Jack Palance

Jack Palance was an American actor best known for his roles in “Shane,” “City Slickers,” and “Batman.” He gained fame for his deep voice and powerful presence, often playing menacing villains in films.

Personal and Family Life

Jack Palance was born on February 18, 1919, in Lattimer Mines, Pennsylvania, to Ukrainian immigrant parents, Ivan and Anna Palahniuk. He had three children from his first marriage to actress Virginia Baker: Holly, Brooke, and Cody, all of whom followed in their father’s footsteps into acting. Palance was married to Elaine Rochelle Rogers from 1987 until his death in 2006.

Career Highlights

Palance’s acting career spanned several decades, starting with his Broadway debut in 1947. He earned acclaim for his film performances in the 1950s as a sinister villain in various roles, particularly in “Sudden Fear” and “Shane.” He eventually won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his comedic role in “City Slickers” in 1991, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Death and Legacy

Jack Palance passed away on November 10, 2006, due to pancreatic cancer at his daughter’s home in Montecito, California. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances in film and television, influencing both action and dramatic genres. His unique presence on screen made him a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Filmography

TitleRelease DateCharacter
Le Mépris1963-10-29Jeremy Prokosch
Batman1989-06-21Grissom
City Slickers1991-06-07Curly Washburn
Solar Crisis1990-07-14Travis
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde1968-01-07Dr. Jekyll/Dr. Hyde
Shane1953-04-23Jack Wilson
Out of Rosenheim1987-11-12Rudi Cox
L’infermiera1975-12-19Mr. Kitch
Second Chance1953-07-18Cappy Gordon
City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly’s Gold1994-06-10Duke Page
The Professionals1966-11-01Jesus Raza
The Swan Princess1994-11-18Lord Rothbart (voice)
Outlaw of Gor1988-12-01Xeno
Angels’ Brigade1979-02-01Mike Farrell
Barabbas1961-12-23Torvald
Young Guns1988-02-17L. G. Murphy
Ten Seconds to Hell1959-06-16Eric Koertner
Panic in the Streets1950-07-27Blackie
Attack1956-09-19Joe Costa
Hawk the Slayer1980-08-27Voltan
Chato’s Land1972-05-25Quincey Whitmore
Cops & Robbersons1994-04-15Jake Stone
Tango & Cash1989-12-22Yves Perret
I Died a Thousand Times1955-11-09Roy Earle / Roy Collins
Ebenezer1998-10-13Ebenezer Scrooge
Monster Mania1997-01-01Host
Man in the Attic1953-12-23Slade
The Shape of Things to Come1979-05-04Omus
Once a Thief1965-04-24Walter Pedak
Eva nera1976-08-04Judas Carmichael
The Lonely Man1957-06-21Jacob Wade
Vamos a matar, compañeros1970-12-18John
Arrowhead1953-08-03Toriano
Che!1969-06-27Fidel Castro
Squadra antiscippo1976-03-11Norman Shelley / Richard J. Russo
Without Warning1980-09-26Joe Taylor
Cyborg 21993-11-24Mercy
Halls of Montezuma1951-01-04Pigeon Lane
Si può fare… amigo1972-03-31Sonny Bronson
The Silver Chalice1954-12-20Simon The Magician