Lee Marvin
Lee Marvin
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Full Name and Common Aliases
John Lee Marvin was a renowned American actor who went by the nickname "The King of Tough Guys". His distinctive voice and rugged on-screen presence earned him a reputation as one of Hollywood's most iconic actors.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on February 19, 1924, in New York City, Lee Marvin passed away on August 1, 1987, at the age of 63 due to complications from stomach cancer.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American Actor
Lee Marvin's acting career spanned over four decades, with a focus on dramatic roles that showcased his versatility as an actor.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Lee Marvin moved frequently during his childhood. His early life was marked by instability, with his father abandoning the family when Lee was just three years old. This experience would later influence his portrayal of tough, rugged characters on screen.
Marvin's interest in acting began at an early age, and he attended New York University to study drama. However, due to World War II, Marvin dropped out of college to join the United States Marine Corps. He served for three years, including a stint as a sergeant during the Battle of Saipan.
Major Accomplishments
Lee Marvin's breakthrough role came in 1958 with the film "The Defiant Ones", which earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. This was followed by a string of critically acclaimed performances in films such as "Cat Ballou" (1965), "Point Blank" (1967), and "Paint Your Wagon" (1969).
Marvin's acting career was marked by numerous awards and nominations, including:
Academy Award for Best Actor for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1958)
Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for "The Killers" (1964)
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Lee Marvin's most notable films include:
The Wild One (1953) - Marvin's early starring role as a motorcycle gang leader
Donovan's Reef (1963) - A comedy-drama that showcased Marvin's comedic range
Cat Ballou (1965) - A western comedy that earned Marvin an Oscar nominationImpact and Legacy
Lee Marvin's impact on the film industry extends beyond his impressive body of work. He was known for his tough, rugged persona, which influenced a generation of actors to follow in his footsteps.
Marvin's influence can be seen in the careers of actors such as Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson, and Robert Mitchum, who all drew inspiration from his on-screen presence.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Lee Marvin's quotes are widely remembered for their wit, sarcasm, and insight into the acting profession. Some of his most famous quotes include:
"Acting is not about being someone different. It's finding the similarity in what may seem dissimilar."
* "The key to comedy is timing, and I've always been interested in timing."
Marvin's legacy as a talented actor and a true Hollywood legend continues to inspire new generations of actors and film enthusiasts alike.
Quotes by Lee Marvin
Wardrobe is - in films, I could say it's a good half of the acting. You get the right rags on, they'll talk for you.
I once tried to figure out the first time I felt guilt, and it goes so far back that I might have been an inch long at the time.
I was on Saipan when I got hit. Not too bad, but bad enough to hamper me if I stayed. I was hit in my left buttocks just below the belt line.
I was so overwhelmed years ago, when I was a kid, by 'All Quiet on the Western Front.' I think it was the second movie I ever saw. I never got over that one.
In school, I couldn't see any sense to reading, writing, and arithmetic. Sure, they kicked me out, but for trifles, like continual daydreaming and smoking, that wouldn't be grounds for expulsion nowadays.
The first day of 'Liberty,' I was hanging around waiting for Ford to come in. Everybody told me how tough he was and not to say anything, or he'd single you out and get on you the whole shoot. But as he walked in, I got up and saluted him.
I know Chicago cops. They're tough. They have to be. The whole city would explode. It's like a bomb, Chicago.