Who Is Karl Malden? Age, Biography and Wiki
Karl Malden, born on March 22, 1912, was a talented American actor who gained widespread acclaim for his performances in various films and television series. Despite his passing in 2009, his legacy continues to thrive, resonating with fans and aspiring actors alike. Malden was known for his distinctive face and strong presence, which played pivotal roles in classics like A Streetcar Named Desire and On the Waterfront. His career was characterized by memorable performances in both dramatic and comedic roles, establishing his versatility as an actor.
At the time of his passing, Malden was 97 years old, and he left behind a rich body of work that showcases his immense talent. His life story is one of perseverance, dedication, and a passion for the arts.
| Occupation | Stage Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 22, 1912 |
| Age | 97 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 1 July, 2009 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Karl Malden's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Karl Malden was known for his robust physique and commanding presence. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall, he carried a weight of approximately 190 pounds (86 kg) during his prime years. His distinct facial features and expressive eyes contributed to his ability to portray complex characters on screen. Throughout his career, his unique appearance made him a recognizable figure in Hollywood.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Karl Malden was married to actress Mona Greenberg, with whom he shared a deep bond and mutual respect. They were married for over 70 years until Mona's passing in 2009, just months before Karl's own death. This long-lasting marriage showcased Malden's commitment to his family and personal life. The couple had three children, all of whom have followed varying paths in life, contributing to his lasting legacy.
While details about Malden's relationships before his marriage remain less documented, his devotion to family was evident throughout his life.
His Serb father Petar Sekulović (1886–1975) worked in the steel mills and as a milkman, and his mother, Minnie (Sebera) Sekulovich (March 22, 1892 – July 15, 1995), was a Czech seamstress and actress. The Sekulovich family's roots trace back to Podosoje near Bileća, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Malden spoke only Serbian until he was in kindergarten; he remained fluent in the language until his death. Malden's father, who had a passion for music, organized the Serbian Singing Federation, uniting immigrant choral ensembles across the United States.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2009, Karl Malden had an estimated net worth of $10 million. His wealth primarily stemmed from his illustrious career in acting, including film, television, and stage performances. Malden also earned substantial income from endorsements and public appearances, further solidifying his financial status in Hollywood.
His financial success reflected not just his talent but also the respect he garnered in the industry, allowing for a comfortable life and a lasting legacy for his family.
In September 1934, Malden left Gary, Indiana, to pursue formal dramatic training at the Goodman School (later part of DePaul University), then associated with the Goodman Theater in Chicago.
Although he had worked in the steel mills in Gary for three years, he had helped support his family and was consequently unable to save enough money to pay for his schooling.
Making a deal with the director of the program, he gave the institute the little money that he did have, with the director agreeing that, if Malden did well, he would be rewarded with a full scholarship. He won the scholarship.
Career, Business, and Investments
Throughout his illustrious career, which spanned over six decades, Karl Malden appeared in numerous iconic films and television shows. He began his career on Broadway and transitioned into film, gaining critical acclaim for his performances. Malden's notable film credits include The Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront, and Patton, for which he received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In addition to film, Malden achieved significant success on television, most notably as the detective in the highly acclaimed series The Streets of San Francisco. His role in this series not only solidified his status as a household name but also showcased his ability to adapt to the evolving entertainment landscape.
He changed his name from Mladen Sekulovich to Karl Malden at age 22, something director Elia Kazan urged him to do. He anglicized his first name by swapping its letters "l" and "a" and used it as his last and taking his grandfather's first name as his own.
This was because the first theatre company he was in wanted him to shorten his name for its marquee. He thought that they wanted to fire him and were using his name as an excuse; although that was not the case, he still changed his name to give them no excuse.
Social Network
Karl Malden was not known for engaging extensively with social media, as digital platforms had not yet become prevalent during his lifetime. However, fans and admirers of his work can find numerous tributes and dedicated pages celebrating his life and career across various social media platforms and fan sites, where they share insights and celebrate his contributions to the acting world.
He also played in high-profile Hollywood films such as I Confess (1953), Baby Doll (1956), The Hanging Tree (1959), Pollyanna (1960), One-Eyed Jacks (1961), How the West Was Won (1962), Gypsy (1962), Cheyenne Autumn (1964), Birdman of Alcatraz (1962) and Patton (1970). From 1972 to 1977, he portrayed the leading role of Lt.
Mike Stone in the primetime television crime drama The Streets of San Francisco. He was later an advertising spokesman for American Express.
Education
Karl Malden attended the University of Chicago, where he explored his interest in acting and the arts. His education laid a solid foundation for his career, providing him with the skills and experience necessary to excel in the competitive world of entertainment. Following his education, Malden served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, a time that also informed his understanding of human experience, greatly influencing his performances.
In conclusion, Karl Malden remains an iconic figure in American cinema, and his contributions continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. His remarkable journey through life only adds to his profound legacy in the film and television industry.
In 1981, Malden portrayed ice hockey coach Herb Brooks in a made for television account of the United States men's national ice hockey team's miraculous gold medal-winning run in the 1980 Winter Olympics.
Malden told Sports Illustrated in December 1980 that he had never actually met Herb Brooks in preparation for his portrayal of him, but he studied him on videotape, especially his eyes. Malden said of Brooks "I'd hate to meet him in a dark alley. I think he's a little on the neurotic side. Maybe more than a little.
Any moment you think he's going to jump out of his skin." Malden also remarked with disapproval that Brooks could've ventured an occasional smile during one of the less intense games.
Malden also wondered how, after working hard over the course of seven months, Brooks could have simply walked away towards the team dressing room after his team clinched the improbable victory against the Soviet team.
In 1987, Malden was the host/narrator for the second and third television specials that later became the long-running series Unsolved Mysteries.
