I dated a film student in my early 20s. He introduced me to William Holden's films. I found him fascinating. Handsome, a voice that is like no other. He also cared about wildlife and has an organization set up by Stephanie Powers. I'm not going on and on about one's addictions, etc. as no one is perfect. I watch "Sunset Boulevard" quite often just to hear his voice and I find it soothing. I'm sorry we lost him when he was entirely too young and that he battled demons. He was one of a kind.
@Susan Gordon...good comment. However, we need to "Judge" more, as otherwise, addictions continue down their destructive path...and addiction hurts others, too. Thanks.
Holden tried so hard to combat alcoholism, going into clinics to try and come off, he failed his battle with this terrible disease but he deserves credit for trying.
*At least he went-out 'On Top' and never had to face become senile and feeble* ( *I have pistol that will make sure that will NEVER happen to me either* )
He suffered by a long time of depression and alcholism (20 years) and after the divorce by his wife in '61, his friends talks about a worsening of his state. Here was only 62 years old, in good shape as body, but with a 75 years old man face. I love so much many of his movies as The world of Suzie Wong, Pic Nic etc.. He was a superb actor and I think a good person. Holden founded in Kenya an organization to defende the animals at risk of extinction that's still there, more an institute for the children raise awareness. Great heart, no doubs..
You are right.Death is always tragic.In Holden's case, he was at the top ,making movies with top billing and working on preservation of wild life in Africa.Death is more tragic if it comes after illness and deterioration.@@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361
I’ve often thought WH performance in Bridge Over The River Kwai was so sublime and absorbing a real acting masterclass of a portrayal of a man slowly and reluctantly redeeming himself. Pure class😎👌
Nothing incoherent about WH's speech. In fact quite lucid and obviously passionate and concerned for the future of African wildlife in the 80's. Need more like him.. Great Actor
He was one of my favorite actors. OMG, was he good looking in his younger days! He was a wonderful actor, very talented! It's a shame what happened to him, so sad!
What's a shame is that he killed someone while drunk driving it's not a shame what happened to him because he had a choice - the person he killed didn't.
@@ricoz2016 No,I haven't read neither Thomas' nor Capua's biography,but I have listened to what his fellow actors,friends,his.sonScott and his stepdaughter have said about him.Everybody,including exgirlfriiends,spoke highly about his humanism,intelligence and consideration for the others.Needless to say about his acting habilities too.
Just seen him in Breezy, terrific. Also standing toe to toe with The Duke in The Horse Soldiers. Stalag performance fitted him like a glove, hard to think of anyone else in that role..
GREAT MOVIE BREEZY . LOVE COMES IN ALL AGES. SHE WAS YOUNG HE WAS OLDER. BUT TO THEM IT DIDN'T MATTER. THEY JUST LOVED EACH OTHER AGE TO THEM DIDN'T MATTER TO THEM OR THEY DIDN'T CARE WHAT PEOPLE THOUGHT. THEY WERE HAPPY.
I sought this out as I am reading the EXCELLENT Holden bio "Golden Boy" and it was mentioned he made this appearance on Carson. He was there to promote a film that was already bombing but pro that he was he made his commitment to push the film. Yet Africa was foremost on his mind, a mind that was tortured by self-doubt all his life, amazingly. I cannot recommend the book more, if you love Bill Holden.
Contrary to some of the comments here, I thought Bill Holden was very lucid & alert in this interview. He was known to be somewhat shy in his demeanor & uncomfortable in interviews. He was also one of the best-liked actors in Hollywood. He was a true gentleman by all accounts & I miss him & his great acting.
+Gary3247 I agree. Totally lucid, and very knowledgeable. He appeared a little ill at ease until Johnny adroitly turned the convo to Holden's love of Africa.
He had to get loaded before the dance scene in Picnic. If you ever want to watch a good movie that will destroy you, watch "The Earthling". It is my all time fave.
Yes - it was a superlative performance in what is arguably the greatest film ever made. I sometimes wonder what it would have been like if one of the other greats offered the role had accepted. Jimmy Stewart, Burt Lancaster, Robert Mitchum and Lee Marvin were all in the running. Marvin, who contributed to the original treatment for The Wild Bunch, went off to make a pile of poo called Paint Your Wagon. That was one of the biggest mistakes in cinema history. As shown by his performance in The Big Red One, Marvin would have been perfect as Pike Bishop. That doesn't take anything away from Holden.
I love me some William Holden...he always plays such cynical characters so well...Staglag 17 & of course Sunset Boulevard were just a few of my favs. by 1 of the greatest actors in American cinema...R.I.P. Bill Holden
Rarely do we see actors today talk with such passion about other interests they have for the good of this earth. Love Mr Holden's acting, his looks (young or older) and above all that silky voice. Sunset, Stalag......in all his films the performance was great.
Holden was a great guy. I met him once by accident. I was sitting on bar stool in Coronado, CA back one evening in 1979. I noticed the man next to me looked really familiar. As he left, he shook hands with the bartender, who called him "Bill". Later I found out who it was.
I think I will remember how he looked in Picnic. He was a real champion for the animals, I believe one of the first to really help. Wonderful actor,too.
John Jarou Agreed. Really great film, not just for the cast but for the 1950s small-town profile and rich cinematography. Some thought Holden was too old for that role, but I think he carried his age well (at that time, anyway), and I didn't see or feel the significant age difference between him and Novak.
As a retired police officer of 24 years I have looked in vain for the four 1 hour mini series that Mr Holden was in 'The Blue Knight'. His performance was, I daresay, perfect!, of a battle-worn and weary police officer working on the street and still caring about the people he was protecting, just superb! Thank you Mr. Holden for portraying a realistic but good cop!👏👍🤝👮♂️🚓🚔🛡🛐😢 Just coincidentally his performance in Stalag 17 was one of my fathers favorite films. My father was a World War II European theater combat veteran who was also a prisoner in two different German prison camps Stalag IXA and Stalag IXB and thought Mr. Holden's performance was so real in his Oscar winning role, In what my father thought was the most realistic prisoner of war film he had seen, at least about World War II, and that being in black and white he felt was the only colors he remembered while interred under the Germans. I'm sure my father has thanked you 'personally' now that you are both together......🙏🛐
❤❤love William Holden❤️❤️ great actor, so handsome and a gorgeous voice. He was a Champion of endangered animals long before it was a popular in thing to do. It was such a shame he just couldn’t beat his alcoholism.
Hello people- the guy is 62 in this video- He looks great- It's called age and it bites everyone in the arse sooner than any of us would like. Probably the reason his greatest passion was about the wildlife in Africa and not plastic Hollywood as reflected in some of the silly and superficial comments made here. RIP Bill Beedle- you still are an inspiration
He doesn’t look “great”. My father was 60 when he died and looked nowhere near as aged as this. Bottom line is that alcohol took its toll on Holden and his appearance here and that’s a tragedy but the reality of this disease.
His performance in Sunset Boulverad, Bridge Over river Kwai, The Wild Bunch, & Picnic were Oscar winning performances. Director David Lean called him the best actor he ever worked with & he had worked with Peter O'Toole, Omar Sharif, & Robert Mitchum.
Literally. He spiraled down, spun around, collapsed and hit his head on a glass coffee table because he was so wasted. But it took 50 years of drinking to get to that point. A sad, sad man.
He was one of the handsome actor of 40s, 50s and 60s. But, he looked much older than his age..He'd the most brighest smile that brings glow in his whole face. Very charming and talented actor not of those time but of all time❤....
I miss William Holden. What a lovely and endearing man he was! One of my favorite movies with him was 1980's The Earthling w/Ricky Schroeder. It's set in Australia and is a tearjerker. When filming this movie, he and Ricky developed a bond and later (after Mr. Holden passed away) on when Ricky got married and had a family, he named his son Holden after his dear friend. I know William was truly a good and kind man despite his faults. We all have them. He was such a sensitive person and a real gentleman as well as a fine actor.
I just saw him on CBS a few minutes ago in an old "I Love Lucy" episode that they colorized for us young 'uns, LOL. He was gorgeous when he was young! I just had to look him up!
James From Cambridge Yea, me too...I wanted to see what he looked like when he got oldre myself...he was HOTT when he was young...they don't make leading men like him anymore
Everybody has a flaw whether it be drugs food booze cheating stealing murder abusing etc. Holden was a great actor and people should comment so. He did so much for the animals trying to make better lives for them. Sad he is gone.
He killed a man in a drunk driving incident, was found guilty and given a suspended sentence. He died because he was drunk, fell, split his head open and bled to death. His alcoholism is fair game when discussing him.
I always thought he was uncomfortable in his own skin as an actor. He was brilliant and he went to rehab to several times to try to cure his addiction. Read the bio Golden Boy if you get a chance, it really goes into the life of this wonderful and HUNKY actor who left us way too soon.
Honestly if mental health care had been then what it is now, I think he would have been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. He was quite shy and uncomfortable I. Situations like this and sadly he self medicated with alcohol. My hearts breaks for what he went through.
The Late & Great William Holden would pass soon after this Carson appearance in 1980! He was one of the first proponents activist from the Hollywood scene who tried to give back, make a difference in our crumbling World today! Bill was cooler than cool! He was funkadelic
My 2nd actor crush! Love William Holden. He was handsome, manly intelligent and worked hard at and was good at his craft. They always say a girl wants someone with the same attributes as her father. RIP Dad and William Holden.
Bill was a ghost of his former self by this stage. Sad. Sad. Years of cigarettes and alcohol had ravaged that once magnificently handsome face and dashing demeanor. Bill was and is one of my favorite all-time actors.
Dear Sennie White, Thank you for loving William Holden; it lifts your soul to elevated plane, as well as ours. Wish his descendants are more visible. William Holden Wildlife Foundation is being maintained well by his last love, Stefanie Powers🤩😇🙏👏👥, September 29, 2020
He was a 'good' actor, and I think 'The Wild Bunch' was the last, very last, good Western movie made.....The entire cast was wonderful, it was Peckinpah's masterpiece............Was he a drinker, you bet......Bill had a rough ride, he killed a man in Italy, most likely drunk driving......are you perfect, lots of people loved him..........I am one of those. The wildlife thing was his way of finding something good to leave behind, and it exists today.........
Bill Holden made a lot of great movies and i enjoy all of them, and the last i heard he died in his condo in west LA and that was very sad, and he sounded very good 1980 on Carson show.
@Menuka Pomu: VERY INCISIVE, YOUR COMMENT -- "He'd the most brightest smile that brings glow in his whole face. Very charming and talented actor not of those time but of all time❤...." Your generosity of taking the time to unveil your heart enriches all of us, THANK YOU (*~_~*)!!! ~KIM Y, December 17, 2019
I can't believe he was 62 in this clip...so many of the old Hollywood actors looked so much older than their ages due to smoking and drinking. It really shows how much improved lifestyles and healthcare (if you can afford it) have changed for the better in this country over even the last 50 years.
It can't be botox. Even in regular life we ordinary people look way younger than our parents and grandparents at the same age. We even move and talk with more energy and alertness. I think lifestyle and attitude have a lot to do with it.
when making Rachel & the Stranger (1948) w/ Bob Mitchum & Loretta Young. Young told both Holden & Mitchum that if they didn`t cool the drinking they`d waste their talent & ruin their careers. MItchum said "thank you mother superior". Holden was contrite & agreed. Mitchum was a bawdy drinker, Holden a solitary one. it caught up w/ both,but only after long, prolific careers which produced many very good films & about a dozen classics between them. Even as old men Mitchum " The friends of Eddie Coyle", Holden in "Network".
Some have said that William Holden undervalued his early movies, those he did in the 40's, They were dozens of light comedies that he later called "Smiling Jim" parts . But take a look at them today. Every role shines with his earnestness, charisma, breath-taking smile and incredibly handsome face. Far from being "meaningless roles in meaningless movies," as one author noted, they are absolutely charming. They show an actor growing in stature and talent. They also serve as phenomenal contrast to his later roles in the sixties. When I first saw Holden in movies, he was the cynical, gruff outsider in " Sunset Boulevard," "Stalag 17," "Bridge Over River Kwai," "Picnic," and "Country Girl." These were staggering performances, unforgettable for their maturity, complexity, and raw sexual energy . However, today, thanks to the Internet, I've discovered the other Holden. To name just a few, the early gems " Golden Boy," "Our Town," " Young and Willing," and "Texas" show him young, dashing, and humorous. One thing did not change throughout his life, his voice. He had perfect diction, and though it grew deeper with age, that voice was always well-modulated, always clear, always easy to understand. In films such as "Dear Ruth," everything about the young actor---appearance, style, and voice----made him irresistible. And dream-worthy. All the films from the 40's are treasures of the iconic actor. Yes, Holden died tragically and aged and addicted. But what matters is his body of work and the power he had over millions of viewers to transport them to the magic of his world, and to give them joy, hope, or understanding then , today, and long after his death. What a titan of talent and beauty.
Great interview of one of the very best actors of all time. It was reputed that he recieved $1,000,000 Dollars for his role in ' Bridge On The River Kwai '
He was a great actor, and a handsome man. Unfortunately he smoked often and drank alcohol more then moderately. His drinking may have had on an affect on his death when he wounded himself after slipping and falling in his apartment on 12th November 1981.
Hey, I never knew Bill. I think maybe I would have liked to. I'll bet he was alright, because he was in tune with nature. There is something in that. It goes far beyond good looks and being cool.
He was such a fine gentleman and exciting actor. I'll bet his car accident contributed to his alcoholism. He must have been cursed by demons of guilt, but who knows? It's such a shame his physical health deteriorated so badly at so young an age. Were he healthier we'd have had dozens more of wonderful films to enjoy with him in the cast. Whenever he graced the camera he stole the show. His animal rights activism and social work in Africa just exemplifies what a fine individual he was. RIP.
Thank you so much for posting this inteview. William Holden was a wonderful actor, but I admire him most for his work in conservation. The William Holden Wildlife Foundation, founded by Stefanie Powers afer his death, is a fitting tribute to a remarkable man. ****** I have one question. Does anyone by chance have a copy of his interview in Kenya (1980), that aired on ABC? I know this was the one and only time he did a interview on site about his conservation effort's.
the Wild Bunch, Network, picnic, Bridge on the River Kwai, Sunset Boulevard, even Damien Omen 2 comma he was by far the best thing in that movie and he gave it an air of believability that would have been lacking without him. He was great at what he did and he seems like a really genuine nice person who cared about the world and what was going wrong with it and I became a fan unfortunately far too late to ever let him know what he was alive how much is work meant to me. I hope somehow he knows it now and I would like to say that William Holden was an absolute gym and really enjoyed what he did and he was so cool, he gave cool a new meaning. Tim him cool didn't mean a thing he was who he was I think. But I think El Dorado with John Wayne would have been awesome with William Holden in the Robert Mitchum role although Robert Mitchum was awesome in the role. For some reason Robert Mitchum and William Holden remind me of each other I'm not exactly sure why. But anyway, I have to say the Wild Bunch and Network are probably my two favorite movies with him although I loved every one of them that I saw that starred him. Not to mention I Love Lucy where he was absolutely hysterical along with Lucy. It was one of the best shows of any show ever. Rest in Peace mr. Holden, rest in peace....
Looks like the lighting wasn't so good...making him look even more aged. A good makeup artist would have worked on those dark circles under his eyes also.
Oh, there were way more than just this one! I don't recall ever seeing a bad William Holden performance, Stalag 17, Bridge on the River Kwai, that's two prisoner of war films, The Bridges at Toko RI Sunset Boulevard Sabrina The Wild Bunch Picnic Born Yesterday Our Town Union Station The Devil's Brigade Etc. Watch them all whether it's your genre or not you won't be disappointed!
It was a great one but I believe Sunset Boulevard, Bridge Over River Kwai were better. He should have got three Oscars for those but instead he got for Stalag 17.
@Jose Eugenio Gomes: Thank You for the following comment (*~_~*)!!! -- "Iconic artist. Perhaps the best actor of the 1950s. He personalized the man who decided to be an actor, and did so with a shine." ALL his fans will be pleased to hear of such sentiment... ~January 3, 2020
he looks godawful dissapated..even the blue knight couldn't beat alcoholism..let this be a warning ..he was a beautiful man...wholesome and with mad character...always helping "the youngsters"- as he put it, in the industry
Dear JubalCalif, THANK YOU for dashing any lingering doubts/rumours regarding Bill Holden's last hours, with your VERY accurate account and affection for him & his legacy (~_~)... Take Care, ~ KIMY
In terms of the comment by Glen below, Holden fought a well publicized battle with alcoholism that impacted his relationships with various women, including Audrey Hepburn, Capucine and Stefanie Powers. It ultimately led to his untimely death at 63, when he became intoxicated in a hotel room, tripped and fell against a night stand, became seriously injured and never regained consciousness. Fortunately, he made several great films within the decade before his death, including the Wild Bunch, Network and SOB.
MrImiller07 WOW that's how he died?...what are the odds of that happening?...sad, I recently lost a friend the same way & I said then what are the odds of someone dying by hitting their head but believe it or not it can happen.
MrImiller07 I was just reading Thomas Noguchi's speculated account of Holden's death. He lived alone. Tripped on a rug in his home while intoxicated, hit his head on a night stand, deep gash. He was conscious for a while, and tried stemming the blood flow with Kleenex, but eventually passed out and bled to death. Sorrowful.
I loved this Actor. I can not believe he's been gone 40 years.
I dated a film student in my early 20s. He introduced me to William Holden's films. I found him fascinating. Handsome, a voice that is like no other. He also cared about wildlife and has an organization set up by Stephanie Powers. I'm not going on and on about one's addictions, etc. as no one is perfect. I watch "Sunset Boulevard" quite often just to hear his voice and I find it soothing. I'm sorry we lost him when he was entirely too young and that he battled demons. He was one of a kind.
@Susan Gordon...good comment. However, we need to "Judge" more, as otherwise, addictions continue down their destructive path...and addiction hurts others, too. Thanks.
I never dated you. 😅😅😅😅😅😅
yes, the voice !!
Holden tried so hard to combat alcoholism, going into clinics to try and come off, he failed his battle with this terrible disease but he deserves credit for trying.
*At least he went-out 'On Top' and never had to face become senile and feeble*
( *I have pistol that will make sure that will NEVER happen to me either* )
so if u gt no alcohol u die. it is not a disease. people just like it, like candy
He suffered by a long time of depression and alcholism (20 years) and after the divorce by his wife in '61, his friends talks about a worsening of his state. Here was only 62 years old, in good shape as body, but with a 75 years old man face. I love so much many of his movies as The world of Suzie Wong, Pic Nic etc.. He was a superb actor and I think a good person. Holden founded in Kenya an organization to defende the animals at risk of extinction that's still there, more an institute for the children raise awareness. Great heart, no doubs..
One of the finest actors of all time. Thank you Sir..................RIP.
Tragic death...Great Actor and one of the best looking men in Hollywood
He truly was and very masculine
Death is always tragic
You are right.Death is always tragic.In Holden's case, he was at the top ,making movies with top billing and working on preservation of wild life in Africa.Death is more tragic if it comes after illness and deterioration.@@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361
I’ve often thought WH performance in Bridge Over The River Kwai was so sublime and absorbing a real acting masterclass of a portrayal of a man slowly and reluctantly redeeming himself. Pure class😎👌
He truly was a handsome great actor You can watch his movies over and over again throughout a lifetime.
Nothing incoherent about WH's speech. In fact quite lucid and obviously passionate and concerned for the future of African wildlife in the 80's. Need more like him.. Great Actor
Such an insightful man. We need a lot more like him.
Great star in his heyday. Very handsome guy too. Due to his heavy drinking he looked ill here but it was good to see him.
I love William Holden. His characters were always believable and he has great Charisma. It always captured me. There is not one movie I did not like.
I do not recall ever seeing a bad or even mediocre William Holden performance!❤👏👍
He was one of my favorite actors. OMG, was he good looking in his younger days! He was a wonderful actor, very talented! It's a shame what happened to him, so sad!
What's a shame is that he killed someone while drunk driving it's not a shame what happened to him because he had a choice - the person he killed didn't.
@@shawnbushway220 Yeah cuz we all should be remembered for our lowest moments.
I hope you get the break you won't give him.
@@ricoz2016 I agree.We should remember his wonderful achievements in films and in Africa.Whats the point of remembering his lows in his private life?
@@Graciela-dx6if It's just too easy for some to disparage a man for his faults. Have you read his biography? It really puts it all in perspective.
@@ricoz2016 No,I haven't read neither Thomas' nor Capua's biography,but I have listened to what his fellow actors,friends,his.sonScott and his stepdaughter have said about him.Everybody,including exgirlfriiends,spoke highly about his humanism,intelligence and consideration for the others.Needless to say about his acting habilities too.
Loved this man, he died a year after this interview.
Just love william holden outstanding actor, conservationist legend. ♥️♥️
a wonderful man and a wonderful film actor, let he who is without sin cast the first stone !
Agree
Just seen him in Breezy, terrific. Also standing toe to toe with The Duke in The Horse Soldiers. Stalag performance fitted him like a glove, hard to think of anyone else in that role..
Jonathan Wilkinson tomal
GREAT MOVIE BREEZY . LOVE COMES IN ALL AGES. SHE WAS YOUNG HE WAS OLDER. BUT TO THEM IT DIDN'T MATTER. THEY JUST LOVED EACH OTHER AGE TO THEM DIDN'T MATTER TO THEM OR THEY DIDN'T CARE WHAT PEOPLE THOUGHT. THEY WERE HAPPY.
I sought this out as I am reading the EXCELLENT Holden bio "Golden Boy" and it was mentioned he made this appearance on Carson. He was there to promote a film that was already bombing but pro that he was he made his commitment to push the film. Yet Africa was foremost on his mind, a mind that was tortured by self-doubt all his life, amazingly.
I cannot recommend the book more, if you love Bill Holden.
Contrary to some of the comments here, I thought Bill Holden was very lucid & alert in this interview. He was known to be somewhat shy in his demeanor & uncomfortable in interviews. He was also one of the best-liked actors in Hollywood. He was a true gentleman by all accounts & I miss him & his great acting.
I agree,he seems very alert and lucid.
+Gary3247 I agree. Totally lucid, and very knowledgeable. He appeared a little ill at ease until Johnny adroitly turned the convo to Holden's love of Africa.
He had to get loaded before the dance scene in Picnic.
If you ever want to watch a good movie that will destroy you, watch "The Earthling". It is my all time fave.
Beruška Vozábová , love that movie.
Gary3247 -your true gentleman took an innocent life in a drunk driving incident.
Holden deserved at least an Oscar nomination for his role as Pike Bishop in The Wild Bunch (1969).
Yes - it was a superlative performance in what is arguably the greatest film ever made. I sometimes wonder what it would have been like if one of the other greats offered the role had accepted. Jimmy Stewart, Burt Lancaster, Robert Mitchum and Lee Marvin were all in the running. Marvin, who contributed to the original treatment for The Wild Bunch, went off to make a pile of poo called Paint Your Wagon. That was one of the biggest mistakes in cinema history.
As shown by his performance in The Big Red One, Marvin would have been perfect as Pike Bishop. That doesn't take anything away from Holden.
Hollywood was aghast at Peckinpah's ultra-violent film and shunned it, amazingly.
I love me some William Holden...he always plays such cynical characters so well...Staglag 17 & of course Sunset Boulevard were just a few of my favs. by 1 of the greatest actors in American cinema...R.I.P. Bill Holden
toya adams I too love William Holden cuz he was so damn sarcastic I love you like that
Back when talk show hosts were willing--and entertainers were capable--to talk about substantive topics.
Rarely do we see actors today talk with such passion about other interests they have for the good of this earth. Love Mr Holden's acting, his looks (young or older) and above all that silky voice. Sunset, Stalag......in all his films the performance was great.
Holden was a great guy. I met him once by accident.
I was sitting on bar stool in Coronado, CA back one evening in 1979. I noticed the man next to me looked really familiar. As he left, he shook hands with the bartender, who called him "Bill".
Later I found out who it was.
One of my favorites for sure, I loved his role in "The Devil's Brigade" with Cliff Robertson, what a duo man!!!
I think I will remember how he looked in Picnic. He was a real champion for the animals, I believe one of the first to really help. Wonderful actor,too.
"Picnic" was his best,IMO.
John..so do it. He really shined.
John Jarou Agreed. Really great film, not just for the cast but for the 1950s small-town profile and rich cinematography. Some thought Holden was too old for that role, but I think he carried his age well (at that time, anyway), and I didn't see or feel the significant age difference between him and Novak.
Face, body and fantastic acting. Very strong but he showed the sadness and defeat while trying to hide it.
The dancing scene with Kim Novak, Moonglow, is the most seductive scene between two fully clothed adults! I love this man, still
As a retired police officer of 24 years I have looked in vain for the four 1 hour mini series that Mr Holden was in 'The Blue Knight'. His performance was, I daresay, perfect!, of a battle-worn and weary police officer working on the street and still caring about the people he was protecting, just superb! Thank you Mr. Holden for portraying a realistic but good cop!👏👍🤝👮♂️🚓🚔🛡🛐😢
Just coincidentally his performance in Stalag 17 was one of my fathers favorite films. My father was a World War II European theater combat veteran who was also a prisoner in two different German prison camps Stalag IXA and Stalag IXB and thought Mr. Holden's performance was so real in his Oscar winning role, In what my father thought was the most realistic prisoner of war film he had seen, at least about World War II, and that being in black and white he felt was the only colors he remembered while interred under the Germans. I'm sure my father has thanked you 'personally' now that you are both together......🙏🛐
*Yeah...I remember Wambaugh and his book(s) and 'Bumper' Morgan was always my favorite*
Here it is the full series! th-cam.com/video/1GkqYtHvfyo/w-d-xo.html
@@tonyrainger5017 Thank you very much, Tony!
❤❤love William Holden❤️❤️ great actor, so handsome and a gorgeous voice. He was a Champion of endangered animals long before it was a popular in thing to do. It was such a shame he just couldn’t beat his alcoholism.
Hello people- the guy is 62 in this video- He looks great- It's called age and it bites everyone in the arse sooner than any of us would like. Probably the reason his greatest passion was about the wildlife in Africa and not plastic Hollywood as reflected in some of the silly and superficial comments made here. RIP Bill Beedle- you still are an inspiration
He doesn’t look “great”. My father was 60 when he died and looked nowhere near as aged as this. Bottom line is that alcohol took its toll on Holden and his appearance here and that’s a tragedy but the reality of this disease.
His performance in Sunset Boulverad, Bridge Over river Kwai, The Wild Bunch, & Picnic were Oscar winning performances. Director David Lean called him the best actor he ever worked with & he had worked with Peter O'Toole, Omar Sharif, & Robert Mitchum.
Shawn Kristoferu Don't forget Stalag 17. His performance rises far above the hammy acting of his costars.
brilliant actor, helpful to younger performers, and nice to the public--really sad he is not around anymore--I miss him terribly.
+JAGG KOUT nice pun..."bumped"
"bumper" morgan
he was drinking vodka for a few weeks before he died, he fell into depression due to lack of work--awful end for brilliant actor
He'd been drinking Vodka for DECADES. And chain smoking...it had nothing to do with a lack of work.
A close friend of his said Holden was depressed due to many factors. Lack of work plus his out of control drinking made him spiral down to death.
Literally. He spiraled down, spun around, collapsed and hit his head on a glass coffee table because he was so wasted.
But it took 50 years of drinking to get to that point. A sad, sad man.
William Holden R.I.P.
Great Man, lived hard, died hard.. it is a shame he never did ''audiobooks'' i loved his speaking voice as well
.
why the hell would one focus on that private shit! He was a brilliant man and deserves more of a legacy than tabloid fodder!!!
He was one of the handsome actor of 40s, 50s and 60s. But, he looked much older than his age..He'd the most brighest smile that brings glow in his whole face. Very charming and talented actor not of those time but of all time❤....
Heavy drinking aged him and ended up killing him in his apartment.
Wish Bill was still around to help save the Rhinos et al..... RIP Bumper..
They are above saving. They are eating their own in their battle with the liberals.
Still Very Handsome, with a Great Voice!!!!!! Very SAD the way that he Died!!!!! I wish that he, and Stefanie Powers, had gotten Married!!!!!!
The wild bunch great movie his great line "LET'S GO"
WILLIAM HOLDEN GREAT ACTOR LOVE HIS MOVIES. WILLIAM HOLDEN ICON OF ACTORS.
I miss William Holden. What a lovely and endearing man he was! One of my favorite movies with him was 1980's The Earthling w/Ricky Schroeder. It's set in Australia and is a tearjerker. When filming this movie, he and Ricky developed a bond and later (after Mr. Holden passed away) on when Ricky got married and had a family, he named his son Holden after his dear friend. I know William was truly a good and kind man despite his faults. We all have them. He was such a sensitive person and a real gentleman as well as a fine actor.
William Holden. Much Respect..R.I.P Legend.
Such a great actor. What a tragedy he died from alcoholism.
I just saw him on CBS a few minutes ago in an old "I Love Lucy" episode that they colorized for us young 'uns, LOL. He was gorgeous when he was young! I just had to look him up!
James From Cambridge Yea, me too...I wanted to see what he looked like when he got oldre myself...he was HOTT when he was young...they don't make leading men like him anymore
James From Cambridge i just did too something told me to look him up
❤We love William Holden. So great actor and intelligent man. Wonderful in his films. Thank you, Bill. 🎥
Everybody has a flaw whether it be drugs food booze cheating stealing murder abusing etc. Holden was a great actor and people should comment so. He did so much for the animals trying to make better lives for them. Sad he is gone.
He killed a man in a drunk driving incident, was found guilty and given a suspended sentence. He died because he was drunk, fell, split his head open and bled to death. His alcoholism is fair game when discussing him.
I always thought he was uncomfortable in his own skin as an actor. He was brilliant and he went to rehab to several times to try to cure his addiction. Read the bio Golden Boy if you get a chance, it really goes into the life of this wonderful and HUNKY actor who left us way too soon.
Honestly if mental health care had been then what it is now, I think he would have been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. He was quite shy and uncomfortable I. Situations like this and sadly he self medicated with alcohol. My hearts breaks for what he went through.
Finishing it now, I never knew how tortured he was.
It's true, much of who we are is formed in the first 6 yrs of life.
The Late & Great William Holden would pass soon after this Carson appearance in 1980! He was one of the first proponents activist from the Hollywood scene who tried to give back, make a difference in our crumbling World today! Bill was cooler than cool! He was funkadelic
Died in 1981
His role as Pike in the Wild Bunch will go down in cinematic history as one the best movies ever made!!
I absolutely agree with you.
Got goosebumps when he mowed down Mapaches soldiers.
His face shows unbelievable wrath and desperation.
If I could have a beer with 5 people in history, he would be one of them.
He was so handsome and seems such a nice guy ……… hope he’s in peace 👌🙏💗
Ask any women who is now her late 80's or 90's Bill Holden was THE MAN!
My 2nd actor crush! Love William Holden. He was handsome, manly intelligent and worked hard at and was good at his craft. They always say a girl wants someone with the same attributes as her father. RIP Dad and William Holden.
Great voice
Ícone artistico.Talvez o melhor ator da década de 50.Personalizava o homem que resolveu ser ator , e o fez com brilho.
Nobody did the gritted teeth 'grimace' like Bill Holden. Great actor.
"Kill him" KILL HIM!"
Bill was a ghost of his former self by this stage. Sad. Sad. Years of cigarettes and alcohol had ravaged that once magnificently handsome face and dashing demeanor. Bill was and is one of my favorite all-time actors.
Wow. He saw the present day state of things coming.
Dear Sennie White, Thank you for loving William Holden; it lifts your soul to elevated plane, as well as ours. Wish his descendants are more visible. William Holden Wildlife Foundation is being maintained well by his last love, Stefanie Powers🤩😇🙏👏👥, September 29, 2020
He looked older than his years but his generation did have a harder life too...and he seemed to age very quickly
Stalag 17 is one of my favorites. I see frequently. I am sorry that Will died so young.
Ótimo ator e lindo também ! Saudades de você sempre !
I liked his crusty look in later life... or rugged look rather. He looked tough as nails in "The Wild Bunch."
You're being kind. The ravages of alcohol.
He was a 'good' actor, and I think 'The Wild Bunch' was the last, very last,
good Western movie made.....The entire cast was wonderful, it was Peckinpah's
masterpiece............Was he a drinker, you bet......Bill had a rough ride, he killed
a man in Italy, most likely drunk driving......are you perfect, lots of people loved
him..........I am one of those. The wildlife thing was his way of finding something
good to leave behind, and it exists today.........
GREAT ACTOR...MISS HIM...HE DRESSED SO CASUALLY HERE...when actors didn't take themselves so seriously and were dignified in their behavior...
Bill Holden made a lot of great movies and i enjoy all of them, and the last i heard he died in his condo in west LA and that was very sad, and he sounded very good 1980 on Carson show.
He takes some beating from all the aspects that makes this man one of the best.
@Menuka Pomu: VERY INCISIVE, YOUR COMMENT -- "He'd the most brightest smile that brings glow in his whole face. Very charming and talented actor not of those time but of all time❤...." Your generosity of taking the time to unveil your heart enriches all of us, THANK YOU (*~_~*)!!! ~KIM Y, December 17, 2019
One of the greats
I can't believe he was 62 in this clip...so many of the old Hollywood actors looked so much older than their ages due to smoking and drinking.
It really shows how much improved lifestyles and healthcare (if you can afford it) have changed for the better in this country over even the last 50 years.
and botox..
It can't be botox. Even in regular life we ordinary people look way younger than our parents and grandparents at the same age. We even move and talk with more energy and alertness. I think lifestyle and attitude have a lot to do with it.
Holden was a handsome man had a sound speaking voice.
I liked Sunset Boulevard. And Gloria Swanson was one sexy lady for 51 years old.
when making Rachel & the Stranger (1948) w/ Bob Mitchum & Loretta Young. Young told both Holden & Mitchum that if they didn`t cool the drinking they`d waste their talent & ruin their careers. MItchum said "thank you mother superior". Holden was contrite & agreed. Mitchum was a bawdy drinker, Holden a solitary one. it caught up w/ both,but only after long, prolific careers which produced many very good films & about a dozen classics between them. Even as old men Mitchum " The friends of Eddie Coyle", Holden in "Network".
I've got a VHS of his "Bridge" movie. And he was so wonderful in his first starring movie "Our Town." I was in high school when "Picnic" came out.
Some have said that William Holden undervalued his early movies, those he did in the 40's, They were dozens of light comedies that he later called "Smiling Jim" parts . But take a look at them today. Every role shines with his earnestness, charisma, breath-taking smile and incredibly handsome face.
Far from being "meaningless roles in meaningless movies," as one author noted, they are absolutely charming. They show an actor growing in stature and talent. They also serve as phenomenal contrast to his later roles in the sixties. When I first saw Holden in movies, he was the cynical, gruff outsider in " Sunset Boulevard," "Stalag 17," "Bridge Over River Kwai," "Picnic," and "Country Girl." These were staggering performances, unforgettable for their maturity, complexity, and raw sexual energy .
However, today, thanks to the Internet, I've discovered the other Holden. To name just a few, the early gems " Golden Boy," "Our Town," " Young and Willing," and "Texas" show him young, dashing, and humorous. One thing did not change throughout his life, his voice. He had perfect diction, and though it grew deeper with age, that voice was always well-modulated, always clear, always easy to understand. In films such as "Dear Ruth," everything about the young actor---appearance, style, and voice----made him irresistible. And dream-worthy. All the films from the 40's are treasures of the iconic actor.
Yes, Holden died tragically and aged and addicted. But what matters is his body of work and the power he had over millions of viewers to transport them to the magic of his world, and to give them joy, hope, or understanding then , today, and long after his death. What a titan of talent and beauty.
I wish I could meet him in person
Great interview of one of the very best actors of all time.
It was reputed that he recieved $1,000,000 Dollars for his role in ' Bridge On The River Kwai '
I had never seen him act before, way before my time...thought he as sexy in "Breezy", a film by Clint Eastwood...Great movie!!
Ótimo ator e lindo também ! Saudades de você sempre !!!!
He was a great actor, and a handsome man. Unfortunately he smoked often and drank alcohol more then moderately. His drinking may have had on an affect on his death when he wounded himself after slipping and falling in his apartment on 12th November 1981.
Hey, I never knew Bill. I think maybe I would have liked to. I'll bet he was alright, because he was in tune with nature. There is something in that. It goes far beyond good looks and being cool.
Bridge on the River Kwai and The Wild Bunch. That's all you need to know!
And Stalag 17!
*NETWORK*
@Terry Wright...indeed...he had a commanding presence about him, and suffered consequences from his demons. Thanks.
He was such a fine gentleman and exciting actor. I'll bet his car accident contributed to his alcoholism. He must have been cursed by demons of guilt, but who knows? It's such a shame his physical health deteriorated so badly at so young an age. Were he healthier we'd have had dozens more of wonderful films to enjoy with him in the cast. Whenever he graced the camera he stole the show. His animal rights activism and social work in Africa just exemplifies what a fine individual he was. RIP.
Que hombre más lindo!!!!!!💋
Thank you so much for posting this inteview. William Holden was a wonderful actor, but I admire him most for his work in conservation. The William Holden Wildlife Foundation, founded by Stefanie Powers afer his death, is a fitting tribute to a remarkable man. ****** I have one question. Does anyone by chance have a copy of his interview in Kenya (1980), that aired on ABC? I know this was the one and only time he did a interview on site about his conservation effort's.
the Wild Bunch, Network, picnic, Bridge on the River Kwai, Sunset Boulevard, even Damien Omen 2 comma he was by far the best thing in that movie and he gave it an air of believability that would have been lacking without him. He was great at what he did and he seems like a really genuine nice person who cared about the world and what was going wrong with it and I became a fan unfortunately far too late to ever let him know what he was alive how much is work meant to me. I hope somehow he knows it now and I would like to say that William Holden was an absolute gym and really enjoyed what he did and he was so cool, he gave cool a new meaning. Tim him cool didn't mean a thing he was who he was I think. But I think El Dorado with John Wayne would have been awesome with William Holden in the Robert Mitchum role although Robert Mitchum was awesome in the role. For some reason Robert Mitchum and William Holden remind me of each other I'm not exactly sure why. But anyway, I have to say the Wild Bunch and Network are probably my two favorite movies with him although I loved every one of them that I saw that starred him. Not to mention I Love Lucy where he was absolutely hysterical along with Lucy. It was one of the best shows of any show ever. Rest in Peace mr. Holden, rest in peace....
i don't know why people say he looks old for his age here (62?) i think he looks ok.
Agreed, 62 is getting on!
Love William Holden....what's with all the comments about his drinking......talk about his excellent acting and his young good looks.
Because they are judgmental a**holes with perfect lives obviously. And you know what they say about "finger pointers"
Sad to see him looking like that. He was one of my favorites. That is what being an long time alcoholic will do to you.
CaptainArt777 gj
Looks like the lighting wasn't so good...making him look even more aged. A good makeup artist would have worked on those dark circles under his eyes also.
He didnt like beingmade up or having any plastic surgery.And yes the video is badly edited.@@blondwiththewind
pike bishop in the WILD BUNCH 1969 is his best performance!
damn straight! Peckinpah was one of my favorites, and his westerns were not just action set pieces, great acting too, esp The Wild Bunch
What about "The Devil's Brigade"?
What about the bridge over river Kwai
Oh, there were way more than just this one! I don't recall ever seeing a bad William Holden performance, Stalag 17, Bridge on the River Kwai, that's two prisoner of war films, The Bridges at Toko RI Sunset Boulevard Sabrina The Wild Bunch Picnic Born Yesterday Our Town Union Station The Devil's Brigade Etc. Watch them all whether it's your genre or not you won't be disappointed!
It was a great one but I believe Sunset Boulevard, Bridge Over River Kwai were better. He should have got three Oscars for those but instead he got for Stalag 17.
Holden was one of the first celebrity conservationists, talking about how the great elephant herds from Africa were disappearing.
Cool Guy
I didn't know he done a lot for the animals make me like him even more sadly missed
A true animal lover!
Good Actor and human.
Please try toi separate the man from his work. He was a wonderful actor and can't we just judge him on that instead of insulting his memory.
@Jose Eugenio Gomes: Thank You for the following comment (*~_~*)!!! -- "Iconic artist. Perhaps the best actor of the 1950s. He personalized the man who decided to be an actor, and did so with a shine." ALL his fans will be pleased to hear of such sentiment... ~January 3, 2020
Network and Breezy are my favorites.
+kenny baird Breezy for me too. Very under-rated movie.
he looks godawful dissapated..even the blue knight couldn't beat alcoholism..let this be a warning ..he was a beautiful man...wholesome and with mad character...always helping "the youngsters"- as he put it, in the industry
I just watched The earthling for the fifth time what a great movie one of his last movies as well.
One of the best persons who ever walked the earth
Dear JubalCalif,
THANK YOU for dashing any lingering doubts/rumours regarding Bill Holden's last hours, with your VERY accurate account and affection for him & his legacy (~_~)...
Take Care,
~ KIMY
In terms of the comment by Glen below, Holden fought a well publicized battle with alcoholism that impacted his relationships with various women, including Audrey Hepburn, Capucine and Stefanie Powers. It ultimately led to his untimely death at 63, when he became intoxicated in a hotel room, tripped and fell against a night stand, became seriously injured and never regained consciousness. Fortunately, he made several great films within the decade before his death, including the Wild Bunch, Network and SOB.
Holden was at his home in Santa Monica when he fell and his head on a nightstand.
MrImiller07 WOW that's how he died?...what are the odds of that happening?...sad, I recently lost a friend the same way & I said then what are the odds of someone dying by hitting their head but believe it or not it can happen.
He bled to death.
MrImiller07 I was just reading Thomas Noguchi's speculated account of Holden's death. He lived alone. Tripped on a rug in his home while intoxicated, hit his head on a night stand, deep gash. He was conscious for a while, and tried stemming the blood flow with Kleenex, but eventually passed out and bled to death. Sorrowful.
***** Are you still taking your doctor-ordered meds?