The Tragic 1981 Death Of Sunset Boulevard Star William Holden

Publish date: 2024-05-06

The Academy Award-winning actor William Holden, born William Beedle Jr., on April 17, 1918, in O'Fallon, Illinois, began his career with 1939s "Golden Boy," per Britannica. And like the title, Holden seemed to have the looks and muscular build Hollywood craved. But like so many of the female actors of the era, Holden soon realized it was his physical attributes and not his acting ability that the studio cared about. He became bitter about the throwaway roles Hollywood kept giving him. In "The New Biographical Dictionary of Film," David Thomson wrote (per Slant Magazine), "For Holden, at the end, could look like the most 'used' person in Hollywood ... The look of pain sustained two fine films — 'The Wild Bunch' and 'Network' — so that we rubbed our eyes to recall the fresh-faced enthusiast from Golden Boy."

After serving with the U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II, he returned to Hollywood and in 1950 he got his first substantial role in Billy Wilder's "Sunset Boulevard," per Britannica. The next decade saw Holden's career flourish. He earned an Oscar nomination for "Sunset Boulevard" and won an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1954 for his role in "Stalag 17," per IMDb. But along with the accolades came a dependence on alcohol that would play a major role in his tragic end. In fact, Bob Thomas, Holden's biographer, said that the actor's addiction counselor predicted his demise. Holden himself claimed that he, too, could picture his end. "I know how it's going to be," Holden said (per The Huntsville Item). "Lonely, alone, without dignity."

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

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