What's After the Movie
William Holden
William Franklin Holden (né Beedle Jr.) was born on April 17, 1918, and was an acclaimed American actor, well-remembered as one of the biggest box-office draws of the 1950s. He won various prestigious awards including the Academy Award for Best Actor for Stalag 17 (1953) and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor for the television miniseries The Blue Knight (1973). He showcased his incredible talent in several of Hollywood's most popular and critically hailed films, such as 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 and was listed 25th on the American Film Institute's list of 25 greatest male stars of Classical Hollywood cinema.
Born in O'Fallon, Illinois, Holden moved to South Pasadena when he was three and became involved in local radio plays while attending Pasadena Junior College. Besides his acting career, Holden also served as a first lieutenant in the United States Army during the World War II acting in training films. Holden's philanthropic side was also significant. He was the managing partner of a wildlife conservancy in Africa and his love for animal welfare led to the establishment of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation. Holden is remembered not only for his contributions to the film industry but also his service during the war and his animal conservation efforts.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about William Holden, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how William Holden rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: William Franklin Beedle Jr.
Born: O'Fallon, Illinois, U.S.
Citizenship: United States
Birthday: April 17, 1918
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1938-1981
Children: 4
Spouses: Brenda Marshall
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Awards and Nominations Received by William Holden
Explore the awards, honors, and nominations William Holden has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.
Movies Featuring William Holden
Network
The Wild Bunch
The Bridge on the River Kwai
S.O.B.
The Towering Inferno
Breezy
Stalag 17
Sabrina
Damien: Omen II
Casino Royale
When Time Ran Out...
Sunset Boulevard
Cask of Amontilado
Grace Kelly: Destiny of a Princess
Sally’s Beauty Spot
Sam Peckinpah’s West: Legacy of a Hollywood Renegade
Preminger: Anatomy of a Filmmaker
Barbara Stanwyck: Fire and Desire
Grace Kelly: The American Princess
Bring Me the Head of Charlie Brown
Dear Wife
Union Station
The World of Suzie Wong
Our Town
Open Season
The Devil’s Brigade
Framed
Picnic
Holiday
The 7th Dawn
The Moon Is Blue
The Bridges at Toko-Ri
Texas
Numbered Men
The Remarkable Andrew
Apartment for Peggy
Paris When It Sizzles
Toward the Unknown
Variety Girl
Escape to Athena
Meet the Stewarts
The Blue Knight
Alvarez Kelly
Submarine Command
Dynamite
Fedora
Wild Rovers
Satan Never Sleeps
Audrey Hepburn: Remembered
The Dark Past
I Wanted Wings
Executive Suite
Boots Malone
The Turning Point
Not So Dumb
Sad?
You Can Change The World
The Rise and Fall of a Jungle Giant
The Trespasser
Golden Boy
The Christmas Tree
Streets of Laredo
Forever Female
The Man Who Came Back
Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing
The Revengers
Three Faces East
Ashanti
The Girl on The Roof
Escape from Fort Bravo
The Lion
Charlie Chan Carries On
Dear Ruth
Invisible Stripes
Force of Arms
The Dean Martin Christmas Show
The Man from Colorado
The Proud and Profane
The Fleet’s In
Arizona
The Country Girl
Young and Willing
Father Is a Bachelor
The Counterfeit Traitor
Those Were the Days!
Barbara Stanwyck: Straight Down The Line
21 Hours at Munich
The Key
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of William Holden, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1991
Preminger: Anatomy of a Filmmaker
Donald Gresham (archive footage) (uncredited)
Barbara Stanwyck: Fire and Desire
Self (archive footage)
1968
The Devil’s Brigade
Lt. Col. Robert T. Frederick
The Dean Martin Christmas Show
Self - Guest (uncredited)
1962
Satan Never Sleeps
Father O'Banion
The Lion
Robert Hayward
The Counterfeit Traitor
Eric Erickson
1954
Sabrina
The Bridges at Toko-Ri
Lt. Harry Brubaker
Executive Suite
McDonald Walling
The Country Girl
Bernie Dodd
1953
Stalag 17
The Moon Is Blue
Donald Gresham
Forever Female
Stanley Krown
The Girl on The Roof
A tourist
Escape from Fort Bravo
Captain Roper
1950
Sunset Boulevard
Union Station
Lt. William Calhoun
You Can Change The World
Self
Father Is a Bachelor
Johnny Rutledge
1948
Apartment for Peggy
Jason Taylor
The Dark Past
Al Walker
The Man from Colorado
Capt. Del Stewart
1942
The Remarkable Andrew
Andrew Long
Meet the Stewarts
Michael "Mike" Stewart
The Fleet’s In
Casey Kirby
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