Karl Malden: So Much More Than a Pretty Face (1912-2009)

Karl Malden was born in the windy city of Chicago almost a century ago on March 22, 1912. He stretched his life span almost as far a man can go when he lasted 97 very productive years. Karl Malden was not just another pretty face. He made the transition from stage acting to the movies and on to television and one would have to say he mastered all of the acting mediums in a profound way. He will always be  the actor most remembered in many movies, especially for his best supporting actor award in “A Street Car Named Desire”with Marlon Brando. He was outstanding on TV in the crime drama “The Streets of San Francisco” and in other TV roles. He entertained us mightily with his characterizations on the silver screen in “On the Waterfront” which earned another Oscar nomination. He played special roles in “Birdman of Alcatraz”, “The Cincinnati Kid”, and “Fear Strikes Out” featuring the story of the troubled baseball player, JimmyPearsall,  That was just a few of the strong roles he played in movies. As we inferred in the beginning Karl Malden was far from a pretty boy but at the same time he was one of the most talented actors that ever cast a shadow on Sunset Boulevard. We loved watching him, including his role for American Express where he said for 21 years in the commercial, “Don’t leave home without it”. He had a lot of staying power at doing whatever he did.  He was very appreciated and admired by movie critics and fans all over the world.  He will be greatly missed.