Sterling Hayden
Sterling Hayden was an American actor and author, known for his distinctive voice and rugged on-screen persona. He was born on March 26, 1916, in Upper Montclair, New Jersey, United States, and his birth name was Sterling Relyea Walter. Hayden had a diverse and eventful life, which included acting in numerous films, sailing adventures, and involvement in political activities.
Hayden began his acting career in the late 1940s, and his early notable roles include Johnny Guitar (1954) and The Asphalt Jungle (1950), directed by John Huston. He was often cast in tough guy or villainous roles due to his commanding presence and deep voice. One of his most iconic roles came in Stanley Kubrick's film noir, The Killing (1956), where he portrayed a criminal mastermind.
In addition to his acting career, Hayden had a passion for sailing. He owned several boats and spent a significant amount of time at sea. In 1959, he published a memoir titled "Wanderer," detailing his experiences as a sailor and his travels around the world.
Hayden was also involved in political activism. In the 1940s, he briefly joined the Communist Party but later renounced his membership. He cooperated with the House Un-American Activities Committee during the McCarthy era, providing names of alleged Communist Party members. However, he expressed regret for his actions later in life.
Throughout his career, Hayden appeared in a wide range of films, including epic adventures like The Vikings (1958) and Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964). He also worked with acclaimed directors such as Francis Ford Coppola in The Godfather (1972).
Sterling Hayden's personal life was marked by four marriages and numerous children. He was married to actress Madeleine Carroll, whom he divorced in 1946. He later married Betty Ann de Noon, Catherine Devine McConnell, and finally, to Carla Hayden, with whom he remained until his death.
Sterling Hayden passed away on May 23, 1986, in Sausalito, California, at the age of 70. Despite his complex and sometimes controversial life, he left a lasting legacy as a talented actor and a memorable figure in American cinema.
Hayden began his acting career in the late 1940s, and his early notable roles include Johnny Guitar (1954) and The Asphalt Jungle (1950), directed by John Huston. He was often cast in tough guy or villainous roles due to his commanding presence and deep voice. One of his most iconic roles came in Stanley Kubrick's film noir, The Killing (1956), where he portrayed a criminal mastermind.
In addition to his acting career, Hayden had a passion for sailing. He owned several boats and spent a significant amount of time at sea. In 1959, he published a memoir titled "Wanderer," detailing his experiences as a sailor and his travels around the world.
Hayden was also involved in political activism. In the 1940s, he briefly joined the Communist Party but later renounced his membership. He cooperated with the House Un-American Activities Committee during the McCarthy era, providing names of alleged Communist Party members. However, he expressed regret for his actions later in life.
Throughout his career, Hayden appeared in a wide range of films, including epic adventures like The Vikings (1958) and Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964). He also worked with acclaimed directors such as Francis Ford Coppola in The Godfather (1972).
Sterling Hayden's personal life was marked by four marriages and numerous children. He was married to actress Madeleine Carroll, whom he divorced in 1946. He later married Betty Ann de Noon, Catherine Devine McConnell, and finally, to Carla Hayden, with whom he remained until his death.
Sterling Hayden passed away on May 23, 1986, in Sausalito, California, at the age of 70. Despite his complex and sometimes controversial life, he left a lasting legacy as a talented actor and a memorable figure in American cinema.
Quotes:
"There's nothing wrong with being an actor, if that's what a man wants. But there's everything wrong with achieving an exalted status simply because one photographs well and is able to handle dialogue."
"I have yet to invest the first dime because I don't believe in unearned income. The question is inevitable: "If you don't believe in taking what you don't earn, then how could you be reconciled to the astronomical figures [you make]?" I never was. Furthermore, I couldn't stand the work."
"I did nothing in 1947, for which Paramount paid me $70,000."
[on acting] "You don't need talent to star in a motion picture. All you need is some intelligence AND the ability to work freely in front of the lens. Why do I always freeze? I went through the war. I jumped out of bombers. I played kick-the-can with E-boats when all we had was a lousy 40-foot dragger with six machine guns and a top speed of six knots. Yet whenever I get a closeup in a nice warm studio, I curl up and die."
[after shooting Johnny Guitar (1954)] "There is not enough money in Hollywood to lure me into making another picture with Joan Crawford. And I like money."
- Sterling Hayden
Trivia:
He has appeared in five films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: The Asphalt Jungle (1950), Johnny Guitar (1954), Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964), The Godfather (1972) and The Long Goodbye (1973).
He was the original choice to play the knife thrower Britt in The Magnificent Seven (1960). The part went to James Coburn when Hayden proved unavailable.
Dropped out of high school at the age of 15 and became a sailor, earning his master's license by the age of 21.
He was the original choice to play the knife thrower Britt in The Magnificent Seven (1960). The part went to James Coburn when Hayden proved unavailable.
Dropped out of high school at the age of 15 and became a sailor, earning his master's license by the age of 21.
