In early October 1981, Holden travelled from his Palm Springs home to his coastal apartment to live a semi-reclusive existence. Happy memories for me as I saw it with my mom who is gone now. To use this feature, use a newer browser. O'Fallon, St. Clair County, Illinois, USA, Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California, USA. Perhaps that's why I generally stay away from his 70's films. He bled to death from a forehead wound. Next, he starred with George Raft and Humphrey Bogart in the Warner Bros. gangster epic Invisible Stripes later the same year. The Beedle family made the move to Pasadena, California when William was just three years old. The years of his drinking started taking its toll on Holdens chiseled looks by the 1960s. Facts Verse 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. Thumbs up for you, Mr. Holden ~ : ). Cremated, Ashes scattered at sea. Author - https://t.co/B4YpcyjjC4 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. 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. 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. Would you like to request a film for review? In 1950, he played Gigolo Joe Gillis in Sunset Blvd and then a tutor in Born Yesterday later that year. . According to the medical examiner, Holden had tripped on a throw rug and hit his head on the nightstand. David,Thanks, bought the movie on Amazon and we watched it twice this weekend. Director: Billy Wilder | Stars: William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson Votes: 224,388 2. Hard to believe he would be 96 if he were alive todaywow! It was called "The Earthling" and co-stared Ricky Schroder in one of his first films!! If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. In 1969, Holden made a comeback when he starred in director Sam Peckinpahs graphically violent Western The Wild Bunch, winning much acclaim. and The World of Suzie Wong. Agree. But when he Hassan Drinking by itself will not cause premature aging. But she ended up spilling the beans on one of the most embarrassing chapters of her life instead. The assembly line was always running. Some theorists even [] More, Are you a fan of sitcom My Three Sons? He. He gained another critical success with "Picnic" in 1955, "The Bridge on the River Kwai" in 1957 and in the Civil War epic "The Horse Soldiers" in 1959. 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. Facts Verse 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. Wish I discovered Bill years ago.Dan. His alcoholism is well documented, with directors and his fellow actors describing how he would drink in the mornings before scenes. This affair ended when Capucine met William Holden, but she and Feldman remained friends until his death in 1968. https://classicmovierev.com/the-warriors-1979/. She starred alongside Hollywood titans like John Wayne, William Holden, . He was handsome but not in a classic matinee-idol style; he was the decent average man, only a bit better than average. Along with about anything that has Holden in it. Even when he was in his 40's he had a great body. Thanks for a lifetime filled with magical memories of life as it was and could be.. One of my late Mom's favorite actors. Psychiatrist speaking! As promised Bill on this day; For the memory of you, you have left a rich cinema legacy covering decades. Learn more about merges. ''I'm not a classic actor, dealing in tragedy. This reminds me of the cartoon I saw many years ago. He had promised this Blond money and a career in exchange for her being with him, he ended up screwing her over and she took me with her to confront him, he went off on her and started to choke her and I grabbed him, he ended up pushing me onto the bed and as he did she grabbed the phone and hit him in the head, he staggered around and fell into the table and ended up dying on the floor. I think a case can be made for the idea that he was depressed because he drank. Professor Henry Barnes (Edmund Gwenn) has decided that he has lived long enough and spontaneously wants to commit suicide. If you were raised in the 1950s, you know the well-defined dating etiquette between men and woman. The post The Bridges at Toko-Ri (1954) Classic Movie Review 188 appeared first on ClassicMovieRev.com. 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. Does anyone know if he still had the HK apt. I immediately checked it out from the store (on VHS), and was completely blown away by the performance of William Holden. It was the William Holden drinking helmet ( a crash helmet with springs attached ) if memory serves that cartoon was in Hustler, f*****g hilarious. My mother's favourite actor was William Holden and we went as a family to watch his movies. What a fine actor Bill Holden was, so handsome with his chiselled good looks. My IMDB is under Mystic Marlow. I don't pay much attention to Hollywood rumors factual or otherwise. Unfortunately, this time it didn't happen that way. You find his whole life story where he was born, how he got started in acting, his loves (yes there were quite a lot) and, of course, always the drinking. Let us know in the comments section which one of his films you appreciate the most between The Towering Inferno and Sunset Blvd. The studios made films like we make cars today. Who gives a fuck if he drank the world. Holden, who rose to fame in. Facts Verse So sad, he was extremely handsome. Year should not be greater than current year. This comment has been removed by the author. Even though he clearly had talent, his lack of experience made shooting very difficult and after just two weeks of filming. However, by that time he was no longer the handsome leading man of movies. Apartment for Peggy: Directed by George Seaton. "The Bridge on the River Kwai" in 1957 and in . 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. 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? I was born in 57 so I was very young when Bill Holden was in his heyday but my mother use to watch picnic with me and even though she was very religious she would always say " Watching Bill Holden makes me want to buynew underwear". Actor. He was unparalleled; excellent actor.I too, miss him. "I'm not surprised that this could have happened." Two sons with his wife Ardis and an earlier daughter at a young age with an older actress. Every time he would say he'd never have another drink. He need not have worried. Nice guy, down to earth. 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). There was an error deleting this problem. The fact that he drank like he did is his perogative. We will miss him. Heavy drinking most definitely ages a person. They really should have been together, neither Bill nor Audrey were happy the rest of their lives. I Love William Holden. The Theme from Picnic and Moonglow I can listen to for hours. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. I had the fortune to visit his favourite retreat, The Mount Kenya Safari Club, near Nanyuki, Kenya. These roles include a prisoner-of-war entrepreneur in Stalag 17 (1953), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. We both had a crush on him. 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. 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[]. Really great in Bridge Over the River Kwai.Beautiful girlfriend too (Stefanie Powers). NICE! Excellent actorbut who can have any sympathy for an otherwise loser who literally drank himself to death? (1981), was more successful and a Golden Globe-nominated picture. The penthouse apartment that William Holden was living in when he died. He was probably dead within 15 minutes. His permanent. Ahead of his time in trying to save animals. He was partial owner of the building at #535. William Holden Died Drunk and Alone William Holden began working in Hollywood as a piece of beefcake. 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. 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. BTW: his brother was a fighter pilot in WW2, lost in battle. Holden died in 81 just shortly after the Reagan Administration started their reign. By the 1960s, Holdens drinking had already started to detrimentally affect his physical appearance. Holden starred in some of Hollywoods most popular and critically acclaimed films, including Sunset Blvd(1950),The Bridges at Toko-Ri(1954), Sabrina (1954),The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), The Wild Bunch (1969), Picnic (1955), The Towering Inferno (1974), and Network (1976). He was in a car accident wherein a person was killed. You can always change this later in your Account settings. Alcohol being one the commonly used ways to feel better. She indicated that he was drinking, but seemed his normal self and was without complaints. Holden was of English descent, and his paternal Great-Grandmother, Rebecca Westfield who was born in England in 1817. Very good flick. He was a ok. What I consider his Best Film and one of the most sleeper films of all-time was one of his last! Based on all the comments in here, he truly was one of the greats. In that sexy dance scene, the lights + camera angle show how bloated William Holden's face was, which is typical of people who drink too much. Many people who ridicule his drinking would sell their mothers ass for a buck. His career peaked in 1957 with the enormous success of The Bridge on the River Kwai. He expected to serve the normal way but was forced to the special services section where recruitment films were made. When Ryan was murdered in 1976 by a car bomb WH attended his funeral. 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. September 14, 2021, 5:02 am, by Thank you for sharing it with us. Over the years Holdens rich but unpretentious voice became as distinctive as his increasingly craggy face. It's so evident in his eyes. Sunset Blvd. His disappearing acts became more and more frequent towards the end of his life. I am a hobbyist and not a professional film reviewer. Bill was guilty for his military "toy job", while his brother was the real thing. Around November 12, 1981, William Holden fell on a rug after drinking too much and hit his head on a table. February 19, 2023, 6:17 am, by I ADORED THE MOVIE. See the article in its original context from. You were so lucky to have met William Holden in person - I have dreamed about this. Mr. Holden was separated in 1963 from his wife, with whom he had two sons, Peter and Scott; they were later divorced. What did the beautiful Stephanie Powers see in him with the mess he was at the end? 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! This is a carousel with slides. It explains his illogical self destructive actions. Holden's apartment was on the fourth floor, number 43. Drag images here or select from your computer for William Holden memorial. Talk about lengthy speeches. Sad. The music and the scene touches me so much, as a man I shed tears every time I view it. From the report: All the lights were off, except for the television, so they used flashlights to get around. We're currently offline. Will still remember Bill as the handsome, sexy guy in his prime. In recent years, Mr. Holden's frequent companion was the actress Stefanie Powers. Errol Flynn aged horribly and was unrecognizable when he died. Breaks my heart. The Final Films. And he was forever in Stanwycks debt for believing in him enough to pull him through that picture. The examiner reckoned that Holden didnt comprehend the seriousness of his injury, tried to stop the bleeding himself, and passed out from blood loss. JUST WATCHED "THE EARTHLING" SOMEHOW I HAD MISSED THAT MOVIE IN EARLIER YEARS. Money, fame, looks, and talent. He played a similar hard-bitten character in the role in Stalag 17 that won him an Oscar. After Columbia Pictures signed him to a contract, he suddenly one of the most in-demand polished leading men in Tinseltown. He was also romantically linked to costars Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Stefanie Powers, who after his death, established the William Holden Wildlife Fund supporting wildlife preservation in Kenya, thus realizing his dream. Mr. Holden's films should be released as a boxed set of ten or twelve of his best works. Correct as what brought out by Holdens psychologist in the book Golden Boy who related that shortly after meeting with Holden he was visited by government officials regarding what he was discussing with Holden. 'I'm Not a Classic Actor'. Or his children? Stalag is my favorite but have liked them all. He was best man at Ronald Reagan's wedding to Nancy Davis. His roles were varied, moving him out of what he called, with dislike, his ''Smiling Jim'' slot. I was young when Holden and the others were making movies. They don't make them like that anymore. I happen to believe that this is not the end of the story. I didn't appreciate them then like I should have. Regardless of his problems, he was human, just like the rest of us, and he portrayed a warmth seldom seen on film. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. It's all about charisma and lumininesce. Jeez. Yes, the part that established him as a Hollywood powerhouse was the wholesome young prizefighter who just wants to be a violinist in Golden Boy. Living in Pasadena, Holden was spotted by a talent scout from Paramount Pictures in 1937 while playing the part of an 80-year-old man. CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/SubDazeWithJordanTheLionMERCH: http://shop.spreadshirt.com/jordanthelionDONATE: www.patreon.com/jordanthelionPAYPAL DONATI. Fine actor, of course. It was just a dance omg ..I think the pictures today with over the top sex scenes just don't get it. 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. William Holden is my favorite actor. Or perhaps he isolated himself from all who cared for him. He first came onto the scene with his 1939 hit film Golden Boy. As a teenager I was into Elvis Presley, but somewhere in my subconscious, William Holden had made an impact. For the diehard William Holden fans, you will know this. It was in The Bridge On the River Kwai that Holden most vividly portrayed the American male of the World War II generation. It's unfortunate, but at least his work can still be enjoyed to this day. He had everything we wanted for ourselves. 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. Bridge on the kwai and Stalage 17 are two of the best films ever made. Holden's ravaged looks later in life actually worked for him in The Wild Bunch and Network. These guys didn't act, they lived the parts. He really was great in "Love is a Many Splendored Thing" ! Managed to convince the executive to rethink his decision. The SPOOK also told me this: "I liked Bill, but he drank too much, and talked too much. That's why I'd rather watch some old film I have never seen instead of watching a new film.William Holden has to be mention in the top five of greatest leading men. He could not have children with Audrey Hepburn because he had a vasectomy after his last son was born in the mid 40s. Holden never remarried but in recent years was a close friend of actress Stefanie Powers. 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. The post William Holden Died Drunk and Alone appeared first on ClassicMovieRev.com. 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. God Bless you Bill. You are correct Tracy Jo! 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). I've read that Bill Holden had an apartment in Hong Kong as well as one in CA. I love you Bill. Holden called Santa Monica, California his home in 1981. Holden, tired and sarcastic, doesnt want to be anyones hero. The resemblance between WH and Tom Hanks is uncanny when WH was much younger. He was so good. His performances were always believableand his lines delivered with an honesty and sincerity that werealways convincing. 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. . Following his passing, Stefanie Powers, Williams girlfriend at the time of his death. William Holden still resonates with fans around the world. It was a shock to see just how old he really looked, 15 years beyond his actual age would be my guess. 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. He doesn't deserve anyone's sympathy. 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. I think WH may have been a manic depressive and that his dependency on alcohol was not his main problem. I hate it when people post hurtful things, when the information is out there to ease them from their ignorance! Holden's CIA file is still classified under "sources and methods" high probability it will never be declassified and released. He had suffered from alcoholism for decades before slipping and falling while changing his clothes and hitting his head on a nightstand. Great memories! The Penthouse, a spacious 11,000 square feet, is perched high above Ocean Avenue affording panoramic views of the ocean, city and mountains. I told police what happened and the studio paid to have it all covered up being it was self defense nobody was charged and the studio kept the truth about Holden out of the press etc. Dan, Dan, have you watched Born Yesterday where he starred with Judy Holliday and Broderick Crawford? A perceptive woman can tell a lot about a man just by the way he slow dances with her. He was still functioning and still remembering his lines and still getting work as an actor. This was a popular American sitcom that ran over 12 seasons and 380 episodes from 1960 to 1972. 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. Mr. Holden, thanks for the memory. Since then we have been looking for and watching every Holden movie we can rent or buy. His last critically acclaimed performance was 1976's "Network," for which he earned his third and final nomination for a Best Actor Academy Award. 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. Join Facts Verse to learn more about the Inside William Holdens Frightening Final Moments. Heres to our FRIENDS whom well always remember and to the LOVES well never forget! Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. For his contribution to the film industry, William Holden has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located at 1651 Vine Street. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. He did the best he could and to me there will never be another to compare to william Holden. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. Although he always maintained residences in California, Holden also had houses in Switzerland and in Kenya. He apparently died of natural causes, according to the coroners office, which will perform an autopsy today. IVE SEEN EVERYTHING HE MADE,HIS LOVE SCENE WITH NANCY OLSON IN FORCE OF ARMS ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIC,HIS STYLE,HIS WALK,TALK,AND GOOG LOOKS, ITS A SIN HE DIED.AT 63.IM 87 AND STILL WANT TO LIVE IN SPITE OF MY PAIN.AT LEAST DUKE LASTED TILL THE SEVENTIES,PALADIN MADE IT TO 63 ALSO,ANOTHER SHAME,THE LADDER TO SUCCESS DOES NOT TAKE YOU IN THE DIRECTION U ALWAYS WANT TO GO.MITCHUM MADE IT TO ALMOST 80.LANCASTER 81. January 28, 2023, 4:29 pm, by During World War II, Holden served in the Army Air Corps where he acted in training films. Wow he did age badly! He has it all. It takes me somewhere that other movies never have. Holden likely didnt realize the extent of his injury and apparently tried to stop the bleeding on his own. THE SYNOPSIS. His wonderful movies are simply wonderful and engrossing. Great Actor.Foul play was the talk in Hollywood at time. Its not particularly common for a Hollywood star to be made overnight. A retired professor rents his attic apartment to pregnant Peggy and her GI-Bill-student husband. He invested in hotels in Africa, where he said he was happiest. This is a digitized version of an article from The Timess print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. Holden died young but due to the decades of alcohnolic poisoning he really looked alot older.RIP Mr Holden.Now In Gods Care . based on information from your browser. By Oyin Balogun. Picnic? He had so many inner demons like so many of us. Sad that many people dont slow dance now; they dont know what theyre missing. If his Japanese captors want a bridge built, then his men will build it. I agree. The price of fame. 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. After returning to Hollywood, he alternated between Paramount and Columbia Pictures studio projects before his career was reborn when he was cast in "Sunset Boulevard" (1950) for which he earned an Academy Award for Best Actor nomination. Peckinpah said that the whole crew was crying by the time the scene was over. Holden had two uncredited roles before his first starring role in Golden Boy (1939), in which he played a violinist-turned-boxer. Really. He received an Academy Award for his portrayal a prisoner-of-war suspected of being a Nazi spy in Billy Wilder's Stalag 17 and won an Emmy Award for his television debut in The Blue Knight. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Specifically: Ashes scattered in the Pacific Ocean, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/1890/william-holden. I think the combo of naturally looking older and the sun is why he appeared to age poorly. The combination led to a decline in his interest in his work and the end of his thirty-year marriage. In his personal life, his affairs and his drinking wreaked chaos with those who loved him. 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