Lee Marvin was an American actor who is best known for The Dirty Dozen, Cat Ballou, and M Squad. His iconic tough-guy persona made him one of the most memorable stars of 20th-century cinema.
Personal and Family Life
Born as Lamont Waltman Marvin Jr. in New York City on February 19, 1924, Marvin had a diverse personal life. He was married twice: first to Betty Ebeling from 1952 until their divorce in 1967, and then to Pamela Marvin from 1970 until his death. He had four children: Christopher, Claudia, and Courtenay.
Career
Lee Marvin began his acting career after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. His breakthrough came in the early 1950s with roles in films like The Big Heat and The Wild One. He gained further fame and recognition with his performance in Cat Ballou, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Throughout his career, he portrayed many tough characters, becoming a staple in action and western films.
Death and Legacy
Marvin passed away from a heart attack on August 29, 1987, in Tucson, Arizona. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. His legacy as a pioneering tough-guy actor continues to inspire filmmakers and actors in the industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Dirty Dozen | 1967-06-15 | Maj. John Reisman |
| Avalanche Express | 1979-09-27 | Wargrave |
| The Caine Mutiny | 1954-06-24 | Meatball |
| You’re in the Navy Now | 1951-02-23 | Radio Man |
| Cat Ballou | 1965-06-24 | Kid Shelleen & Tim Strawn |
| Gorky Park | 1983-12-15 | Jack Osborne |
| Hell in the Pacific | 1968-12-19 | American Pilot |
| The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance | 1962-04-13 | Liberty Valance |
| Monte Walsh | 1970-10-02 | Monte Walsh |
| The Big Red One | 1980-01-22 | The Sergeant |