I also think there is something strange about Stefanie Powers. His body was found four days later. Following this breakthrough film, his career quickly grew in stature as he played a series of roles that combined good looks with cynical detachment. Death 12 Nov 1981 (aged 63) Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California, USA. Weve updated the security on the site. Holden married actress Brenda Marshall in 1941. Really. I always was a huge fan of William Holden, he was an amazing actor. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. The Penthouse, a spacious 11,000 square feet, is perched high above Ocean Avenue affording panoramic views of the ocean, city and mountains. I HAVE ADMIRED HIS ACTING FOR YEARS. I was shocked to read that his wife of 30 years Brenda Marshal and the mother of his 2 sons, was born in the Island of Negros, in the Philippines where I was born and raised. Interview with Stephanie Powers in-between. Try again later. Appearing in films like Picnic in 1955 and The Bridge on the River Kwai in 1957. If he had so much guilt, he should have done what JFK did and left the cushy job and made certain he got into action. He was a great actor and a star. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. He was handsome, but he looked almost too pretty in that movie, said Times movie critic Sheila Benson. Once he took that first sip, it was off to the races, and eventually, this affliction started to take a toll on his personal and professional life. Just saw "Love is a Many Splendored Thing" and loved William Holden and always remembered him for his roles with Asian women, like "World of Suzi Wong" -- Of course, I am Chinese and would have done anything for him. It will tug at your heart. Helped set up the William Holden Wildlife Foundation and Educational Center in Kenya. Thanks for a lifetime filled with magical memories of life as it was and could be.. One of my late Mom's favorite actors. Consistent with Jones' original vision, newer technology was employed that was not available in his day, bringing the building up to its present, one-of-a-kind, luxury condominium status. To get out of the dance scene, Bill demanded stunt pay and to his surprise, Columbia wrote him a check for $8,000. The examiner reckoned that Holden didnt comprehend the seriousness of his injury, tried to stop the bleeding himself, and passed out from blood loss. This is a carousel with slides. Year should not be greater than current year. He bled to death from a forehead wound. To use this feature, use a newer browser. I fell in love with him when many years later I watched The world of Suzie Wong. Throughout Monroe and Kennedys alleged affair, Lawford supposedly acted as a liaison for the President. We are grateful to you Bill, and all the others. Interesting how the comments section of so many articles are filled with negativity and that there are only positive comments and memories about this true "movie star". Anne January 23, 2015 4:30 PMCathy, if you want to find out everything about Bill Holden try to find the book 'Golden Boy' The Untold Story of Bill Holden, by Bob Thomas. Stefanie heard about it on the radio in her car going to work. Add to that a life-long cigarette habit and you have the lizard appearance he had late in life. Loose lips sink ships, and it wil alsol get you killed." William Holden began working in Hollywood as a piece of beefcake. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. Very good flick. Get the day's top news with our Today's Headlines newsletter, sent every weekday morning. Two of my favorites were Alvarez Kelly and Horse Soldiers. In the 60s, Holden founded the exclusive Mount Kenya Safari Club with his oil-tycoon billionaire friend Ray Ryan and Swiss financier Carl Hirschmann. His plan is interrupted when the y. Watched the bridge on the river kwai last night and enjoyed Holdens performance again. Anyone can read what you share. But once I discovered him I was hooked. I think he would like that a lot. It didn't look like this, however. Amen! January 27, 2023, 7:23 pm, by If you think a book written by someone who never knew the man will give you answers, I need to talk to you about a bridge I have available for purchase. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. The penthouse apartment that William Holden was living in when he died. This reminds me of the cartoon I saw many years ago. Months?? Saw him the next night at a night club. Many of the old timers had more talent and natural good looks. From expensive cars to enormous mansions to copious quantities [] More, While Peter Lawford might the least well-known member of the Rat Pack, he is sometimes referred to as the Man Who Kept The Secrets due to his secretive efforts to connect Marilyn Monroe and his brother-in-law JFK. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. He has it all. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. I think he was sad all his life, even when he appeared happy. Despite being relatively young still, he was considered Hollywood old school and began losing roles to younger stars like Steve McQueen and Paul Newman. He followed that success with "Born Yesterday". Director: Billy Wilder | Stars: William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson Votes: 224,388 2. Ahead of his time in trying to save animals. It's power is greater than the human will. It is hard to believe that William Holden has been dead now for 30 years. It is sad for such a great talent or anyone for that matter to lose their life needlessly. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Tom Sizemore, Saving Private Ryan actor, dies after brain aneurysm, David Lindley, guitarist best known for work with Jackson Browne, dies at 78, Wayne Shorter, influential jazz saxophonist and composer, dies at 89, Linda Kasabian, Charles Manson follower who helped send him to prison, dies at 73, Search Obituaries & Guest Books on Legacy.com, Honor a loved one, place an obituary notice, Burny Mattinson, animator who was Disneys longest-serving employee, dies at 87, Albie Pearson, an original Angels player known as the Littlest Angel, dies at 88, Walter Mirisch, former motion picture academy president and legendary producer, dies at 101, Paul Berg, scientific firebrand who pioneered genetic engineering, dies, Barbara Bosson, Emmy-nominated actor known for Hill Street Blues role, dies at 83, Leiji Matsumoto, creator of classic space opera manga and anime, dies at 85. His performances were always believableand his lines delivered with an honesty and sincerity that werealways convincing. The post Sunset Blvd. I'm wrong. He not only was a "sun-worshipper," outdoors, but according to "The Golden Boy" biography, he had a sunlamp installed over his toilet so he wouldn't miss a minute of exposure. I also watched Golden Boy and Horse Soldiers this weekend. Non-addicts learn all drugs are used in moderation, and addictive people learn quicky what makes them feel terriblyIn the early 1980s, many Alcoholics Anonymous meetings began to see younger and younger people coming in to meetings and it quickly became apparent that it was drugs like cocaine that were causing this to happen. I like your very well reasoned comment. In turn, this led to Holden feeling compelled to drink more and more. I immigrated here in my 30's. Plus he continued to be hired his whole career, even at 60 years old, to make movies. The same holds true for his later parts when he was an older, compromised man with a noble vision still fighting past that disappointed, craggy (wonderful) face. The resemblance between WH and Tom Hanks is uncanny when WH was much younger. I thank him for the legacy he left us. I MEANT TO SAY \"THE WORLD OF SUZY WONG\"!!! https://classicmovierev.com/the-warriors-1979/. William Holden still resonates with fans around the world. Holdens doctor showed up and theorized that he provably started vomiting blood, and possibly lacerated the lower portion of his esophagus. I'm surprised no one here has mentioned it. After his death, Powers set up the William Holden Wildlife Foundation at Holdens Mount Kenya Game Ranch. He was part-owner of The Shorecliff Towers high-rise apartment building on Ocean Avenue. Just recently learned who Ray Ryan was. By the way: I'm surprised his late-life girlfriend SteFanie Powers didn't have a Hart-to-Hart talk with him. If you have nothing nice to say about anybody, DON'T say anything at all. Even though he clearly had talent, his lack of experience made shooting very difficult and after just two weeks of filming. His first starring role was in the movie "Golden Boy" (1939). Oak Island is a privately owned island that sits off the coast of Nova Scotia in Canada. (1981). He was gorgeous and talented. I still enjoy watching that movie today when it is on tv. His file at CIA is still classified. I sure wish that people who have that damnable disease of alcoholism could see the way they change under the influence - perhaps they might realize that it certainly doesn't add anything to their demeanor or looks. From Findadeath.com:In November of 1981, Holden was living in Santa Monica, California, on Ocean Avenue. It is so sad to read of the passing of these wonderful actors and actresses of the Golden Age. The 14-story building, now known as OceanAire, was originally designed in 1962 by the trend-setting, California contemporary architect, A. Quincy Jones and is still considered to be one of the most structurally unique buildings on the ocean view block. She did 5 movies with him, so you know she thought he was good. Selected by Esquire magazine in 1995 as one of the "100 Sexiest Stars" in film history, and nicknamed Hollywood's Golden Boy, William Holden illuminated the silver screen in 70 films for more than three decades. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As I write I am watching "The Wild Bunch". William Holden, whose handsome face and easy, masculine manner made him the quintessential American in many movies, was found dead Monday morning in his apartment in Santa Monica. He left too early. Try again later. That's why it took so long for someone to find him. From a money pit 100 feet deep to Shakespearean manuscripts, the legendary finds on Oak Island have kept it in the news for centuries. Audrey had problems with Mel Ferrer and then with her second husband Andrea Dotti, they were both cheating on her. According to the Los Angeles County Coroners autopsy report, Holden was alone and intoxicated in his apartment in Santa Monica, California, on November 12, 1981, when he slipped on a rug, severely lacerated his forehead on a teak bedside table, and bled to death. He was a wonderful actor. I miss him. Thank you. The role in ''Stalag 17'' for which he won the Oscar was that of a cynical, hard-bitten prisoner of war who inevitably becomes a hero. Making William my second cousin. But nows the time for you to shine! Bill carried those traits in his heart but could only translate them through the characters he played on screen. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. When you watch his movies and look at pictures of Bill you just want to reach out and hug him. Truly one of the best, and, in my opinion muchunder appreciated today.God bless you Golden Boy. Examination revealed an apparent laceration on his forehead approximately 3 inches in length. What the hell more did he need from life that booze could only give him? He was partial owner of the building at #535. You are well loved still not only by the many who knew you personally, but also generations of devotees. I honestly thought he was older than 63 when he died, but years of sun & alcohol take their toll on the best of us. If only the rest of us could leave as much, To goldiesgirl who said: "The "stars" of today just don't have "it"you're blowin' smoke darlin', I'm sorry but the latest movies are the pitts. Finally, in the late '50s he negotiated a ground-breaking contract with Columbia to star in The Bridge on the River Kwai, allowing him to become a part-owner in the film. I immediately checked it out from the store (on VHS), and was completely blown away by the performance of William Holden. If you were raised in the 1950s, you know the well-defined dating etiquette between men and woman. If she was so close to him, as reported then where was she the 4 days he was lying there dead. It was just silly and random enough to fit a man uncomfortable with his random, often silly, world. Flippo asked Parton about what the most outrageous thing shed [] More, Robert Urich was known throughout the world as a tough guy. Does anyone know if he still had the HK apt. He was out doors a lot and no one used sun screen then. They had two children of their own, Peter and Scott, and raised a daughter, Virginia, from Marshalls previous marriage. He invested much of his earnings from that film into various business ventures including a radio station in Hong Kong. Todays movie is Sunset Blvd. I need to go back and watch some of The Blue Knight. Powers. She said she had talked to him a week before and that he was drinking. While visiting Africa, he developed an avid interest in wildlife preservation, purchasing a 2,000-acre ranch with the goal of creating a protected animal reserve. He was so good. Cry your heart out Leonrado Di Caprio. Based In an auto-bio he stated he was a very poor dancer, and had to get very drunk to do that scene. Watched Stalag 17 with my wife and two teenage sons. What drove him to drink, I think in the changed world he found himself to be a misfit. Actors should never have surgery done on the eyes. Lewis once interviewed Sam Peckinpah, director of The Wild Bunch a movie about a bunch of misfits in the West at the beginning of the 20th Century who have outlived their time. People comment on his drinking but he was professional in his job and adored by Ms. During the investigation of Natalie Wood's last days, I have uncovered new evidence that implicates Stephanie Powers' significant involvement in the hollywood legend's demise. I met William Holden at Gaddis restaurant in Hong Kong late 1956 or early 57. Stefanie Powers' Love Life Including 2 Failed Marriages and Her Deep Love for William Holden. He released "Sabrina" and "The Bridges at Toko-Ri" in 1954, apparently basing his character in the latter upon his younger brother, Robert Beedle, a United States Navy fighter pilot who was killed in action in 1944. . In 1980, Holden appeared in The Earthling with popular child actor Ricky Schroder, playing a loner dying of cancer who goes to the Australian outback to end his days, meets a young boy whose parents have been killed in an accident, and teaches him how to survive. Perhaps he and Powers were not on good terms or perhaps she was traveling for work or perhaps it is normal in their relationship to go so many days without contact. I thought you might like to see a memorial for William Holden I found on Findagrave.com. His request was denied because this scene was the centerpiece of the movie. He invested in hotels in Africa, where he said he was happiest. I watched Golden Boy last night and another channel showed The Green Mile at the same time. In 'Network' 'Towering Inferno' and, of course, his very last movie in 1981 'S.O.B.' Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. See where that gets you. Love him!! I think his aging is more from the sun damage than anything else. Holdens doctor arrived on the scene and speculated that he might have started vomiting up blood and potentially lacerated the lower portion of his esophagus. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. Sad. Finally, Bill realized there was no way out. Read the book Full Service by Scotty Bowers..who fixed Holden up with Hookers but too drunk to participate. (1950). I wondered about his health but he was very involved building a hunting lodge in Africa and involved with Stephanie Powers. He would end up having to fight an even tougher battle [] More, What could be more mysterious than an island filled with buried treasure? We have Kirk Douglas and Olivia Dehavilland, Leslie Caron, Sophia Loren. Made me happy! I think WH may have been a manic depressive and that his dependency on alcohol was not his main problem. The apartment block manager claimed 'he he did not want to be disturbed'. The Wild Bunch is my favorite, followed by Stalag 17 and The Bridges at Toko-Ri. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. I am a lucky guy as every time I watch Picnic, I get to see my dads lincoln convertable they they used in the movie. The police said he had apparently died of natural causes and had been dead for possibly two or three days. A classic movie at a critical junction in my life and always will be; bravo to both of them as Novak still is alive. Few people recall that today. God bless you, Mr. Holden. There is even a picture of them in the Reagan Library. Following his passing, Stefanie Powers, Williams girlfriend at the time of his death. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of William Holden (1890)? Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. It made his life difficult and unhappy yet he triumphed just the same. It is so sad that he had the disease of alcoholismit did take a toll on his looks imo and his health too, no doubt. No one else drinks to that point. After that, he starred in a screen adaption of the film Our Town that further established him as one of Hollywoods leading men. A cut on his forehead caused him to bleed to death. My understanding is that he could not have children. Breezy was a bit cheezy (tee hee) but I don't think any other older actor could have pulled off the role of Frank Harmon the way he did. Holden died in 81 just shortly after the Reagan Administration started their reign. He still looked good in that one. he looked terrible, he had aged a lot. Holden landed small bit parts in films like Prison Farm in 1938 and Million Dollar Legs in 1939. It is available from most DVD providers, including Amazon. Totally fantastic and takes place in the Australian outback!! Along with about anything that has Holden in it. What a pleasure to watch Holden, Crosby and Grace Kelly in the same picture. Its kind of hard to believe but William Holden has been dead now for almost 4 decades. He most recently appeared in S.O.B., a movie poking fun at Hollywood that was released earlier this year. I always thought when I was growing up that William Holden was the most handsome and gorgeous man I've had ever seen. I agree. He doesn't deserve anyone's sympathy. I'm watching "Love Is A Many" right nowsuch a GREAT movie overall. Make sure that the file is a photo. A lot has been said here about William Holden. However, so happy that I lived during the 'glamorous' years when the world was a much nicer place and the likes of Bill Holden, Cary Grant, Paul Newman, Rita Hayworth, Ingrid Bergman et al were there for us - on a weekly basis - at the local cinema. -----. During the filming they had to sent him to a clinic to dry out for a week. He was such a talented actor and appeared to have all of the trappings of success. One call was to break the isolation. Now, I am intrigued by my discovery! The back story is that Holden told Harry Cohn he wanted this dance scene removed from the film because Bill said he was a lousy dancer. Although I am a big fan of William Holden's work, I can see in some of the comments that people sometimes confuse the man with the characters he played. What a fine actor Bill Holden was, so handsome with his chiselled good looks. Enough education and the symptoms will be easily recognizable. It's unfortunate, but at least his work can still be enjoyed to this day. William RIP. Mr. Holden was separated in 1963 from his wife, with whom he had two sons, Peter and Scott; they were later divorced. Shelley Winters knew what she wanted and went after it. Holden worked for many years as a deep-cover CIA operative.Yes Tracy Jo you are correct! He was a ok. Are his children as good looking as he was? The President expressed a great sense of personal loss upon hearing of Holdens death. Might have lived for another 20 years. I can watch Picnic a 1000 times and still enjoy his role along with his Kim Novak's, outside of the epics, there is no other film as detailed as Picnic, it had everything. Subscribe to the Podcast All right, Mr. DeMille, Im ready[], Subscribe to the Podcast No the man I knew could[], Subscribe to the Podcast If I ever run into any[]. In recent years, Mr. Holden's frequent companion was the actress Stefanie Powers. Look, Bill was a loner by nature. I am a hobbyist and not a professional film reviewer. The robe was folded back and beneath the body, with the right arm placed through the sleeve, and the left arm wadded up and beneath the body, suggesting that he may have been attempting to dress himself. Born the same year as her. According to friends he was preparing to act in That Championship Season, a movie version of the Broadway play. Yes, I thought that segment 'I love Lucy' was priceless. In another unusual strategy for actors of the day, Holden also invested his wealth into an apartment building in Santa Monica, choosing to make the penthouse his home. '', Mr. Holden also had the gift of a light touch, which was displayed in such films as ''Born Yesterday'' and ''The Moon Is Blue.'' The actor was best man at the 1952 wedding of President and Mrs. Reagan and remained friends with them over the years. I still enjoy watching William Holden's movies. I've read that Bill Holden had an apartment in Hong Kong as well as one in CA. I think that was his first movie and she helped him get the part and with his portrayal. Actor. Nobody could have played that role and given it the resonance Holden did.. Errol Flynn aged horribly and was unrecognizable when he died. When William Holden was on screen, everyone else fell back in shadow. What he saw when he walked through that door most certainly stuck with him for the rest of his life. Psychiatrist speaking! CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/SubDazeWithJordanTheLionMERCH: http://shop.spreadshirt.com/jordanthelionDONATE: www.patreon.com/jordanthelionPAYPAL DONATI. Absolutely adored him in Love Is a Many Splendid Thing. he let himself into the actor's apartment and discovered Holden's body. Since then we have been looking for and watching every Holden movie we can rent or buy. Even though these traits make him box office gold, he is tormented. I OWNED A TAVERN IN NEWBURGH NEW YORK FOR TWENTY FIVE YEARS, IRETIRED WENT TO FLORIDA WITH A TON OF DOUGH BUT REALLY OVER DID IT.IM 87 NOW AND HAVE TO WATCH WERE I SPEND MY MONEY.ILL HAVE ENOUGH I THINK TILL I REACH 91,BUT IVE LEARNED HUMILITY.I RETIRED AT 54,WITH A BI-POLAR CONDITION,WITH A DEGREE OF ALCOHOLISM,GOD WAS GOOD TO ME HETOLD ME I WASNT GOING TO GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING.I ALWAYS HAD PLENTY,NOW I HAVE LEARNED A LITTLE MODESTY.BILL LEARNED THE SAME THING.HE HAD SUCCESS BUT WE AND HE THINK HE EARNED MORE.LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDID THING,LOVED HIM WITH SOPHIA,EXECUTIVE SUITE,PICNIC U NAME IT.LIKED RICHARD BOONE TOO,HE WAS A RASCAL.GK, He was a father figure for me The Best. by Kaya Morgan. Was never marketed properly when released by Universal. He left her $75,000 (equivalent to $584,000 in 2021). His alcoholism is well documented, with directors and his fellow actors describing how he would drink in the mornings before scenes. I have the DVD for Picnic and play it periodically as I remember those days long ago with such fond memories. The Shorecliff Towers. He was drinking again, and coming out of his bender, but his body gave out. His brother fought and died in WW2 as a fighter pilot showing his great qualities too. She wanted to marry him and have kids but he was already married and couldn't have any more kids. After drinking like a fish for decades on in, Holden found himself pretty much washed up.