William Holden

Acting

William Holden

Born April 17, 1918 · O'Fallon, Illinois, USA

Died November 12, 1981 · aged 63

William Holden was an American actor. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1953 and the Emmy Award for Best Actor in 1974. One of the biggest box office draws of the 1950s, he was named one of the "Top 10 Stars of the Year" six times (1954–1958, 1961) and appeared on the American Film Institute's AFI's 100 Years…100 Stars list as #25.

Known For

Sunset BoulevardSunset Boulevard · 1950
Sunset Boulevard
8.31950
MovieDrama
A hack screenwriter writes a screenplay for a former silent film star who has faded into Hollywood obscurity.
SabrinaSabrina · 1954
Sabrina
7.51954
MovieComedyRomance
After two years in Paris, chauffeur's daughter Sabrina returns home elegantly transformed and immediately catches the attention of David, the playboy son of her father's rich employers. David woos and wins Sabrina, who has always been in love with him, however their romance is threatened by David's serious older brother Linus, who runs the family business and is relying on David to marry an heiress in order for a crucial merger to take place.
Casino RoyaleCasino Royale · 1967
Casino Royale
5.31967
MovieAdventureAction
Sir James Bond is called back out of retirement to stop SMERSH. In order to trick SMERSH, James thinks up the ultimate plan - that every agent will be named 'James Bond'. One of the Bonds, whose real name is Evelyn Tremble is sent to take on Le Chiffre in a game of baccarat, but all the Bonds get more than they can handle.
NetworkNetwork · 1976
Network
7.81976
MovieDrama
When veteran anchorman Howard Beale is forced to retire his 25-year post because of his age, he announces to viewers that he will kill himself during his farewell broadcast. Network executives rethink their decision when his fanatical tirade results in a spike in ratings.
The Bridge on the River KwaiThe Bridge on the River Kwai · 1957
The Bridge on the River Kwai
7.81957
MovieDramaHistory
The classic story of English POWs in Burma forced to build a bridge to aid the war effort of their Japanese captors. British and American intelligence officers conspire to blow up the structure, but Col. Nicholson, the commander who supervised the bridge's construction, has acquired a sense of pride in his creation and tries to foil their plans.
The Wild BunchThe Wild Bunch · 1969
The Wild Bunch
7.61969
MovieWestern
An aging group of outlaws look for one last big score as the "traditional" American West is disappearing around them.
The Towering InfernoThe Towering Inferno · 1974
The Towering Inferno
7.01974
MovieActionDrama
At the opening party of a colossal—but poorly constructed—skyscraper, a massive fire breaks out, threatening to destroy the tower and everyone in it.
FedoraFedora · 1978
Fedora
6.71978
MovieDramaMystery
Down-on-his-luck Hollywood producer Barry 'Dutch' Detweiler attempts to lure Fedora, a famous but reclusive film actress, out of retirement, only to discover the horrifying truth behind her success.

Movies

Sunset BoulevardSunset Boulevard · 1950
Sunset Boulevard
8.31950
MovieDrama
A hack screenwriter writes a screenplay for a former silent film star who has faded into Hollywood obscurity.
SabrinaSabrina · 1954
Sabrina
7.51954
MovieComedyRomance
After two years in Paris, chauffeur's daughter Sabrina returns home elegantly transformed and immediately catches the attention of David, the playboy son of her father's rich employers. David woos and wins Sabrina, who has always been in love with him, however their romance is threatened by David's serious older brother Linus, who runs the family business and is relying on David to marry an heiress in order for a crucial merger to take place.
Casino RoyaleCasino Royale · 1967
Casino Royale
5.31967
MovieAdventureAction
Sir James Bond is called back out of retirement to stop SMERSH. In order to trick SMERSH, James thinks up the ultimate plan - that every agent will be named 'James Bond'. One of the Bonds, whose real name is Evelyn Tremble is sent to take on Le Chiffre in a game of baccarat, but all the Bonds get more than they can handle.
NetworkNetwork · 1976
Network
7.81976
MovieDrama
When veteran anchorman Howard Beale is forced to retire his 25-year post because of his age, he announces to viewers that he will kill himself during his farewell broadcast. Network executives rethink their decision when his fanatical tirade results in a spike in ratings.
The Bridge on the River KwaiThe Bridge on the River Kwai · 1957
The Bridge on the River Kwai
7.81957
MovieDramaHistory
The classic story of English POWs in Burma forced to build a bridge to aid the war effort of their Japanese captors. British and American intelligence officers conspire to blow up the structure, but Col. Nicholson, the commander who supervised the bridge's construction, has acquired a sense of pride in his creation and tries to foil their plans.
The Wild BunchThe Wild Bunch · 1969
The Wild Bunch
7.61969
MovieWestern
An aging group of outlaws look for one last big score as the "traditional" American West is disappearing around them.
The Towering InfernoThe Towering Inferno · 1974
The Towering Inferno
7.01974
MovieActionDrama
At the opening party of a colossal—but poorly constructed—skyscraper, a massive fire breaks out, threatening to destroy the tower and everyone in it.
FedoraFedora · 1978
Fedora
6.71978
MovieDramaMystery
Down-on-his-luck Hollywood producer Barry 'Dutch' Detweiler attempts to lure Fedora, a famous but reclusive film actress, out of retirement, only to discover the horrifying truth behind her success.
Damien - Omen IIDamien - Omen II · 1978
Damien - Omen II
6.41978
MovieHorrorThriller
Since the sudden and suspicious deaths of his parents, young Damien has been in the charge of his wealthy aunt and uncle and enrolled in a military school. Widely feared to be the Antichrist, he relentlessly plots to seize control of his uncle's business empire — and the world.
Alvarez KellyAlvarez Kelly · 1966
Alvarez Kelly
6.21966
MovieWesternWar
In 1864, during the American Civil War, Mexican cattleman Alvarez Kelly supplies the Union with cattle until unexpected circumstances force him to change his customers.
Escape to AthenaEscape to Athena · 1979
Escape to Athena
5.81979
MovieAdventureComedy
During the World War II, the prisoners of a German camp in a Greek island are trying to escape. They not only want their freedom, but also seek an ineffable treasure hidden in a monastery at the summit of the island's mountain.
Born YesterdayBorn Yesterday · 1950
Born Yesterday
7.31950
MovieComedyRomance
Uncouth, loud-mouth junkyard tycoon Harry Brock descends upon Washington D.C. to buy himself a congressman or two, bringing with him his mistress, ex-showgirl Billie Dawn.
The Horse SoldiersThe Horse Soldiers · 1959
The Horse Soldiers
7.01959
MovieWesternWar
A Union Cavalry outfit is sent behind confederate lines in strength to destroy a rail supply center. Along with them is sent a doctor who causes instant antipathy between him and the commander. The secret plan for the mission is overheard by a southern belle who must be taken along to assure her silence.
The Devil's BrigadeThe Devil's Brigade · 1968
The Devil's Brigade
6.31968
MovieActionDrama
At the onset of World War II, American Lt. Col. Robert Frederick is put in charge of a unit called the 1st Special Service Force, composed of elite Canadian commandos and undisciplined American soldiers. With Maj. Alan Crown leading the Canadians and Maj. Cliff Bricker the acting head of the American contingent, there is initial tension -- but the team comes together when given a daunting mission that few would dare to attempt.
The Bridges at Toko-RiThe Bridges at Toko-Ri · 1954
The Bridges at Toko-Ri
6.01954
MovieWarDrama
A U.S. Navy pilot and his squad are assigned to bomb a group of heavily defended bridges deep behind enemy lines during the Korean War.
Stalag 17Stalag 17 · 1953
Stalag 17
7.71953
MovieComedyDrama
After two American prisoners are killed by guards in the act of escaping from a German POW camp in World War II, barracks black marketeer J.J. Sefton is suspected of being an informer.
The Country GirlThe Country Girl · 1954
The Country Girl
7.01954
MovieDrama
An actor on the skids is given one more chance to regain his stardom, as well as his self-respect, yet his alcoholism may prevent that from happening.
Lykke og kroneLykke og krone · 1962
Lykke og krone
9.01962
MovieDocumentary
Depicts the royal houses of Europe (Norwegian, British, Belgian and Dutch) as well as Iran and the Principality of Monaco.
Paris When It SizzlesParis When It Sizzles · 1964
Paris When It Sizzles
6.31964
MovieRomanceComedy
Hollywood producer Alexander Meyerheimer has hired drunken writer Richard Benson to write his latest movie. Benson has been in Paris supposedly working on the script for months, but instead has spent the time living it up. Benson now has just two days to the deadline and thus hires a temporary secretary, Gabrielle Simpson, to help him finish on time.
Reconnaissance PilotReconnaissance Pilot · 1943
Reconnaissance Pilot
7.01943
MovieDocumentary
Documentary/training film depicting the duties of a pilot in the Pacific Theatre of the Second World War as he flies reconnaissance missions over enemy-held islands.
Edith Head: The Paramount YearsEdith Head: The Paramount Years · 2002
Edith Head: The Paramount Years
7.72002
MovieDocumentary
A tribute to the legendary costume designer Edith Head during her years providing costumes for the films of Paramount studio which includes Sunset Boulevard, Roman Holiday and many others during her distinguished career that lasted more than six decades and earned her eight Academy Awards wins in between more than 30 nominations.
Streets of LaredoStreets of Laredo · 1949
Streets of Laredo
6.01949
MovieWestern
Texas, 1878: cheerful outlaw-buddies Jim, Lorn and Wahoo rescue spunky orphan Rannie Carter from rustling racketeers, then are forced to separate. Lorn goes on to bigger and better robberies, while Jim and Wahoo are (at first reluctantly) maneuvered into joining the Texas Rangers. For friendship's sake, the three try to keep out of direct conflict, but a showdown begins to look inevitable. And Rannie, now grown into lovely young womanhood, must choose between Lorn and Jim
100 Years at the Movies100 Years at the Movies · 1994
100 Years at the Movies
7.51994
MovieDocumentary
Commemorates the centennial of American movies with a montage of clips and music scores from the most important movies of the century.
The Christmas TreeThe Christmas Tree · 1969
The Christmas Tree
6.21969
MovieDrama
A French-American millionaire, his girlfriend and his war buddy try to grant his dying son's every wish.

TV Shows

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny CarsonThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson · 1962
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
7.51962
Series
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a talk show hosted by Johnny Carson under The Tonight Show franchise from 1962 to 1992. It originally aired during late-night. For its first ten years, Carson's Tonight Show was based in New York City with occasional trips to Burbank, California; in May 1972, the show moved permanently to Burbank, California. In 2002, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was ranked #12 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
The Mike Douglas ShowThe Mike Douglas Show · 1961
The Mike Douglas Show
5.81961
SeriesComedy
The Mike Douglas Show is an American daytime television talk show hosted by Mike Douglas that originally aired only in the Cleveland area during much of its first two years on the air. It then went into syndication in 1963 and remained on television until 1982. It was distributed by Westinghouse Broadcasting and for much of its run, originated from studios of two of the company's TV stations in Cleveland and Philadelphia.
The Dick Cavett ShowThe Dick Cavett Show · 1968
The Dick Cavett Show
6.81968
Series
The Dick Cavett Show has been the title of several talk shows hosted by Dick Cavett on various television networks.
The OscarsThe Oscars · 1953
The Oscars
7.01953
Series
An annual American awards ceremony honoring cinematic achievements in the film industry. The various category winners are awarded a copy of a statuette, officially the Academy Award of Merit, that is better known by its nickname Oscar.
I Love LucyI Love Lucy · 1951
I Love Lucy
7.91951
SeriesComedyFamily
Cuban Bandleader Ricky Ricardo would be happy if his wife Lucy would just be a housewife. Instead she tries constantly to perform at the Tropicana where he works, and make life comically frantic in the apartment building they share with landlords Fred and Ethel Mertz, who also happen to be their best friends.
What's My Line?What's My Line? · 1950
What's My Line?
7.01950
SeriesFamilyComedy
Four panelists must determine guests' occupations - and, in the case of famous guests, while blindfolded, their identity - by asking only "yes" or "no" questions.
The Colgate Comedy HourThe Colgate Comedy Hour · 1950
The Colgate Comedy Hour
6.91950
SeriesComedy
The Colgate Comedy Hour is an American comedy-musical variety series that aired live on the NBC network from 1950 to 1955. The show starred many notable comedians and entertainers of the era, including Eddie Cantor, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Fred Allen, Donald O'Connor, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, Ray Bolger, Gordon MacRae, Ben Blue, Robert Paige, Tony Curtis, Burt Lancaster, Broadway dancer Wayne Lamb and Spike Jones and His City Slickers.
The Ed Sullivan ShowThe Ed Sullivan Show · 1948
The Ed Sullivan Show
6.81948
SeriesComedy
The Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June 20, 1948 to Sunday June 6, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan. It was replaced in September 1971 by the CBS Sunday Night Movie, which ran only one season and was eventually replaced by other shows. In 2002, The Ed Sullivan Show was ranked #15 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
The Jack Benny ProgramThe Jack Benny Program · 1950
The Jack Benny Program
7.81950
SeriesComedy
Laugh along with funnyman Jack Benny as he brings his underplayed humor to TV along with regular performers from his radio show days.
The Steve Allen ShowThe Steve Allen Show · 1956
The Steve Allen Show
6.21956
SeriesComedy
The Blue KnightThe Blue Knight · 1973
The Blue Knight
9.01973
SeriesCrimeMystery
Bumper Morgan is a 20-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department who is scheduled to retire in a week. Before he leaves, he must work on the murder of a prostitute in one of LA's far corners. Along the way, he must grapple with vicious thugs, his fellow officers who feel mixed about his retiring, and his woman who wants him to leave the streets.