Date of Birth: January 9, 1925
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: December 16, 1989
Biography
Lee Van Cleef was an American actor renowned for his roles in Western films, especially for his characteristic portrayal of menacing villains. Born as Clarence LeRoy Van Cleef Jr. in Somerville, New Jersey, he served in the United States Navy during World War II before embarking on an acting career. Van Cleef made his film debut in the classic Western “High Noon” (1952) and subsequently became a staple in the genre. His piercing eyes and sharp features made him an ideal choice for roles as outlaw and gunslinger. One of his most iconic roles came in Sergio Leone’s “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1966), where he played the ruthless and cunning character, Angel Eyes. Throughout his career, Van Cleef appeared in numerous films and television shows, leaving an indelible mark on the Western genre.
5 Interesting Facts about Lee Van Cleef
1. Lee Van Cleef served as a minesweeper during World War II, earning several medals for his service.
2. He was originally considered for the role of Marshal Matt Dillon in the television series “Gunsmoke,” but the role ultimately went to James Arness.
3. Van Cleef lost the tip of his middle finger in a carpentry accident, but this did not deter his acting career.
4. Despite being known for villainous roles, Lee Van Cleef played a heroic character in “For a Few Dollars More” (1965).
5. He turned down the role of “Blondie” in “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” which eventually went to Clint Eastwood.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lee Van Cleef
1. “Being born with a pair of beady eyes was the best thing that ever happened to me.”
2. “If I only played good guys, I’d still be driving a truck.”
3. “Put yourself in the hands of the man with experience.”
4. “I’m not a villain. I’m just an actor who plays villains.”
5. “Westerns are closer to art than anything else in the motion picture business.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Lee Van Cleef’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Lee Van Cleef had three children: Alan Van Cleef, Deborah Van Cleef, and David Van Cleef.
Relevant Links
1. [Lee Van Cleef on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001812/
2. [Lee Van Cleef Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/actor/lee-van-cleef
3. [Lee Van Cleef’s Find a Grave Memorial](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/2406/lee-van-cleef
4. [Lee Van Cleef on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Van_Cleef
