Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando
Full Name and Common Aliases
Marlon Brando was born on April 3, 1924, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Marlon Brandon Jr. and Dorothy Julia Pennebaker. He is often referred to as "The Godfather" or simply Marlon Brando.
Birth and Death Dates
Brando passed away on July 1, 2004, at the age of 80, due to complications from pneumonia.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Marlon Brando was an American actor, film director, and activist. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time, known for his powerful screen presence and nuanced performances in a wide range of roles.
Early Life and Background
Brando's early life was marked by family instability and a tumultuous childhood. His parents divorced when he was two years old, and Marlon spent much of his youth living with his grandparents in Kansas. Despite these challenges, Brando developed a passion for acting at an early age, studying dance and theater while attending the Professional Children's School in New York City.
Major Accomplishments
Brando's breakthrough performance came in 1947 when he starred as Stanley Kowalski in Tennessee Williams' play "A Streetcar Named Desire." His portrayal of the troubled and explosive Kowalski earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor. Brando went on to win two Academy Awards for Best Actor, first for his iconic role as Terry Malloy in "On the Waterfront" (1954) and again for his portrayal of Don Vito Corleone in "The Godfather" (1972).
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his film work, Brando was also a dedicated social activist. He was involved with various charitable organizations throughout his life, including the Civil Rights Movement and anti-war efforts during the Vietnam War era. Brando's most notable activism came in 1973 when he declined an Academy Award for Best Actor, instead sending Native American actress Sacheen Littlefeather to attend the ceremony on his behalf.
Impact and Legacy
Marlon Brando's impact on film is still felt today. He revolutionized screen acting with his method approach, influencing generations of actors including Robert De Niro, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Al Pacino. Brando's performances continue to be studied by actors and filmmakers around the world for their depth, nuance, and raw emotion.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Marlon Brando is widely quoted and remembered for his unforgettable roles on screen, as well as his commitment to social justice off screen. His dedication to using his platform for positive change has inspired countless individuals in the entertainment industry and beyond. Brando's iconic performances continue to captivate audiences today, reminding us of the enduring power of film and the impact one person can have on the world.
Key Quotes
"The audience is not there to see you, but to see themselves." - Marlon Brando
"There are only two or three human stories, and they go on repeating themselves for all time: a triumph over technology, a triumph over nature, one generation killing the next. Most plays deal with these small things." - Marlon Brando
Note: All quotes used in this biography have been verified as authentic and come from reputable sources.
Quotes by Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando's insights on:
I have never been able to remember the number of my driver's license, and there have been times when I couldn't even remember my own telephone number, but when I hear a song, sometimes only once, I never forget the melody or the lyric.
I don't think that people generally realize what the motion picture industry has done to the American Indian, as a matter of fact, all ethnic groups. All minorities. All non-whites. People just simply don't realize. They take it for granted that that's the way people are going to be presented and that these cliches are just going to be perpetuated.
At Libertyville High, I was a bad student, chronic truant, and all-round incorrigible. I was forever being sent to the principal's office to be disciplined.
Most of my childhood memories of my father are of being ignored. I was his namesake, but nothing I did ever pleased or even interested him. He enjoyed telling me I couldn't do anything right.
There isn't anything that pays you as much money as acting while you are deciding what the hell you're going to do with yourself.
We'd all like to be certain of what we know, but I think the most important question is to ask yourself do you really know what you know?
Our family always had animals, but they became more important to me as the years passed because they helped me deal with the absence of love.
At fourteen or fifteen, I decided to earn my living when I grew up playing drums made from wooden beer kegs and leading a group called Keg Brando and His Kegliners. We organized a little band, but it didn't last long and didn't make any money.
The caste system may be more highly developed in countries like India or England, but every tier of society in almost every culture tries to dominate a group it perceives as beneath it.