillis stood in Sunset Boulevard.I was going to walk along Ocean Ave to Alta St but became ill on the day I had planned to go.I went to the Pasadena Rose Parade and a man standing behind me said"here comes my home town,O`Fallon Illinois and I said that is where William Holden was born.He looked at me and I told him Bill`s real name and date of birth and he at first did not believe me.I told him to Google him and when he saw the results he said to me "What a fan "I even found the Pasadena Playhouse where Bill first performed.That was also a thrill.At my age i have virtually fulfilled my dreams ,now just to meet Doris Day.I missed her when I got to Carmel.They do not make movie stars like Bill and Doris anymore.It was worth my long trip from Australia. 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. Read on for more details about her love life. He was not heard from much in the 1960s, when he lived in Switzerland and made several undistinguished films. I was devastated when he passed away and especially the way it happened. There was the sense that this polite, no-nonsense man was capable of heroics if the need arose. William Holden himself lived on the buildings fourth floor at unit number 43. The police said he had apparently died of natural causes and had been dead for possibly two or three days. Can you imagine the guilt she has carried for the last 35 years? 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. I discovered Bill Holden when I was browsing Netflix and found Sabrina. I have been a Holden fan forever and was amazed to find during my Ancestry DNA that I am related to him (thru the Beadle line) (William Holden's real last name). He didn't have to act. Sighhhhh. Picnic is one of my favorite movies. 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. William Holden (1918-1981) - Find a Grave Memorial Where The Great Actor William Holden Died Alone - YouTube He followed that film up with a screen version of the movie of Our Town. According to forensic evidence, the actor remained conscious up to half an hour after the accident. Facts Verse Include gps location with grave photos where possible. 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. 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. Its not particularly common for a Hollywood star to be made overnight. I my very first crush was William Holden. William Holden Died Drunk and Alone William Holden began working in Hollywood as a piece of beefcake. Saw him the next night at a night club. The ex-wife was Gloria Holden who starred in Dracula's Daughter (1936). She wanted to marry him and have kids but he was already married and couldn't have any more kids. With Nancy's passing, it is so sad that she left, but glad that she will be with Ronnie. Great Actor.Foul play was the talk in Hollywood at time. Yes, gorgeous, intelligent, well traveled - the best. William Holden; his death was NO accident. I think that was his first movie and she helped him get the part and with his portrayal.