Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando Jr. (April 3, 1924 – July 1, 2004) was an American actor widely regarded as one of the greatest cinema actors of the 20th century. His career spanned six decades and earned him numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards for Best Actor. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, to a family with diverse European ancestry, Brando’s early life was marked by instability and abandonment issues. Despite his Italian-sounding last name, he did not have Italian heritage.

Early Life and Education

Marlon Brando Jr. was born as the only son of Marlon Brando Sr. and Dorothy Pennebaker in Omaha, Nebraska. His father was a salesman who often traveled out-of-state, and his mother was a stage actress who frequently left home due to her work. This family instability led to abandonment issues for young Marlon.

At Libertyville High School, Brando excelled at sports and drama but struggled with other subjects, leading to expulsion in 1941. He then attended Shattuck Military Academy, where he continued to excel until being expelled due to insubordination.

Theatrical Beginnings

Brando made his Broadway debut in 1944 and won Theater World Awards for his roles in Candida and Truckline Cafe. He returned to Broadway as Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire (1947) and reprised the role in the 1951 film adaptation directed by Elia Kazan. His performance earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

The Stanislavski System

Under the influence of Stella Adler, Brando began his career on stage, where he was lauded for his performances. He disagreed with Lee Strasberg’s teachings and believed Stella Adler and Elia Kazan were better teachers. The Stanislavski system encouraged him to explore both internal and external aspects to fully realize the character being portrayed.

Adler used to recount that when teaching Brando, she had instructed the class to act like chickens, and a nuclear bomb was about to fall on them. Most of the class clucked and ran around wildly, but Brando sat calmly and pretended to lay an egg. This technique helped him bring realism to his performances.

Breakthrough in Film

Brando’s film debut came with The Men (1950), where he played a paraplegic veteran. He was Oscar-nominated for playing Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) and Emiliano Zapata in Viva Zapata! (1952). His portrayal of Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls (1955) and Jor-El in Superman (1978) became iconic.

The Godfather and Beyond

In 1972, Marlon Brando’s performance as Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather was a career turning point. He won his second Academy Award for Best Actor, putting him back in the Top Ten Box Office Stars.

Before this, Brando faced criticism and had not appeared in a box office hit since 1958. His collaboration with director Francis Ford Coppola on The Godfather was originally intended as a low-budget production but became a prestige picture thanks to Paramount’s investment.

Late Career and Controversies

In the 1970s, Brando’s career saw both highs and lows. He starred in films like The Missouri Breaks (1976) with Jack Nicholson and played Colonel Walter E. Kurtz in Apocalypse Now (1979), earning critical acclaim for his performance.

However, controversies surrounded some of his later roles, such as the graphic scenes in Last Tango in Paris. Despite these challenges, Brando’s impact on American cinema and culture remains undeniable. His legacy continues to inspire actors and filmmakers alike.

Personal Life and Activism

Marlon Brando was known for his tumultuous personal life, including poor treatment of women, numerous partners and children, and reported homosexual experiences. He fathered at least 11 children and had a long list of romantic relationships.

Brando supported various social causes, including civil rights, anti-apartheid efforts, and Native American rights. His activism extended to his work on films like A Dry White Season (1989), where he starred in support of fair housing laws and protested discrimination in housing developments.

Conclusion

Marlon Brando’s life was a testament to the power of art and its ability to transcend personal struggles. His journey from an unstable childhood to becoming one of the greatest actors of his time is a remarkable story. Through his performances, activism, and influence on culture, Marlon Brando left an indelible mark on American cinema that continues to resonate today.