Steve McQueen was an American actor who is best known for The Great Escape, Bullitt, and The Thomas Crown Affair. He is remembered as one of the coolest male film stars of his time, rising from a troubled childhood to become a cultural icon.
Personal and Family Life
Steve McQueen was born on March 24, 1930, in Beech Grove, Indiana. He had a complicated family background, with his father being a stunt pilot and his mother, Julia, being caring yet faced many struggles. McQueen was married three times and had two children, Chad and Terry. He had relationships with famous actresses like Ali MacGraw, whom he divorced in 1978.
Career Highlights
McQueen started his acting career in low-budget films, gaining recognition with roles in classics like The Blob and The Magnificent Seven. His performance in The Great Escape showcased his daring spirit, especially a famous motorcycle jump. He then delivered significant performances in movies like Bullitt and Papillon, solidifying his status as a top box-office draw throughout the 1960s and 70s.
Death and Legacy
Steve McQueen died on November 7, 1980, at the age of 50 from a heart attack related to pleural mesothelioma. Despite his passing, he remains a lasting symbol of coolness and strength in cinema, influencing generations of actors and fans. His legacy continues to be celebrated and reflected upon in various tributes and documentaries.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Thomas Crown Affair | 1968-06-26 | Thomas Crown |
| Bullitt | 1968-10-17 | Lt. Frank Bullitt |
| The Magnificent Seven | 1960-10-12 | Vin |
| Never So Few | 1959-12-07 | Bill Ringa |
| The Getaway | 1972-12-13 | Doc McCoy |
| Tom Horn | 1980-03-28 | Tom Horn |
| The Towering Inferno | 1974-12-14 | Chief O’Hallorhan |
| Le Mans | 1971-06-23 | Michael Delaney |
| Nevada Smith | 1966-06-10 | Max Sand |
| The Hunter | 1980-08-01 | Ralph “Papa” Thorson |
| The Sand Pebbles | 1966-12-20 | Jake Holman |
| Papillon | 1973-12-16 | Henri “Papillon” Charriere |
| The Great Escape | 1963-07-03 | Hilts ‘The Cooler King’ |
| The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery | 1959-09-10 | George Fowler |
| Junior Bonner | 1972-08-02 | Junior Bonner |
| The Reivers | 1969-12-20 | Boon Hogganbeck |
| Hell Is for Heroes | 1962-06-26 | John Reese |
| The Blob | 1958-09-10 | Steve Andrews |