It was a demand he would ignore, but the relationship would come to an end weeks later for a reason that would break Hepburn's heart - and leave her feeling utterly betrayed. November 17, 1981. Intrigued by Holdens screen presence, Mamoulian asked Paramount to send Holden over for a meetingBut Holden didnt exactly make a great first impression. I particularly enjoyed when he was playful. And here is how he obtained his new movie tag. One of his father's grandmothers, Rebecca Westfield, was born in England, while some of his mother's ancestors settled in Virginia's Lancaster County after emigrating from England in the 17th century. Holden eventually did divorce Ardis and dated French actress Capucine before she ended their relationship due to his long-standing alcohol problem. Thanks to this, Holden felt ready for another big change, but it led him down a ruinous path. Holdens drinking also went off the rails. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. Many grieved his passing, including his good friend, President Ronald Reagan. Hepburn's reaction was one of shock. Holden made his start in radio plays fresh out of college and made his way onto the big screen, where he won a string of accolades that live on as his legacy beyond his tragic death. Something needed to change before Holden really got himself into trouble. Thrilled by the old mans acting, Lewis went backstage, expecting to see an elderly gentlemanonly for 20-year-old Holden to greet him. During Sabrina, Holden fell hard for Hepburn. This early and promising start to acting didnt keep Holden out of trouble, though. There was something that Hepburn wanted that Holden just couldnt give her. 'The others Bill had brought home were beautiful, but not like this; this she was not prepared for. While Holdens relationship hit some major road bumps, his career moved along much more smoothly. Holden appeared uncredited in Prison Farm (1939) and Million Dollar Legs (1939) at Paramount. According to a new book about their affair, Hepburn was a 'wife's worst nightmare' a cultured beauty who was well spoken and had completely entranced her husband. The talent scout described his voice as, the voice of a mature man, warm and resonant, rising from deep within him. Paramount executives offered Holden a position as a contract player for seven years, and thus, Holdens life as an actor began. Holdens rigorous filming schedule for Golden Boy began. Holden and Hepburn's affair did end, but it was over the issue of children, not his wife's wishes. That persons name was Nina Foch, a fellow cast member. [9] RKO borrowed him for Rachel and the Stranger (1948) with Robert Mitchum and Loretta Young. Caught up in the patriotic fervor of the nation, Holden enlisted, leaving his new wife behind and putting his acting career on hold. Not only that, but Holdens character would be a scruffy, rough-and-tumble anti-hero, the opposite of the affable, handsome young men he had been playing as of late. Historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. In six of the nine years that we were together, he was sober. [31] Holden made a Western with Ryan O'Neal and Blake Edwards, Wild Rovers (1971). Copyright 2023 by Factinate.com. It didn't take Ardis long to realize what she had to do; as soon as they closed the front door and waved her goodbye 'the gloves came off and (she) went into attack mode', author Edward Epstein writes. . Few people know the real Bill Holden. He Faced A Crisis In 1930, Holden's family faced a crisis. William Holden (born William Franklin Beedle Jr.; April 17, 1918 - November 12, 1981) was an American actor and one of the biggest box-office draws of the 1950s. In the end, the bottle was his Achilles heel. He followed it with a romantic comedy, Dear Ruth (1947) and he was one of many cameos in Variety Girl (1947). He also saw tragedy too and killed another driver with Ferrari in Tuscany, a scandal for which he was given an eight month suspended prison sentence. Holden, who had to put a pause on drinking due to contracting hepatitis, went on a drinking binge. Were always looking for your input! His family was quite wealthy and moved from O'Fallon to South Pasadena . At the end of her acceptance speech, she paid him a personal tribute: "I loved him very much, and I miss him. In November 1981 both Wood and . Wilder convinced Holden to read the films version of the script. Jealous of Holdens sudden stardom and the loss of her own, Holdens wife took every opportunity to knock him down a pegand the cracks in their marriage began to show. Not only did Holden have a voice that instantly captured everyones attention, but he learned the scripts for his school plays faster than anyone else. [3] He made a sex comedy with David Niven for Otto Preminger, The Moon Is Blue (1953), which was a huge hit, in part due to controversy over its content. In accordance with his wishes, no funeral or memorial services were conducted. Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? (1940) followed by the role of George Gibbs in the film adaptation of Our Town (1940), done for Sol Lesser at United Artists.[7]. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. This shouldve been a joyous occasion for all, except for two issues: first, he didnt win, and second, his wife spent the evening making passive-aggressive comments about how Jos Ferrer, who took the award home, deserved the win over Holden. 11 months later, however, his luck finally changed. In the early 1960s, Holden left for Africa to film The Lion. On the advice of doctors, Holdens dad moved to California, where the warmth and sun would do him good. We were soulmates. Despite the differences in our ages, we shared many of the same curiosities about life, Stefanie tells Closer. He and Marshall had two sons together, Peter Westfield "West" Holden (born November 17, 1943) and Scott Holden (Scott Porter Holden, born May 2, 1946). One of Holdens biggest pictures was 1957s The Bridge on the River Kwai. Needless to say, Hollywoods golden boy hid many dark secrets beneath his perfect exterior. William Holden, original name William Franklin Beedle, Jr., (born April 17, 1918, O'Fallon, Illinois, U.S.found dead November 16, 1981, Santa Monica, California), American film star who perfected the role of the cynic who acts heroically in spite of his scorn or pessimism. Holden and Hepburn were reunited on screen in Paris When it Sizzles which was released in 1964 after spending years on the cutting room floor. Ferrer already had four children from previous relationships but he convinced Hepburn she would be the focus of his life. Bogart got $300000, Holden got $150000, and Hepburn only $15000. Still, his method acting proved to be wildly effective and he turned in a great performance. The latter was shot in Africa and sparked Holden's fascination with the continent that was to last for the rest of his life. With his relationship falling apart, Holden began looking for other ways to fill the hole in his heart. Holden also had a daughter, Arlene, in 1937 with actress Eva May Hoffman. In September of 1945, Holden eagerly returned to his acting career. All Rights Reserved, Please note that this form cannot be used to reset your Google, Out and About with Lucille Ball and Her Celebrity Friends, Photo by 20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Hawaii Adventures! Catherine of Aragon was King Henry VIIIs first wife and longest-lasting Queen of England. Holden made a fourth and final film for Wilder with Fedora (1978). His acceptance speech at the 26th Academy Awards was one of the shortest in Oscar history: "Thank you thank you. To put any rumors to bed about her and Holden, Paramount, the studio to which she was signed, decided to stage an evening at Holden's house during which Hepburn would announce her engagement to Ferrer. Holdens next few films struggled at the box office. The 1950s were filled with Cold War intrigue, and Bill was a part of it.. Does Stephanie Powers have a daughter . This led to a horrifying moment for Holden: his excessive imbibement caused him to collapse. American actor William Holden circa 1965.| Getty Images. Jackie is said to reveal her affair with actor William Holden, right, which she did in retaliation for her husband's many flings In the tapes, Jackie allegedly blames President Lyndon Johnson. He was named one of the "Top 10 Stars of the Year" six times (19541958, 1961), and appeared as 25th on the American Film Institute's list of 25 greatest male stars of Classical Hollywood cinema. The actor, who died at 63, adopted Gaines when he married her mother, Brenda Marshall, in 1941. It was a big hit, as was The Bridges at Toko-Ri (1954), a Korean War drama with Kelly.[20][21]. They reportedly began a two-year affair, which is alleged to have ended due to Holden's alcoholism. He had an apartment where he would go and drink. Every woman was in love with him. [36] Holden starred in The Earthling,[37] as a loner dying of cancer at the Australian outback and accompanying an orphan boy (Ricky Schroder). William Holden - His Life and his Loves - Historian Alan Royle In later years Hepburn and Holden would look back on their time together by marveling at the innocence of it all, and how unencumbered by life's burdens they were. Wilder convinced Holden to read the films version of the script. 'I've just shot Audrey Hepburn.'. William Holden Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements Billy Wilder, US, 1954; 113m. Although Holdens family wasnt poor, they didnt have the wealth of their upper-class neighborssomething that set Holden apart from other kids. They were together for nine years. At that point Mel Ferrer re-entered her life. [48], President Ronald Reagan released a statement: "I have a great feeling of grief. "The only thing I'm ashamed of in the book is William Holden," she starts in, her raucous laughter cutting through the noise of a matinee luncheon crowd. According to the Los Angeles County Coroner's autopsy report, Holden bled to death in his apartment in Santa Monica, California, on November 12, 1981, after lacerating his forehead from slipping on a rug while intoxicated and hitting a bedside table. At the same time, the thought of failing to deliver a great performance terrified him. WILLIAM HOLDEN DEAD AT 63; WON OSCAR FOR 'STALAG 17' - New York Times He was clearly a man carrying a torch'. Holden was born William Franklin Beedle, Jr., on April 17, 1918, in O'Fallon, Illinois, son of Mary Blanche Beedle (ne Ball), a schoolteacher, and her husband William Franklin Beedle, an industrial chemist. There was nothing strident or uncultured in this package.

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