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Karl Malden1912 - 2009

Published at:  Jul 01, 2009 4:21:09 PM CDT

Beaks here...



You can't do ninety-seven years much better than Karl Malden. Born Mladen George Sekulovich on March 22, 1912 in Gary, Indiana, Malden (he Anglicized his name for obvious reasons, but still felt guilty for it) got his start as an actor with the legendary Group Theater in the 1930s, and appeared in the some of the most influential productions of the first half of the twentieth century. Harold Clurman, Lee Strasberg, Elia Kazan and Stella Adler were his contemporaries. He played Vivien Leigh's love interest in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (after originating the role in the original 1947 Broadway production).

I think we can safely say Karl Malden made the best of his time on this planet.

Though Malden won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance as Mitch in STREETCAR, the greatness of his understated performance is often overshadowed by Marlon Brando's jarring, animalistic portrayal of Stanley Kowalski. And while Brando is certainly deserving of every ounce of praise he continues to receive, Malden's quiet, halting courtship of Blanche DuBois in the below scene may be my favorite thing in the movie.



And then the guy turns out to be a complete asshole.

If you're looking for a definitive Malden moment, you'll do no better than his browbeating of frightened dockworkers in ON THE WATERFRONT. Nothing understated about this:



Twenty years later, he was co-starring with Michael Douglas in THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO:



And then there was his late-career work as the voice of American Express:



If this clip is all Malden means to you, then be sure to tune into TCM's tribute on July 10th, when they'll air three of his best: A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, ON THE WATERFRONT and BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ. You should also check out BABY DOLL, ONE-EYED JACKS, THE CINCINNATI KID and PATTON.



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    Readers Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:21:57 PM CDT

    THE GRIM REAPER WILL NOT STOP

    by supercowbell5thecowbellhasspoken

    ALL YOUR CELEBRITIES ARE BELONG TO US

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:24:03 PM CDT

    They're dropping like flies!

    by mondoz2

    If I were Patrick Swayze, I'd be sweating bullets right now...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:24:51 PM CDT

    Celebrity grim reaper is having a field day.

    by orbots commander

    RIP Karl Malden, one of the greats.

    Wasn't Malden also in 12 ANGRY MEN?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:25:09 PM CDT

    Damn

    by dennismm

    Sleep well, Mr. Malden.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:26:07 PM CDT

    A True Loss

    by drunken irishman

    An Actor's Actor. He'll be missed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:26:33 PM CDT

    Mollie Sugden also passed away today

    by knightshift

    She was Mrs. Slocombe on ARE YOU BEING SERVED? throughout its long run on the BBC (now on public TV stations throughout America). She ALWAYS brought down the house whenever she talked about "my pussy".Once again, we're all too quickly losing our legends.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:27:34 PM CDT

    I knew this year would be an odd one

    by actionbastard

    hopefully his nose can carry on without him

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:28:53 PM CDT

    So...

    by sacredfun

    McMahon-Fawcett-Jackson... and now Mays-Malden-and... are we do for another third to keep the "they always happen in threes" thing running?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:29:47 PM CDT

    R.I.P., Detective Lt. Mike Stone

    by kevinwillis.net

    Not to mention the Reverend Paul Brown in Pollyanna. He was great in that film.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:30:51 PM CDT

    Was taken too soon.

    by themcflyfarm

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:31:37 PM CDT

    Another icon is gone

    by heckles

    All of these celebs passing has kind of numbed me to it. Sick as it sounds, can't help but think who's next.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:31:49 PM CDT

    Big deal. Actors and celebrities die everyday.

    by ricarleite2

    Everyday, in the world, one in 44 thousand people die. There are more than 44 thousand actors, actresses, singers, or artists.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:32:05 PM CDT

    METEOR

    by merrick

    He was in METEOR. http://tinyurl.com/ndoer9

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:32:36 PM CDT

    97 Years Young!

    by kevinwillis.net

    A tragedy. As far as happening in threes, you should pair McMahon-Mays-Malden, as those are 3 'M' Names. Now 3 'J' names and 'F' names, and the apocalypse will be nigh.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:32:41 PM CDT

    RIP

    by crow3711

    My best friend died of cancer this afternoon. Too many terrible deaths this week. I'm losing it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:32:44 PM CDT

    Wheres the fuckin article for MOLLY SUGDEN?

    by mysterious_volvo

    YOU WANKER!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:32:55 PM CDT

    Streets of SF was filmed in Bolton

    by aclockworkkebab

    little known fact it was something to do with the tax breaks apparently

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:33:40 PM CDT

    Karl Malden Was Awesome in Meteor

    by kevinwillis.net

    He was in a zillion movies. Great in all of them. But Google 'pollyanna sermon' or search for it on YouTube. Love that sermon: "Death Comes Unexpectedly!"

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:34:23 PM CDT

    Baby Doll!

    by alfred_packer

    Eli Wallach eating chicken and drinking lemonade out of the pitcher while riding the hobby horse is one of my favorite moments in cinema.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:34:43 PM CDT

    Mollie Sugden? Nothing Against Mollie . . .

    by kevinwillis.net

    But if she gets a TalkBack, and still no mention of McMahon, I'll start posting bits of McMahon's bio all through the Sugden post.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:35:01 PM CDT

    6 months of the year left the reapers not finished

    by aclockworkkebab

    lots of legends and non entities getting nervous right about now, Loved karl Malden, but my gran was huge fan, v upset she is, you cant buy a face like that.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:37:46 PM CDT

    The West Wing

    by kefrif

    He was excellent a few years back as Jed Bartlett's priest in the West Wing episode "Take This Sabbath Day" - all about POTUS ordering the execution of a criminal. He will indeed be missed, and DAMN he lasted well!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:38:04 PM CDT

    Crow3711

    by yackbacker

    I'm sorry for your loss. Hang in there, that's what your friend would want you to do.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:41:18 PM CDT

    My favorite Malden role was probably Gen. Bradley

    by yackbacker

    It wasn't a complex role, Coppola wrote Gen. Omar Bradley as a pragmatic foil for the insane Gen. Patton, but Malden was both easygoing and authoritative- he was always credible as a military leader in that role. PATTON gets better each time I watch it, and I'm not a war buff or anything like that- as a movie it just works on all levels. And Malden is a huge part of that success. RIP.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:42:25 PM CDT

    R.I.P. to Streetcar's Gentleman Caller

    by zombieheathledger

    Geez, 2009's Summer of Death claims another...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:43:32 PM CDT

    my mom dated him a while back...

    by no-no

    ... before my dad. When I was a kid, I was frightened at the possibility he could have been my father. That's my little Karl Malden story.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:43:38 PM CDT

    he was still alive?

    by warde

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:44:06 PM CDT

    adios, Selukovich.

    by ironic_name

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:44:47 PM CDT

    fuck off merrick

    by warde

    banning cunthair

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:45:09 PM CDT

    RE:Crow3711

    by ingeld

    I too am sorry for your loss. We should all keep in mind celebrities don't die. People die. And they die from the same things we all do: natural causes, old age, accidents, or our own excesses. When we mourn for celebrities we are really mourning the loss of our own past, but when we mourn for a close friend we are mourning for a life.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:50:35 PM CDT

    Coulda sworn he died in '92

    by metalmickey

    When Eli Wallach goes, I'm gonna fuckin' lose it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:51:57 PM CDT

    "Never leave home without taking a bite outta crime."

    by ebonic_plague


    RIP Karl Malden. At first I read the headline wrong, and thought Karl Malone had died. But at least Malden lived a long, full life. Did he actually do the voice for McGruff, or was that just a good approximation of his voice? I never knew. And I'm glad to see that this obit hasn't yet been polluted by the usual talkbackers who only want to condescendingly chastise everyone for having the gall to actually want to pay their respects to the deceased.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:52:45 PM CDT

    Dear Karl, Movielovers will miss your nose

    by axel fff

    you were a great character actor, too.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:53:23 PM CDT

    Anybody Have Him in a Dead Pool?

    by kevinwillis.net

    I wouldn't even have thought of him. But he was hanging in there. Almost made it to 100. Close, but no cigar.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:54:02 PM CDT

    dont fucking say Eli Wallach!

    by warde

    One of my favorite actors. TUCO IS IMMORTAL

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:54:06 PM CDT

    also really like his little West Wing appearance

    by basehead

    that was a great subtle performance. RIP my man

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:54:22 PM CDT

    bum... bum... bum...

    by hb_dad

    ...another one bites the dust! :-(

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:55:35 PM CDT

    Crow3711

    by clarencebeaks

    Sorry about your loss.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:55:37 PM CDT

    One-Eyed Jacks

    by continentalop

    My favorite Malden performance.
    Least favorite: Nuts. What the hell was he and Leslie Nielsen doing in that movie? (And Nielsen might very well be the next one).

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:57:09 PM CDT

    speaking of eli wallach

    by aclockworkkebab

    the good the bad and the ugly is on british tv as we speak about half way through, the man is honest to goodness genius

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:57:24 PM CDT

    Not to be unkind...

    by raymar

    But I just assumed he had died in the 70s or something.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 4:57:48 PM CDT

    Malden was one of the greats.

    by clarencebeaks

    Other actors and actresses could learn quite a bit from his work. Sorry to hear about this. One real talent.RIP

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:00:12 PM CDT

    Seinfeld

    by fuck_you_george_lucas

    I'm surprised no one mentioned his involvement in Seinfeld. He was great. RIP

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:06:11 PM CDT

    Boys this guy was a great actor.

    by sal_bando

    Thanks for those clips too-Good stuff all the way around. Lee J Cobb was a beast wasn't he? Quite a great movie that one. And Streets of San Francisco-another one of those Numerous Cannon/Kojak/Baretta cop flicks of the mid-70's. Don't think I've ever really watched it save here and there. Sam Jaffe? very cool.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:08:17 PM CDT

    Oh no shit-Mrs Slocumbe?

    by sal_bando

    A month or so after Missus Brahms went! Dang! the reaper SUX. Walter Cronkite's next.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:17:45 PM CDT

    Still no Ed McMahon Talkback!

    by drunkenbusboy

    Come on guys! Make it right! Bring peace to the Universe and create a Ed McMahon Talkback! The man deserves one! Oh Yeah! R.I.P. Mr. Malden!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:17:46 PM CDT

    OTWF

    by sokitome

    He was fucking fantastic in On the Waterfront...RIP

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:17:54 PM CDT

    I think I'll roll Cincinnati Kid tonight..

    by alfred_packer

    Good 'ol Shooter, and Ann-Margaret looking totally scrumptious. Woof! (Spoiler: I still think he caves way too easily to the blackmailer guy) Edward G is great in that too, but if'n I see him onscreen, then I'll have go and put Key Largo in next.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:19:01 PM CDT

    Huh, thought he died years ago.

    by zardozap2005

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:19:44 PM CDT

    ZOMBIE VIGODA will outlive you ALL!!!

    by zardozap2005

    You know it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:20:34 PM CDT

    Also Today Harve Presnell died

    by jinxo

    Old time movie guy, most known to younger folks today as William H. Macey's father-in-law in Fargo, the old man he's trying to get money out of.

    At this point I think it might be simpler to keep track of what celebrities are still alive.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:21:58 PM CDT

    Where's the V love?

    by stovetopstuffin'

    That was the first thing I ever saw him in, so I always saw him as a lizard man. Even on Seinfeld.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:23:16 PM CDT

    no-no

    by codymr

    Wow really? That is a fun story.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:23:31 PM CDT

    He wasn't on Seinfeld, you dopes

    by gavdiggity

    That's Richard Herd.
    Your pennace is to watch The Cincinnati Kid tonight.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:26:14 PM CDT

    Man fuck this shit!

    by thegreathomsar

    Malden was the MAN. After "On the Waterfront" and "Patton" I'm convinced he was one of the most underrated actors of his generation. This blows. Fuckin' death. >:-/

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:26:38 PM CDT

    gavdiggity

    by fuck_you_george_lucas

    Shit you're right. They do look similar.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:27:17 PM CDT

    Aint it Obit news

    by lockesbrokenleg

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:27:50 PM CDT

    RIP-Malden was great.

    by i am the most horrible

    You never saw him and Golda Meir in the same room.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:28:56 PM CDT

    Wow.

    by i am the most horrible

    RIP Harve Presnell too. Drag!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:29:27 PM CDT

    My condolences, Crow3711

    by woodman

    R.I.P. Mr. Malden

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:32:36 PM CDT

    We will miss ye Karl

    by orcus

    This is the closest we've come to a respectful tb. May it not turn into Ain't it Cruel News

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:33:45 PM CDT

    FUCK_YOU_GEORGE_LUCAS

    by codymr

    Did you mean Richard Herd?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Herd

    I don't think Malden appeared on Seinfeld.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:37:10 PM CDT

    I'M CALLING OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND AS THE NEXT TO SNUFF IT!!!

    by charlesthomasmathews1978

    She was born in 1916 in Tokyo Japan!?!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:38:49 PM CDT

    Anyone notice the amount of respect that people get...

    by itsjust_notcool_anymore_baby

    especially celebrities when it comes to the subject of death is ridiculous on the fucking internet? It gets all muddled 10X over until it becomes nothing more than the next asshole's fucking joke. I seen 'On the Waterfront' for the first time about a year ago and I recognize him as the priest from that. He had that one scene in particular on the boat that I remember being a great delivery. R.I.P. Mr. Malden.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:40:13 PM CDT

    Streets of San Francisco

    by cylon_conspiracy

    I've always known "of" Malden but the last year I've been watching Streets of San Francisco on DVD and this is how I was introduced to his real acting ability (I vaguely remember his American Express commercials).

    That show holds up extremely well, because Malden's character is extremely likable and you wish all old school cops were exactly like him. Frankly, I assumed he was already dead, because even on that show he was up there in years.

    IF you haven't seen Streets of San Francisco, check it out. Great show, great acting.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:41:01 PM CDT

    Richard Herd & Karl Malden

    by fuck_you_george_lucas

    The resemblance is uncanny. Just sayin.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:41:05 PM CDT

    I SUCK COCK_S!!!

    by one_guy_from_andromeda_

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:42:11 PM CDT

    DAMMIT LEE MAJORS JUST DIED!!!

    by lockesbrokenleg

    SHIT! LEEE!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:43:13 PM CDT

    StovetopStuffin'

    by codymr

    Like FUCK_YOU_GEORGE_LUCAS, I think you are thinking of Richard Herd:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Herd

    Both actors are physically similar and have a similar cadence and pitch to their voices.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:44:06 PM CDT

    Not Mollie Sugden aswell

    by kevin_costners_recycled_piss

    I was a bridesmaid at her wedding.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:46:38 PM CDT

    GYPSY

    by larry of arabia

    He was great as Herbie in the movie version of Gypsy, and his final role in The West Wing was brilliant. He had a great range and will be missed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:47:10 PM CDT

    codymr

    by stovetopstuffin'

    Yep, you're right. You know, I was even saying to myself "I didn't think that was the guy's name, but that's clearly him". You know, I remember seeing those ads when I was a kid and thinking it was the same guy even. Weird.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:49:14 PM CDT

    YEAH THATS SO WEIRD HOW AN ACTOR CAN

    by lockesbrokenleg

    be in a commercial. God, what a shithead.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:49:44 PM CDT

    One Helluva Run

    by liberty valance

    97 years is an extraordinary life for anyone, and old Karl seemed to get the most out of it. Exceptional acting skill, fame, genuine class and longevity. 4th of July weekend sounds like a perfect time to celebrate his life by popping Patton in the DVD player. Rest in peace Mr. Malden, and thanks for the great performances...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:54:23 PM CDT

    KEVIN JONAS JUST GOT ENGAGED!!

    by lockesbrokenleg

    millions of teenage girls weep.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:54:28 PM CDT

    AND ABE VIGODA KEEPS LAUGHING...

    by shaneo632

    RIP Malden

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:54:35 PM CDT

    Gary, Indiana?

    by cherryvalance

    Okay maybe Death got the wrong guy the first time. You're supposed to live to be really old like this.

    My condolences go out to his family. He had a great career. I think he stayed close with Michael Douglas too. So my condolences to him as well.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:55:11 PM CDT

    Eva Marie Saint, Kim Novak, and Tippi Hedren

    by axel fff

    are all still alive. I'd say Hitchcock had something to do with it, except that Grace Kelly died in 1982. Fuck, she was hot in Rear Window.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:58:00 PM CDT

    Don't go joking about the Bionic Man

    by jinxo

    I can't take the 6 Mill Man dropping too. Don't go joking about the fall of The Fall Guy.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:58:17 PM CDT

    DAVID LETTERMAN YOU'RE NEXT!! PEOPLE FROM INDIANA

    by lockesbrokenleg

    are dropping like flies.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 5:59:21 PM CDT

    Reaper wasn't renewed...

    by art123guy

    ...now, Hollywood must pay!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 6:06:08 PM CDT

    Christ I didn't even know he was STILL alive.

    by pixelsmack

    97..jesus...this is how Sean Connery is gonna go. Nearly faded from our minds in the future and he'll be in his 90s, out of acting for nearly 15 years. So sad. Same with Gene Hackman.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 6:09:03 PM CDT

    General Omar Bradley

    by logan_1973

    is who he'll always be to me. RIP sir...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 6:16:52 PM CDT

    heaven is a bit more solid & dependable tonight

    by madcanada

    Karl was a great, great actor. An actor's actor. Can you think of anyone today who could fill his shoes? I'm thinking either nobody, or John C. Reilly. That turn in "Magnolia" kind of reminded me of Malden.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 6:17:39 PM CDT

    My condolences Crow3711

    by growltiger

  • Jul 01, 2009 6:18:47 PM CDT

    He wrote a good memoir

    by drewlicious

    It's called "When Do I Start?" Pretty good stuff.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 6:25:21 PM CDT

    RIP Harve Presnell

    by growltiger

    He was great in Fargo, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, and Paint Your Wagon. He had a great voice. What a great talent.

    He was probably better known to Broadway audiences. RIP.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 6:25:59 PM CDT

    MALDEN NOSE FUCKED KIDS

    by warde

    NASAL RAPING BASTARD. it was info to be revealed by his estate after his death.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 6:27:17 PM CDT

    guys this is teh beginning of another set of THREE

    by warde

    hold on to your vaginas guys! we're in for more celeb purges.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 6:31:34 PM CDT

    Christopher Lee the next to get shitcanned

    by warde

    after getting knighted his life is complete to go in the grave complete with his dracula cape just like lugosi.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 6:31:42 PM CDT

    Harv Presnell

    by drewlicious

    I was watching Face/Off last night and there he was.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 6:33:22 PM CDT

    Gen. Bradley: what a performance!

    by growltiger

    I had seen On the Waterfront and A Streetcar Named Desire before, but it is the Bradley role that I remember best.

    I think the contrast he offered to Scott's Patton made the movie.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 6:34:47 PM CDT

    Another swing of the sythe

    by datoman413

    WTF is it this year, anyway? I thought 2008 was ringing up some huge numbers, but '09 is getting ridiculous...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 6:38:37 PM CDT

    Sean Connery Is Next!

    by frodo t. baggins

    just placing bets here...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 6:39:46 PM CDT

    Where is my Fred Travelena talkback?

    by landosystem

    People will do anything for money...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 6:40:43 PM CDT

    First saw Malden in Patton

    by ucb agent1

    When I was young I saw Patton and loved both Malden and Scott. Then in college I saw Streetcar and On the Waterfront. Malden was terrific in all of them. He lived a great, long life. RIP

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 6:50:03 PM CDT

    He wasn't already dead?

    by indycollector

    Hm. Who knew?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 6:50:49 PM CDT

    BOB EVANS,,,

    by mennen

    sadly, he's next.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 7:00:17 PM CDT

    Grim Reaper Gotta Eat!

    by davidduchovneys_wandering_cock

  • Jul 01, 2009 7:02:13 PM CDT

    RIP, one of the ABSOLUTE BEST!

    by quantize

    Loved him in everything...westerns..Streets of San Fran...you name it, the guy was a CLASS ACT

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 7:04:07 PM CDT

    A QUINN MARTIN PRODUCTION

    by sir loin

    Karl was great. The grandparents watched "The Streets of San Francisco" and "Cannon" every week, they sure don't make show intros like they used to. RIP, Karl.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 7:05:31 PM CDT

    Hey Frodo!

    by the true pinback

    Fuck you...I hope Sean Connery finds you and beats you into a bloody pulp. Here's to Sir Sean outliving you!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 7:07:23 PM CDT

    Alan Smithee is next!

    by snomusic

    The only person I could think of suggesting without being tasteless.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 7:08:20 PM CDT

    Harve Presnell was awesome in FARGO

    by zombieheathledger

    And had a GREAT voice in THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 7:10:38 PM CDT

    Patton

    by ratfarts

    Patton is one of my favorite movies...even though I own the DVD I still watch in on TV every Memorial Day. I'm not sure if anybody mentioned it, but I think his wife is still alive, and they got married in like 1939!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 7:11:11 PM CDT

    Mr Malden

    by sminkypinky

    Thank you. One hell of an age to live to and a superb legacy.

    Sleep well.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 7:14:11 PM CDT

    didnt Malden disembowel a Muppet on live TV??

    by six demon bag

    happened during the 70s. i think it shivved Scooter or Beaker or such. no? must have been a wicked fever dream

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 7:26:47 PM CDT

    Cleese

    by sminkypinky

    While willingly sweeping away from any geek bull, it's possible you may be thinking about John Cleese pulling Gonzo's legs out from his body,

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 7:36:03 PM CDT

    BEAKS and MERRICK...

    by mr. nice gaius

    ...you guys should really take into consideration the slew of assholes who troll this obit TBs and fucking do something about it. AICN's credibility is seemingly lessened everyday and the kind of BS that is allowed to continue in a thread like this is a shame. Just a suggestion fellas.RIP Karl. You were a class act, sir. And I miss those Johnny Carson jokes about your nose.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 7:39:20 PM CDT

    Wow, I thought he died long ago.

    by cotton mcknight

    What a remarkable career! Godspeed, Mr. Malden, thanks for the memories.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 7:52:13 PM CDT

    He's always Gen. Omar Bradley from Patton to me!!!

    by dogmatic

    He was great in that role! :)

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 7:56:25 PM CDT

    Ugly actors

    by marcspector

    Once upon time, actors were interesting. They didn't have to be pretty. We can all appreciate a pretty face but where is the Karl Malden, Jack Klugman, or Ernest Bourgnine of the modern age? Can an actor that looks like Malden make it anymore?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 8:00:45 PM CDT

    How The West Was Won...

    by marshal_lannes

    Always loved his turn as the farmer travelling to the West. His telling of the story about farming rocks is a classic...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 8:00:47 PM CDT

    Now I'm sad

    by roninredshade

    Yeah, we lost someone special here. Where is the talent today to match all that we lost in the last year or two?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 8:07:28 PM CDT

    American Express is now fucked.

    by doctorzoidberg

    Malden carried those bastards.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 8:10:47 PM CDT

    Karl Malden

    by dancetothebeatofthelivingdead

    Probably more than any other actor or actress ever, Malden had the undeniable bad luck of being the incredible supporting role to countless iconic performances. I mean, come on, Brando in Streetcar AND Waterfront. Steve McQueen in Cincinnati, George C. Scott in Patton, even Hayley fucking Mills in Pollyanna for Christ's sakes. Yet, when you look through his filmography, you come to realize that he was a huge helping hand in making all of those roles iconic. Malden seemed to be an actor's actor and it shows in all of his roles by how easily all other actors play off of him. Let's face it, no one ever wants to admit it, but the truth is 9 out of 10 actors back in the day were fucking god-awful, just absolutely fucking horrendous. Malden wasn't and brought out the great actor in everyone who shared the frame with him. What else could you ask for? And that nose...what a great nose!!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 8:11:48 PM CDT

    RIP Mr. Malden.

    by jacksack

    Loved him in Patton.

    We should all be so lucky to die at the age of 97 in our sleep... and not like the screaming passengers in his car... badda-dump... thank you... I'm here all week.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 8:13:26 PM CDT

    marcspecter

    by dancetothebeatofthelivingdead

    Well, there is still a little bit of room for the Buscemi's and Giamattis. Even today, studios will put an ugly man up on screen because of Karl's nose. RIP!!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 8:17:08 PM CDT

    dancetothebeatofthelivingdead

    by marcspector

    Good point.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 8:17:11 PM CDT

    We were just talking about ON THE WATERFRONT

    by bobjustbob

    Great movie. Great performance. RIP Mr. Malden.
    And condolences to CROW3711. I hope you are well.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 8:22:17 PM CDT

    Yer Yella. Ya Ain't Got the Guts!!!

    by tinkertiw

    What an evil bastard in NEVADA SMITH. Anyway, always loved Malden since I first saw him in the original Cinerama presentation of HOW THE WEST WAS WON when I was a kid. When I moved to LA he was president of the Motion Picture Academy and would seemingly be at every program, always with a warm introduction to start the evening. If you love movies, this is a sad day. RIP, Mr. Malden.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 8:23:20 PM CDT

    Harve Presnell has passed too...

    by bobjustbob

    Loved him the THE BIG LEBOWSKI(sp)

    http://www.msnbc. msn.com/id/31687036/ns/ entertainment- celebrities/

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 8:23:45 PM CDT

    karl malden was great in everything he did...

    by andyny29

    but i liked his general bradley in Patton the best. So good as a counterpoint to george c scott.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 8:24:13 PM CDT

    Sorry. Didn't see the other mentions of H Presnell

    by bobjustbob

  • Jul 01, 2009 8:27:53 PM CDT

    And I meant FARGO. Doh!

    by bobjustbob

  • Jul 01, 2009 8:41:35 PM CDT

    Olivia de Havilland is Still Alive

    by kevinwillis.net

    It's cool to think that Melanie Hamilton Wilkes from Gone With the Wind--such an awesome movie, I love that film--is still with us. If only Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh were still with us. Poor Vivien died in 1967, at the age of 53 . . . of tuberculosis!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 8:54:02 PM CDT

    HOLY SHIT! OLD PEOPLE ARE DYING!

    by galactic

  • Jul 01, 2009 8:54:41 PM CDT

    Fred Travalena Died June 28th

    by kevinwillis.net

    Of cancer. He also appeared in the series premiere of the short-lived 1991 sitcom "Good Sports" with Ryan O'Neal and Farrah Fawcett. And Farrah Fawcett died just 3 days earlier, on June 25th, also of cancer.I just got a chill.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 9:03:09 PM CDT

    Harve Presnell also was on many tv shows..

    by dogrobber

    ...if I remember correctly he was also on 'The Pretender' and 'Andy Barker, P.I.', among others.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 9:04:54 PM CDT

    Subtitles_Off

    by mr. nice gaius

    This is AICN, right?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 9:06:22 PM CDT

    KinderTrauma's take on this....

    by anna valerious

    "OK God, we get it."

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 9:08:17 PM CDT

    Loved him in Patton

    by drdoom_v

    Great actor, RIP Carl.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 9:08:22 PM CDT

    Karl Malden=Fucking Professional!

    by conspiracy

    When I was a kid we never left home without Amex travelers and always watched Streets of San Francisco.
    RIP good sir.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 9:22:55 PM CDT

    Don't forget Beyond the Posideon Adventure.

    by otm shank

    Of course Streets of San Francisco. Great fucking theme music.
    R.I.P sir.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 9:39:04 PM CDT

    Blind guy in Argento's Cat 'O Nine Tails

    by samuel fulmer

    Goodbye Cookie.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 9:42:19 PM CDT

    Streets of San Francisco

    by growltiger

    Must see back in the day.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 10:34:34 PM CDT

    Abe's not laughing anymore, now he's scared

    by my_iq_is_135

    Why shouldn't he be, Karl was 10 yrs. older than him. This proves even the ugly and pruny Abe Vigoda is vulnerable.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 10:46:30 PM CDT

    FUCK THIS GUY! THE KING OF POP....

    by charger26

    ...I mean pedophiles just died! Let's have a moment of silence for all the little lives he ruined and all the little buttholes he tore. LONG LIVE MICHAEL BAY!!!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 10:47:23 PM CDT

    AND FUCK HARRY JOWELS!

    by charger26

  • Jul 01, 2009 11:04:32 PM CDT

    Thanks for the Support Everyone

    by crow3711

    It's truly very much appreciated.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 11:09:01 PM CDT

    How are they gonna dim the lights on Broadway?

    by paulloch

    which is what's done when one of there own dies. Are they going to make it extra dim, or do it twice?

    Both Harve and Karl had extensive bway credits along with film and movies. (Harve was great as Daddy Warbucks back in the day, and of course Karl was legendary in everything from Streetcar to Gypsy, which he reprised in film) I don't know if two bway stars ever died on the same day like this.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 11:10:30 PM CDT

    best nose since durante

    by bacci40

  • Jul 01, 2009 11:15:39 PM CDT

    was also brilliant in birdman of alcatraz

    by bacci40

    he always played a great heavy when he wanted to good character actors are hard to find

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 11:20:08 PM CDT

    Admiral Paris is dead!?!

    by billyeveryteen

    He did other stuff, 'sides Voyager?I keed, because I love.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 11:27:55 PM CDT

    Yeah big deal. Doubt he ever had his hands down a boys pants

    by ebertsfatthumb

    RIP Karl. A very good actor.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 11:44:51 PM CDT

    GEORGE LUCAS JUST DIED

    by supercowbell5thecowbellhasspoken

    he just relized how badly he fucked up star wars and suffered a massive heart attack. he also likes little boys.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 01, 2009 11:52:18 PM CDT

    WHO'S WITH ME?

    by charger26

  • Jul 01, 2009 11:53:01 PM CDT

    AND MICHAEL JACKSON SHOULD HAVE RUN A DAYCARE

    by charger26

  • Jul 01, 2009 11:59:31 PM CDT

    SPOCK JUST DIED!!! IN STAR TREK II, BUT HE CAME BACK

    by lockesbrokenleg

  • Jul 02, 2009 12:08:30 AM CDT

    Rest in Peace.

    by travis-dane

  • Jul 02, 2009 12:31:07 AM CDT

    LADY GAGA KILLED MY ERECTION BUT LAURA PREPON RESTORED IT!

    by charlesthomasmathews1978

  • Jul 02, 2009 12:34:54 AM CDT

    What a sad week

    by beefywhore

  • Jul 02, 2009 12:36:04 AM CDT

    What a sad week

    by beefywhore

    I probably watched Pollyanna 100 times when I was a kid....yeah I watched Pollyanna! What of it!?!?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 12:42:22 AM CDT

    This site will SHUT DOWN when Abe Vigoda dies..

    by vic twenty

    and rightfully so.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 12:43:49 AM CDT

    Of course, Abe Vigoda is not scheduled to die until 2012.

    by vic twenty

    So says the Mayan calander. Then the eternal man will run out of days.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 1:47:57 AM CDT

    Karl was really good in Cincinnati Kid

    by lockesbrokenleg

    Very underrated Steve McQueen movie. Entire movie takes place in one room like Casino Royale.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 2:18:49 AM CDT

    Cinema lost a great nose

    by anything but tangerines

  • Jul 02, 2009 2:29:05 AM CDT

    Damm

    by youngdog

    A Streetcar Named DesireOn The WaterfrontBaby DollHow the West Was WonPattonMeteorThe Streets of mutherfuckin' San FranciscoOne of those actors that seemed to be in almost every decent old fim on TV when I was growing up - what a legend.And in the UK we lost Mollie Sugden tooSad fuckin' day

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 2:42:39 AM CDT

    Asimov Lives!!!

    by righteousbrother

    Eli Wallach's performance in The good the bad and the ugly - is probably my favorite acting performance ever. There's so much nuance in it. Awesome.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 3:50:58 AM CDT

    "THIS IS MY CHURCH!!"

    by benbraddock

    Great, great stuff! Still gives me goosebumps. Nice work Karl; so long

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 4:19:14 AM CDT

    All these celebrities dying...

    by scratchmonkey

    ...it's just some kind of viral marketing for 'The Final Destination', right?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 4:23:02 AM CDT

    Oh I LOVED him in Patton

    by mr gorilla

    Love and condolences to family.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 5:27:58 AM CDT

    Peace to Karl, and the woman who

    by dingbatty

    played Mrs. Slocombe in Are You Being Served?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 7:29:07 AM CDT

    Saw Patton last week

    by zapano

    he was excellent in it. One of the greatest American actors of all time

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 7:39:19 AM CDT

    Cue thelordof hell

    by grammaton cleric binks

    Also, that purple haired lady from Are You Being Served just dies. I never watched the show on reruns in the states, but you can't help not know who she was.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 7:40:20 AM CDT

    And rename Asteroids to Meteor

    by grammaton cleric binks

    in honor of Malden. And no, I don't give a damn that they're two different types of space objects.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 8:05:16 AM CDT

    Thanks imdb.... any excuse to mention michael...

    by boo-urns

    "Oscar winner Karl Malden has died at his home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, three years shy of his 100th birthday. The Streets of San Francisco star was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1912 and raised in Gary, Indiana - coincidentally the birthplace of Michael Jackson, who died last week."

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 8:19:29 AM CDT

    Fatal Vision

    by william munny

    Malden played Alfred Kassab in the TV adaptation of "Fatal Vision" - the story of Captain Jeffery MacDonald, a marine medical doctor who was convicted of killing his wife and 2 children. Malden played the step-father of the MacDonald's wife - and he played the part extremely well. Without his bulldog efforts - there never would have been a conviction of MacDonald - which is the entire point of this story. Great TV movie - if you can find it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 8:20:07 AM CDT

    Why did Karl Malden go to Wal-Mart?

    by verbage

    He heard that little boys' pants were half-off.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 8:27:07 AM CDT

    How many of you clowns....

    by verbage

    ...went to IMDB, looked up Karl Malden, and then came back here and was like, "I loved Karl in that episode 105 of Hill Street Blues where he played the subway killer, he was awesome." I don't buy most of your bullshit.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 8:39:09 AM CDT

    he's in alot of fav stuff

    by doc_hudson

    And he will be missed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 8:54:56 AM CDT

    POLLYANNA!!!

    by mara69

    And The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin, one of Disney's more forgetable efforts.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 9:40:31 AM CDT

    WHO?

    by dead_geek

  • Jul 02, 2009 10:14:15 AM CDT

    funniest part of rewatching Streets of SF on TVLand

    by rkdn

    Malden to Douglas: "so, when are you gonna get me the number of your tailor?" as he adjusts his pencil-thin tie.
    And Douglas is standing there in a tie as wide as a lobster bib and jacket lapels as big as the fenders on a 1957 Chevy Bel Air with big brown patches on the elbows.
    And you look around today, and every man is dressed like Detective Stone now. Detective Stone didn't hook onto every fad and fasion - he knew what was cool, and when the rest of the fashion world went bugnuts insane, he said, "fuck you, fashion industry. Im staying cool until cool comes back around." And by God, he was right and we did.
    R.I.P.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 10:16:23 AM CDT

    To all you pathetic geeks . . .

    by freedunit01

    . . . who either don't really know of an actor like Malden's work/history in the industry or more importantly can not refrain from inserting a slew of profanity and sly innuendo into a forum that is suppose to be in honor of such a talent -- you should be the ones getting it next. Talents such as Malden, Presnell and even Ms. Sugden deserve more respect than that.
    We mourn and are sadden by the death's of these celebrities because they were part of our lives thanks to their performances being captured on film and entering our homes via TV, DVD's etc.
    Frankly if you don't really know the person's work and therefore can not say anything good about their contributions to the medium, then either go spend some time wathcing what they've done or just keep your mouth shut!!

    Heaven will be enjoying some great performances this week, and the rains will continue hear as the angels weep.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 10:42:11 AM CDT

    freedunit01 says...

    by verbage

    ...that people who aren't familiar with Karl Malden's work should die next. So if your kids haven't seen The Birdman of Alcatraz, freedunit01 wants them to get lymphoma and kick the bucket.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 11:51:36 AM CDT

    StovetopStuffin

    by youngdog

    Thats the thing, he wasn't actually in V. I have the same delusion - I posted it up at the remake TB.I could have SWORN that Karl Marlden was in V. All the time growing up and believing that same creased up wrinkled face that paired up with a young Michael Douglas on Streets could be ripped off at any moment exposing the hideous lizard overlord beneath.And then I look it up and he ain't there.Fuck

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 11:52:18 AM CDT

    supercowbell5THECOWBELLHASSPOKEN

    by fuck_you_george_lucas

    Don't tease me.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 12:43:25 PM CDT

    HE USED TO STICK THAT SCHNOZ INTO....

    by titbag

    ....ANGIE DICKENSON'S PRETTY LITTLE ASSHOLE.



    TRUE STORY, THAT.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 1:36:51 PM CDT

    HARVE PRESNELL

    by series7

    We will miss you as well.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 1:45:25 PM CDT

    classic!

    by oisin5199

    Now that's a resume to be proud of. Mostly thanks to Malden, Mitch has always been an essential part of Streetcar. Challenged the audience by demonstrating that even the 'nice guys' have a bit of Stanley in them. And yeah, I grew up with him all over the television in the 70s. Mr. Malden, we salute you.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 2:11:22 PM CDT

    @ lockesbrokenleg

    by gavdiggity

    RE- The Cincinnati Kid: it ALL takes place in one room? I think you should go back and watch it again...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 2:57:27 PM CDT

    Well, he does wak outside once or twice

    by lockesbrokenleg

  • Jul 02, 2009 3:51:10 PM CDT

    RE: Beyond The Poseidon Adventure

    by airwarrior

    Karl was the only good thing about that movie. He classed up a crap project. RIP, Karl, you will be missed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 5:44:37 PM CDT

    Hey freedunit01....

    by dead_geek

    ... there is no Heaven.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 02, 2009 7:58:58 PM CDT

    Mrs. Slocombe has also died.

    by scriptgirl_nipples

  • Jul 03, 2009 2:43:39 AM CDT

    You people are NUTS! Malden was HORRIBLE in PATTON!!!

    by bob cryptonight

    Haven't any of you ever notice how much he is always SMILING in his scenes!? I can't watch the movie without laughing. Even George C. Scott admitted that Malden was bad in the role. Otherwise, though, the guy was aces. I wish STREETS OF SAN FRAN would show up more on tv.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 03, 2009 6:39:43 AM CDT

    its like a cat...

    by maxdembo

  • Jul 03, 2009 6:41:00 AM CDT

    its like a cat...

    by maxdembo

    with nice tails.

    lets not forget him in Argento's cat o'nine tails. ive samples of him in that movie quite a lot, one track being a pure remix of the theme :)

    love a bit of karl.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 03, 2009 8:34:49 AM CDT

    BEST... NOSE... EVER..!

    by workshed

    It's a close thing with Jimmy Durante and Sid James. Loved this man's acting, especially in Kazan's early movies. The most natural of all the method actors and he left a great legacy of films for us to view again and again. And he was GREAT in Patton - I've never forgotten it because I was nine and I had terrible chicken pox at the time. You don't get actors of his calibre cast anymore simply because the casting directors go on 'good looks' and not talent. RIP Mr. Malden. What a life.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Jul 06, 2009 6:03:08 PM CDT

    Verbage has sex w/ little dogs.

    by sal_bando

    You know it's true.

    Reply to Talkback

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