Who Is Montgomery Clift? Age, Biography and Wiki
Montgomery Clift was born on October 17, 1920, and tragically passed away on July 23, 1966. As of 2025, he would have celebrated his 105th birthday. Clift is renowned for his groundbreaking performances in films such as A Place in the Sun (1951) and From Here to Eternity (1953). He was one of the original "method actors," making waves in the entertainment industry with his deeply emotional portrayals. His compelling talent and personal struggles have cemented his status as a quintessential figure in cinematic history.
| Occupation | Stage Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 17, 1920 |
| Age | 45 Years |
| Birth Place | Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 23 July, 1966 |
| Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Montgomery Clift's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Montgomery Clift stood at a height of 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and maintained a lean physique, weighing around 155 pounds (70 kg) during his peak acting years. His striking features and intense gaze contributed to his heartthrob status, captivating audiences across generations.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Montgomery Clift was linked to several relationships throughout his life, he was known for maintaining a level of privacy about his romantic affiliations. He had a strong and close-knit relationship with his family, particularly his sister, whom he often drew support from during challenging times. As for his relationships, Clift is speculated to have had romantic involvements with both men and women, though he never publicly confirmed any long-term partnerships. His most notable connection was with actor Elizabeth Taylor, with whom he shared a deep and lasting friendship.
Along with Marlon Brando and James Dean, Clift was considered one of the original method actors in Hollywood (though Clift distanced himself from the term); he was one of the first actors to be invited to study in the Actors Studio with Lee Strasberg and Elia Kazan.
He also executed a rare move by not signing a contract after arriving in Hollywood, only doing so after his first two films were a success. This was described as "a power differential that would go on to structure the star–studio relationship for the next 40 years".
A documentary titled Making Montgomery Clift was made by his nephew, Robert Anderson Clift, in 2018, to clarify myths that were created about the actor.
Net Worth and Salary
Montgomery Clift's net worth at the time of his passing was estimated to be around $2 million, a significant amount considering the era and his influential career. Adjusted for inflation, this figure is approximately equivalent to over $15 million today. Clift's earnings came from significant roles in major films as well as stage performances, solidifying his status in Hollywood as a leading man.
In his 12-minute cameo scene in Judgment at Nuremberg (1961), Clift played a developmentally disabled German baker who had been a victim of the Nazi sterilisation programme testifying at the Nuremberg trials. Clift was willing to waive his fee entirely, accepting the supporting part with minimum compensation.
His anguished performance (which earned him his fourth Academy Award nomination) was often thought to be due to his own nervous breakdown.
Director Stanley Kramer later wrote in his memoirs that Clift "wasn't always close to the script, but whatever he said fitted in perfectly" and that he suggested Clift turn to Spencer Tracy to "ad lib something" when he struggled to remember his lines for his one scene.
In nephew Robert Anderson Clift's 2018 documentary, superimposed pages of Clift's own heavily annotated original script show that the actor was actually deliberately and consciously performing with his own rewritten dialogue as opposed to confused improvisation.
On a taped phone call, Clift said that he played the character in a way that "holds onto himself, in spite of himself" with dignity.
Career, Business and Investments
Montgomery Clift's career was marked by a series of critically acclaimed performances that showcased his unique talent and emotional depth. He starred in films like Judgment at Nuremberg (1961) and The Misfits (1961) alongside screen legends such as Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable. Beyond acting, Clift was also involved in theater, further broaden his skill set within the entertainment industry. Although he didn’t have notable investments, his legacy in film continues to be celebrated through retrospectives and film festivals worldwide.
Clift also participated in radio broadcasts early in his career, though, according to one critic, he hated the medium. On May 24, 1944, he was part of the cast of Eugene O'Neill's Ah, Wilderness! for The Theatre Guild on the Air.
Social Network
Though Montgomery Clift did not engage with social media during his lifetime, today, his legacy continues to thrive on platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, where fans and film historians share clips, photos, and discussions about his impactful career. His films frequently spark conversations about classic cinema and acting techniques, keeping his memory alive among new generations of film enthusiasts.
Clift did not serve during World War II, having been given 4-F status after suffering dysentery in 1942. Immediately following the end of the war in September 1945 (in what would be Clift's penultimate Broadway performance,) he starred in the stage adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's short story You Touched Me.
He and actor Kevin McCarthy later wrote a screenplay for a film adaptation that was never made.
Education
Montgomery Clift was educated at the Horace Mann School and later attended Princeton University, where he studied architecture. However, his passion for acting led him to drop out and pursue a career in theatre, where he eventually found his way to Hollywood. His rigorous training in acting and his commitment to his craft allowed him to develop a unique acting style that influenced many performers who followed in his footsteps.
Clift spent a short time at the Dalton School in Manhattan but struggled with traditional schooling. He continued to flourish onstage and appeared in works by Moss Hart and Cole Porter, Robert Sherwood, Lillian Hellman, Tennessee Williams, and Thornton Wilder, creating the part of Henry in the original production of The Skin of Our Teeth.
