Sat, Nov 07 2009

Karl Malden, mentor to Michael Douglas, dies at 97

Thu, Jul 02 2009 11:19 CET byGabriel Hershman 2374 Views 5 Comments
Karl Malden, mentor to Michael Douglas, dies at 97

Actor Karl Malden accepts his Lifetime Achievement Award during the 10th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles California in this February 22, 2004 file photo.
Malden, best known for roles in films like A Streetcar Named Desire and On the Waterfront and the TV series The Streets of San Francisco, died on July 1 2009, aged 97, his agent said
Photo: Reuters

Veteran actor Karl Malden has died at his home in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles, aged 97.

Malden appeared alongside Marlon Brando in two of director Elia Kazan's classic films of the 1950s. He won the best supporting actor Oscar for A Streetcar Named Desire, released in 1951, and was nominated for his role as a priest crusading against crooked union bosses in the following year's On the Waterfront.

But it was television that gave Malden his most famous role, as Lieutenant Mike Stone in one of the best cop series of the 1970s - The Streets of San Francisco. A rip-roaring success, the show benefited not only from excellent performances but the fine panoramic on-location filming in the city itself.

In the show, which ran for five seasons, Malden was mentor and teacher to young rookie cop Steve Keller, played by Michael Douglas, in what was to prove the latter's launchpad to Hollywood stardom. 

Douglas acknowledged the considerable debt he owed to Malden during the making of the series. Such was the chemistry between the two leads that the show topped the ratings for several years. Although Malden was 60 years old when the series went into production, he performed with an energy and vigour that belied his years. When Douglas left the show, however, to be replaced by Richard Hatch, the show seemed to run out of steam.

Malden had also been best friends with Kirk Douglas, Michael's father, during their early days in Hollywood.

Malden's sincerity and conviction made him a target for advertisers. During the 1980s he became the spokesman for American Express, telling audiences "not to leave home without it". 

Malden's last role in film or television was in 2000 in the highly acclaimed first season episode of the The West Wing, entitled Take This Sabbath Day. Malden portrayed a Catholic priest and carried the same Bible he had used in On the Waterfront.

Comments

Anonymous Leslie Mon, Jul 06 2009 23:12 CET
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I watched "Streets" for Michael (I was 18 when it debuted) but came to appreciate Malden as well, and have made a point of trying to see all his films. he was great in them all, from "Pollyanna" to "How the West was Won," to "Hotel" and many others. Thanks Karl for being a great actor and helping the rather raw Douglas to become great too!

Anonymous Kristine Fri, Jul 03 2009 21:22 CET

This comment has been removed by the moderator because it contained .

Anonymous Gabriel Fri, Jul 03 2009 10:41 CET
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That's a nice story, Linda. Thanks for posting that.

Anonymous Tomica Petrovic Fri, Jul 03 2009 00:35 CET

This comment has been removed by the moderator because it contained .

Anonymous Tomica Petrovic Fri, Jul 03 2009 00:31 CET

This comment has been removed by the moderator because it contained .

Anonymous Julius Thu, Jul 02 2009 23:02 CET
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Lieutanent Mike Stone of SAn Fransisco is no more.
God rest his Soul.

Anonymous Linda Wickens Thu, Jul 02 2009 19:45 CET
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I was born raised and worked in San Francisco and was just began working as a secretary in an office that was on the San Francisco Waterfront in l974 and was lucky enough to watch Karl Malden filming in San Francisco when he was doing the Streets of San Francisco and he was so nice to me, as I would go out at lunch time and watch the various scenes being filmed along the water front, and he would always notice me.. there I was again looking on as he and Michael Douglas were filming and Mr Malden would always say "Hi there, glad to see you again" to me, he always said something nice if I were in the crowd watching"How am I doin red?" as he was walking off the scene or a nice wave and wink in my direction, he was so nice and just a pleasure to watch as an actor. Folks in the bay area are still watching "streets" every morning at ll am, and it is still a good show, long live Karl he was such a gracious gentleman, and made a young lady more of a fan of the movies and acting just by saying "Hi red"( I had auburn hair) and wow just made me feel like a stare as the on lookers around me, would look at me like, "hey you know Karl Malden?)
Linda Wickens

Anonymous Stephen Wright Thu, Jul 02 2009 15:36 CET
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Karl was such a great actor. To play Mike Stone he brought magic to my television in The Streets of San Francisco. Police drama at its best, it will live for eve! Thanks Karl God be with you.

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