William Holden

Date of Birth: April 17, 1918

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: November 12, 1981

Biography

William Holden, born William Franklin Beedle Jr., was a renowned American actor who became one of Hollywood’s most reliable and versatile leading men. He was born on April 17, 1918, in O’Fallon, Illinois. Holden’s career spanned over four decades, during which he starred in numerous classic films such as “Sunset Boulevard” (1950), “Stalag 17” (1953), and “The Bridge on the River Kwai” (1957). His natural charisma and rugged good looks made him a favorite among audiences and critics alike. Holden’s breakthrough role came in 1939 with “Golden Boy,” which established him as a promising young actor. His performance in “Sunset Boulevard” earned him his first Academy Award nomination, and he won the Best Actor Oscar for “Stalag 17.” Holden was known for his professionalism and dedication to his craft, often performing his own stunts and immersing himself in his roles. Beyond his acting career, Holden was a dedicated conservationist and co-founded the Mount Kenya Game Ranch, a sanctuary for endangered species in Africa. He had a well-documented battle with alcoholism, which ultimately affected his personal and professional life. Tragically, William Holden passed away on November 12, 1981, in Santa Monica, California, due to an accidental fall.

5 Interesting Facts about William Holden

1. William Holden won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Stalag 17” in 1953.

2. He co-founded the Mount Kenya Game Ranch in Africa, showcasing his commitment to wildlife conservation.

3. Holden was a licensed pilot and flew his own plane on several occasions.

4. He appeared in one of the first live televised dramas in 1952, “The First Hundred Years.”

5. Holden was named one of the “Top 10 Stars of the Year” by the Motion Picture Herald for 1956, 1958, and 1960.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Holden

1. “The day after I won the Oscar, I started shooting again. My career didn’t change.”

2. “Take any picture you can. One out of four will be good, one out of eight will be very good, and one out of thirty will be great.”

3. “I don’t drink these days. I am allergic to alcohol and narcotics. I break out in handcuffs.”

4. “Movie acting may not have a certain kind of glory as true art, but it is damn hard work.”

5. “Aging is an inevitable process. I surely wouldn’t want to grow younger. The older you become, the more you know; your bank account of knowledge is much richer.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, William Holden’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

William Holden had three children. He had two sons, Peter Westfield Holden and Scott Porter Holden, with his first wife, actress Brenda Marshall, whom he married in 1941. He also had a daughter, Virginia Holden, who was Brenda Marshall’s child from her previous marriage but was adopted by Holden.