William Holden's Last Interview (November 10, 1981)
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- Опубліковано 30 кві 2023
- 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. Holden won the Academy Award for Best Actor for the film Stalag 17 (1953) and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for the television miniseries The Blue Knight (1973). Holden starred in some of Hollywood's most popular and critically acclaimed films, including Sunset Boulevard (1950), Sabrina (1954), Picnic (1955), The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), The Wild Bunch (1969) and Network (1976). He was named one of the "Top 10 Stars of the Year" six times (1954-1958, 1961), and appeared as 25th on the American Film Institute's list of 25 greatest male stars of Classical Hollywood cinema.
Early life and education
With Lee J. Cobb (right) in Holden's first starring role in a film, Golden Boy (1939)
Holden was born William Franklin Beedle, Jr., on April 17, 1918, in O'Fallon, Illinois, son of Mary Blanche Beedle (née Ball), a schoolteacher, and her husband William Franklin Beedle, an industrial chemist.[1] He had two younger brothers, Robert Westfield Beedle and Richard Porter Beedle. 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.[1] His brother Robert ("Bobbie") became a U.S. Navy fighter pilot and was killed in action in World War II, over New Ireland, a Japanese-occupied island in the South Pacific.
His family moved to South Pasadena when he was three. After graduating from South Pasadena High School, Holden attended Pasadena Junior College, where he became involved in local radio plays.
Holden was best man at the wedding of his friend Ronald Reagan to actress Nancy Davis in 1952. Although a registered Republican, he never involved himself in politics.
While in Italy in 1966, Holden was responsible for the death of another driver in a drunk-driving incident near Pisa. He received an eight-month suspended sentence for vehicular manslaughter.[39]
Holden maintained a home in Switzerland and also spent much of his time working for wildlife conservation as a managing partner in an animal preserve in Africa. His Mount Kenya Safari Club in Nanyuki (founded 1959) was popular with the international jet set.[40] On a trip to Africa, he fell in love with the wildlife and became increasingly concerned with the animal species that were beginning to decrease in population. With the help of his partners, he created the Mount Kenya Game Ranch and inspired the creation of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation.[41]
Marriage and relationships
Holden had a daughter born in 1937 from his relationship with actress Eva May Hoffman.[42]
Holden was married to actress Brenda Marshall from 1941 until their divorce in 1971.[3] They had two sons, Peter and Scott. [43][citation needed]
Holden met French actress Capucine in the early 1960s. The two starred in the films The Lion (1962) and The 7th Dawn (1964). They reportedly began a two-year affair, which is alleged to have ended due to Holden's alcoholism.[44] Capucine and Holden remained friends until his death in 1981.
In 1972, Holden began a nine-year relationship with actress Stefanie Powers and sparked her interest in animal welfare.[45] After his death, Powers set up the William Holden Wildlife Foundation at Holden's Mount Kenya Game Ranch.[46]
Death
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. Forensic evidence recovered at the scene suggested that he was conscious for at least half an hour after the fall. His body was found four days later.[47] Rumors existed that he was suffering from lung cancer, which Holden had denied at a 1980 press conference. His death certificate makes no mention of cancer.[40][47] He dictated in his will that the Neptune Society cremate him and scatter his ashes in the Pacific Ocean. In accordance with his wishes, no funeral or memorial services were conducted.[48]
President Ronald Reagan released a statement: "I have a great feeling of grief. We were close friends for many years. What do you say about a longtime friend - a sense of personal loss, a fine man. Our friendship never waned."[3]
For his contribution to the film industry, Holden has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located at 1651 Vine Street.[49] He also has a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.[50]
His death was noted by singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega, whose 1987 song "Tom's Diner", about a sequence of events one morning in 1981, included a mention of reading a newspaper article about "an actor who had died while he was drinking". Vega subsequently confirmed that this was a reference to Holden.
Always really liked Bill Holden. He was a great actor. His death was very very sad.
I heartily concur.
I think Wm. Holden was one of the most knowledgeable, educated, very well spoken man. I still am saddened as I think often of this fine human being. What films he made. Wow! We always have him on film, thank goodness.
Well said and well put.
William Holden is such a great actor! Loved Sunset Boulevard, Stalag 17 and Sabrina!
He's my favorite along with a couple of others. God bless him.
If like him you're not an egotistical person I really think they do not always appreciate what a legacy they were going to leave.Great solid actor and totally believable in any role he played.
1/21/24
No doubt in my mind, what a wonderful actor was and in my heart will LIVE ON!
Grace Gonzalez- Puerto Rico
12:22 noon time
As I do when I take off my hat, you make a good point !!
He Was One Hell Of An Actor One Of The Greats
.
I have a notion to second THAT emotion !!
Handsome and glorious to last moment ... RIP ❤
As Snagglepuss would say, "Indubitably!"
"I don't mean to sound like you're about to die." Gave me chills.
Mr Holden was such a handsome and soft spoken man I miss him dearly what a remarkable actor he was I loved him in the movie breezy and picnic he was fantastic in everything he did what a loss we took losing him their will never be anyone like William Holden thank you Mr Holden for bringing great movies to the big screen you will always be one of my all time favorite actors rest in beautiful peace sir❤
This was such a treat. Its not often we get to see interviews with Bill such as this. He was very articulate and well spoken. So enjoyable, he had a lovely demeanor and personality. My favourite actor, a humble dignified man, just loved Bill, always x Thank you for the upload.
A
My sentiments exactly !!
That smile !!!!
It’s so sad to know he may have been conscious at some point during his last minutes. Living alone, regardless of circumstances, slipping and falling and having no one to find you. I remember when this happened @nd it seemed so sad.
Norma Desmond❤😢
No resemblance whatsoever with Norma Desmond.He had not been forgotten,on the contrary hewas.being hiredand making picture after picture.And as.far as his personal life he was having a relationship with Pat.Stauffer,a longtime friend.
Fabulous actor! Exceptional human being, but Bill Holden---like every other human being---had a flaw or two. Just within the past ten days I watched SABRINA (his original version rather than the later one starring Harrison Ford among various other fine actors)---and two nights ago my wife surprised me by putting our Blu Ray disc on of LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDORED THING. This last film, which I've seen at least a dozen times in my life, brought tears to my eyes while watching it two nights ago. Do I like Bill Holden? I think the world of the man. A man's man, an actor's actor. His word was his bond. Thank you for airing this interview. Andy McKane, 5 June 2023, Maunaloa, Hawaii.
Thank you for sharing a refreshingly articulate & perceptive comment !!
@@jubalcalif9100what 8:27
Hard to believe Bill would die just 2 days later so tragically. Love his work and always enjoy viewing his films.
The interview was actually several months before his death, as the host points out in the beginning.
the interview date is incorrect as is made clear in the video.
Such a beautiful man and so talented, such a tragedy that his demons were so strong. I wonder what he would think to know that even 40+ years after his death he’s still changing lives, mine included. I hope he would feel the love and respect we all have for him. Because I certainly have felt his presence and influence in my life.
Exactly how has he changed your life? He was a womanizing, outrageous alcoholic....
@@elliebellie7816 not even gonna waste my time discussing it with you- he was much more than just that, but instead of looking for the good in people despite their flaws, I guess you just look for the bad in people. Trying researching the William Holden Wildlife Foundation and grow up
@@justjennie7394 Foundations that actors found or join are usually at the request of their agent for publicity purposes to make them look good. Like charities. Stop idolizing men and grow up and learn what a bitch life really is. Rose tinted glasses will only continue to hurt you.
@@elliebellie7816And I'm sure your life has been nothing but a constant stream of virtuous sainthood. 🙄
Stefanie should have been closer to him.
I always liked Mr. Holden in anything he did on screen. He came across as a grounded, good natured guy. It's difficult to see past that to the reality inside every human being that may be darker, unsure, resentful maybe even afraid.
Robert Mitcham said that he was one of the finest men that he ever knew.
@@philiphatfield5666 James Garner said he was a generous man, and Barbara Stanwyck loved him like a brother, it seems. I have never once heard anyone in that business speak a single bad thing about him.
One of my favorite American actors.. Amazing talent!! 👏 👏 👏
Ditto !!
He was an excellent actor. I will always remember him in “ Picnic.” The most memorable and romantic dance seen with Kim Novak was classic. They did not have to speak, no gratuitous sex, just the movement, music, and way they held each said it all. That was “old Hollywood” at its best. ❤
Absolutely agree with you, but don't forget "The world of Suzie Wong". All the best ✌️
love Bill Holden. This is a great treat. I believe he was a private person back then.
Very good interview. Thank you for sharing! Very sad to think of his sudden passing so soon after this was taped. But in the interview he certainly seems happy & relaxed. And quite an intelligent & articulate fellow. But sadly, alcohol addiction proved to be his downfall.
After seeing thousands of movies, I think Bill Holden's Pike Bishop is the greatest role any actor has ever played.
😢how tragic may he rest in peace ❤
William was really good in that stalag film. That movie still holds up today.
Pike bishop what a performance the best
Thanks for uploading this interview, I havent seen it beforr and I am always excited to find New videos ,I will put it on my youtube channel in the playlist
What a great interview. I also have seen it before. Lovely to watch and listen to William Holden. Yes very sad the way he went, what a truly lonely death. He knew he would die `lonely, alone and undignified.' It is what he told his therapist he had for a while. I think he did hurt very deeply, alot of regrets in his life and it hurt deeply that needed numbing with alcohol but his drinking started out initially just to ease his nerves as he was shy deep down from what I have read but it just got out of hand with life's pressures and regrets etc., He came to rely on it and just couldn't shake shake it off in the end. It had become an addiction. Desperately wish he had a chance at the love of his life Audrey Hepburn. I think that impacted him immensely inspite of the vasectomy. Another regret there of his too
Thank you for sharing ❤️
I have a notion to second THAT emotion !
Last interview..?, here was only two days before his accidental death in his Santa Monica mansion!! . Holden was found death on the floor in November 16/'81, but the coroner doctor sayd that was die by four days. As all know, Holden in his last mounths had left behind, also the last friends and suffered by alcoholism and depression. But in all honesty in this interview, appeare still so alive and very near as humor to his best days. Great actor and great man, that talk as he think. The last good remind of him as actor is rest in my memory "The tower inferno", in '74, still in great shape and a remarkable part as Dunken, the owner billioner of the tower. One of the 70's greatest disaster movies ever made, with a stellar cast : Paul Newman, Steve McQueen etc. In love memory of one of the best Hollywood golden era actors..
I loved “ The Towering Inferno” and he was superb in that film with an all-star cast, including the great Fred Astaire. As far as the interview and timing of his death, he did not seem depressed whatsoever in this interview; quite the opposite. He did drink, but that was not new for him, and I cannot believe that this lover of life and his intense attachment to his animal preservation center in Africa would not have called 911 for help, as the medical reports state he was conscious for a long period after he fell. Some say that “shame” stopped him from calling for help, but I do not buy that. I am not a conspiracy theorist, but many people have pointed out a strange coincidence in the timing of his death coming so close to that of Natalie Wood. He was with Stephanie Powers who worked with Robert Wagner on “Hart to Hart.” Perhaps he became the “ man who knew too much” through Stephanie. I don’t know, but it’s very curious.
Bill Holden looks cool with the shades and the cigarette❤😊
What a sad way to go.
The real deal- there will never be another
God. He was the most specimen of man.
Unfortunate comment at 2.40
So this interview took place just two days before he died? Wow
I think this interview took place late June/early July of 1981 while he was promoting the movie SOB. There is another interview of him that was done on this same day in 1981. This interview was probably shown on tv after he died😢.
The Wild Bunch
The Bridge On The River Kwai
Stalag17
Network
Picnic
Executive Suite
Born Yesterday
I mean..... you know?
You left out the classic Sunset Boulevard.
Kwai was his best IMO
He died two days after this interview.
The interview was several months prior to his death, as the host mentions in the beginning.
Does anyone know who this anchor is?
Unfortunately, smoking brought an early end to his life. I very much liked The wild bunch.
his death was not smoking related
Wow look how old he looks. Only 62 or 63 here. Yikes!
I think he looks ruggedly handsome
@@rosienorton665 You’re joking? Sadly looks haggard from the chronic smoking and drinking.
Booze and cigarettes, booze and cigarettes. He was one of the most beautiful men in the early days.
He was a charming, intelligentand handsome man at 63.
NATALIE WOOD AND WILLIAM HOLDEN DIED IN NOVEMBER ,1981...SAD...
A very strange coincidence.
William HOLDEN Died november,16...Natalie WOOD died november,29...
@@jean-michelcagnac That's exactly what I meant.Both wife and excompanion died in November 1981.And Natalie Wood under extremely strange circumstances.
Thèse People ARE Friends...FOR Me ,Only Question IS :Why this Trip on CATALINA ISLAND?THIS Day, the Weather WAS stormy...Orgy?Bizness?
@@jean-michelcagnac You're right.Everything is very strange.I believe that Chris Walken wasn't questioned.
In a random, heartless universe, where life likely appears on a few worlds by chemical happenstance, luck has everything to do with it.
I don’t think Cavett or Carson could have been better inquirer. If didn’t see Sunset Boulevard not sure would have watched.
Is that really how he died?
the results of too much drinking sure took it's toll..poor bill looks 30 years older than he was
Do you mean he looks like a ninety years old man ?Really?
he definitely looked older than his age .. but 93??? uuhhhh don't think so lol
What does 63 look like? I think he got better looking the more rugged he became. Just my opinion
Really? Acting like a playboy during the filming of Sabrina? I thought he nearly ended his marriage to his wife to marry Audrey? She broke it off when he revealed he'd had a vasectomy.
I think we have to believe what he says..He shows no regrets when he remembers the.filming of Sabrina.He even mentions his wife's wishind the filming should end because he was spending.all the money.This is the truth,right frm the horses' mouth.The rest.is fantasy and story telling from people who were not the protagonists.
Another Hollywood sacrifice.
These actors are great but do you know who is greater? Jesus. He is selfless and loving. He died for everyone's sins, past, present, and future. Be careful when watching these films. We mustn't make these people our idols. Exodus 20:3-5 says "You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens on earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods." Not only that, but the end times are here. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 states "You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. People will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!" This is merely to inform people, not to attack them. God bless.
He looks 90 here. He was only 62
You clearly lost your mind. He doesn't look 90 years old at all.
63 not 62 and he does NOT look 90 lol
@@paulthurson yeah he does look 90 . He died drunk sprawled on the floor with head wound. He bled to death. What a tragic sad ending. President Reagan was deeply angered
@MalEvansUSA
he looks haggard and old but he doesn't look 90 in that interview .. could pass for about 80 tho imo .. anyhoo opinions are like assh*les .. everyone's got one :)
It's unbelievable that instead of commenting on the interesting subjects discussed in this interview ,you seemed obsessed with Holden's appearence,who by the way.is a very.handsome 63 years old gentleman.