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

Title Release Date Character
Le Mépris 1963-10-29 Jeremy Prokosch
Batman 1989-06-21 Grissom
City Slickers 1991-06-07 Curly Washburn
Solar Crisis 1990-07-14 Travis
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde 1968-01-07 Dr. Jekyll/Dr. Hyde
Shane 1953-04-23 Jack Wilson
Out of Rosenheim 1987-11-12 Rudi Cox
L’infermiera 1975-12-19 Mr. Kitch
Second Chance 1953-07-18 Cappy Gordon
City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly’s Gold 1994-06-10 Duke Page
The Professionals 1966-11-01 Jesus Raza
The Swan Princess 1994-11-18 Lord Rothbart (voice)
Outlaw of Gor 1988-12-01 Xeno
Angels’ Brigade 1979-02-01 Mike Farrell
Barabbas 1961-12-23 Torvald
Young Guns 1988-02-17 L. G. Murphy
Ten Seconds to Hell 1959-06-16 Eric Koertner
Panic in the Streets 1950-07-27 Blackie
Attack 1956-09-19 Joe Costa
Hawk the Slayer 1980-08-27 Voltan
Chato’s Land 1972-05-25 Quincey Whitmore
Cops & Robbersons 1994-04-15 Jake Stone
Tango & Cash 1989-12-22 Yves Perret
I Died a Thousand Times 1955-11-09 Roy Earle / Roy Collins
Ebenezer 1998-10-13 Ebenezer Scrooge
Monster Mania 1997-01-01 Host
Man in the Attic 1953-12-23 Slade
The Shape of Things to Come 1979-05-04 Omus
Once a Thief 1965-04-24 Walter Pedak
Eva nera 1976-08-04 Judas Carmichael
The Lonely Man 1957-06-21 Jacob Wade
Vamos a matar, compañeros 1970-12-18 John
Arrowhead 1953-08-03 Toriano
Che! 1969-06-27 Fidel Castro
Squadra antiscippo 1976-03-11 Norman Shelley / Richard J. Russo
Without Warning 1980-09-26 Joe Taylor
Cyborg 2 1993-11-24 Mercy
Halls of Montezuma 1951-01-04 Pigeon Lane
Si può fare… amigo 1972-03-31 Sonny Bronson
The Silver Chalice 1954-12-20 Simon The Magician