Edward Montgomery Clift, commonly known as Monty, was an American actor recognized for his roles in films like From Here to Eternity, A Place in the Sun, and Judgment at Nuremberg. Born on October 17, 1920, in Omaha, Nebraska, Clift gained fame as a talented and emotionally expressive performer.
Personal and Family Life
Monty was born into a well-to-do family; his father, William, was a banker, and his mother, Ethel, was determined to raise her children with an aristocratic upbringing. He had a twin sister, Roberta, and an older brother, Brooks. Clift began his acting career on Broadway at the young age of 13, where he honed his skills for over a decade before transitioning to film.
Career
Clift made his film debut in Red River (1948) alongside John Wayne. He quickly received critical acclaim and nominations for several Academy Awards for his performances in notable films. Despite his success, he battled personal challenges including substance abuse and struggled with his sexual identity. His career saw a decline after a serious car accident in 1956 that resulted in significant facial injuries.
Death and Legacy
Montgomery Clift passed away on July 23, 1966, at the age of 45, in New York City due to coronary artery disease. His last years were filled with struggles, yet he left a lasting impact on the film industry, paving the way for future actors known for their deep emotional expressions. His performances continue to be celebrated, and he is remembered as one of Hollywood’s most talented stars.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Judgment at Nuremberg | 1961-12-18 | Rudolph Petersen |
| Red River | 1948-08-26 | Matthew Garth |
| L’espion | 1966-10-19 | Professor James Bower |
| I Confess | 1953-02-13 | Fr. Michael William Logan |
| From Here to Eternity | 1953-08-28 | Pvt. Robert E. Lee ‘Prew’ Prewitt |
| The Misfits | 1961-02-01 | Perce Howland |
| A Place in the Sun | 1951-06-12 | George Eastman |
| The Young Lions | 1958-04-02 | Noah Ackerman |
| The Heiress | 1949-10-06 | Morris Townsend |
| Freud: The Secret Passion | 1962-12-12 | Sigmund Freud |
| The Search | 1948-03-26 | Ralph Stevenson |
| Suddenly, Last Summer | 1959-12-22 | Dr. Cukrowicz |
| The Big Lift | 1950-04-26 | Sgt. 1st Class Danny MacCullough |
| Raintree County | 1957-12-20 | John Wickliff Shawnessy |
| Wild River | 1960-05-26 | Chuck Glover |
| Stazione Termini | 1953-04-02 | Giovanni Doria |
| Lonelyhearts | 1959-03-04 | Adam White |
| Montgomery Clift | 1983-01-01 | Self (archive footage) |
| Listen to Me Marlon | 2015-07-29 | Self (archive footage) |
| Operation Raintree | 1957-08-31 | Self |
| Tennessee Williams: Orpheus of the American Stage | 1994-12-19 | Dr. Cukrowicz (archive footage) |
| Making Montgomery Clift | 2018-09-23 | Self (archive footage) |
| Making ‘The Misfits’ | 2002-10-02 | Self (archive footage) |