William Holden was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Sunset Boulevard,” “Stalag 17,” and “The Bridge on the River Kwai.” He was a leading figure in Hollywood for nearly four decades, earning acclaim for his charm and talent.
Personal and Family Life
William Holden was born William Franklin Beedle Jr. on April 17, 1918, in O’Fallon, Illinois. He grew up in a family where his father was a chemical analyst and his mother was a teacher. Holden had two siblings and was known for his athletic abilities in sports. He married actress Brenda Marshall in 1941, and they had two children before divorcing in 1971.
Career Highlights
Holden’s career began with a contract at Paramount Pictures, where he changed his name and starred in several early films. His breakthrough came with the film “Golden Boy” in 1939, leading to a successful career with diverse roles. Throughout his time in the industry, he transitioned from playing the “nice-guy” to taking on more complex characters, especially in films like “Sunset Boulevard” and “Stalag 17,” for which he won an Academy Award.
Death and Legacy
William Holden passed away on November 12, 1981, in Santa Monica, California, due to injuries from a fall. Despite his struggles later in life, his contributions to film have left a lasting legacy in Hollywood, and he remains a celebrated figure. The William Holden Wildlife Foundation, established in Kenya after his death, honors his commitment to wildlife conservation.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Wild Bunch | 1969-06-19 | Pike Bishop |
| Sunset Boulevard | 1950-08-10 | Joe Gillis |
| Stalag 17 | 1953-05-29 | Sgt. J.J. Sefton |
| The Bridge on the River Kwai | 1957-10-11 | Cmdr. Shears |
| The Country Girl | 1954-12-15 | Bernie Dodd |
| Network | 1976-11-14 | Max Schumacher |
| Damien: Omen II | 1978-06-09 | Richard Thorn |
| The Towering Inferno | 1974-12-14 | Jim Duncan |
| Sabrina | 1954-09-10 | David Larrabee |
| Our Town | 1940-05-24 | Georges Gibbs |
| Born Yesterday | 1950-12-26 | Paul Verrall |
| The Devil’s Brigade | 1968-05-15 | Lt. Col. Robert T. Frederick |
| Casino Royale | 1967-04-13 | Ransome |
| S.O.B. | 1981-07-01 | Tim Culley |
| Breezy | 1973-11-18 | Frank Harmon |
| The Bridges at Toko-Ri | 1954-12-01 | Lt. Harry Brubaker |
| The Earthling | 1980-07-24 | Patrick Foley |
| The Moon Is Blue | 1953-07-08 | Donald Gresham |
| Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing | 1955-08-18 | Mark Elliott |