Karl Malden, mentor to Michael Douglas, dies at 97
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.
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.