Jack Palance

**Jack Palance** (born: **Volodymyr Ivanovich Palahniuk**) was an American screen and stage actor, famous for his roles playing tough guys and villains in the film industry. Born to Ukrainian immigrants in *Lattimer Mines*, *Pennsylvania* on *February 18, 1919*, Palance served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II before his foray into acting. Making his film acting debut in Elia Kazan's _'Panic in the Streets' (1950)_, his third and fourth-ever film roles in _'Sudden Fear' (1952)_ and _'Shane' (1953)_ earned him Oscar nominations. His performances spanned various genres from crime dramas to Westerns, with a significant body of work in Europe, particularly a memorable role in Jean-Luc Godard's _'1963 film Contempt'_. In the 1980s, Palance found a new generation of audiences while hosting the television series _'Ripley's Believe It or Not! (1982–86)'_. This led to a late-career revival, with roles in several blockbuster hits like _'Young Guns' (1988)_, _'Tango & Cash' (1989)_, and his Oscar and Golden Globe-winning performance in _'City Slickers' (1991)_. Palance's contribution to the Hollywood industry continued until his death in 2006. Off-screen, he was a notable supporter of the Ukrainian American community, and contributed to efforts as chairman of the Hollywood Trident Foundation.