Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando (April 3, 1924 - July 1, 2004) is considered the most revolutionary and influential actor in cinema history. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Brando had a turbulent childhood with an alcoholic father and a mother with drinking problems. After moving to New York, he studied Method acting under Stella Adler and became the one to bring this technique to Hollywood. In 1947, he made a breakthrough on Broadway with 'A Streetcar Named Desire'. His Stanley Kowalski character changed American theater forever. In 1951, he brought the same role to cinema and became a world star. His 'I coulda been a contender' line in 'On the Waterfront' (1954) became one of cinema's most iconic moments, winning him his first Oscar. In 1972, he played Don Vito Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola's 'The Godfather'. The characteristic look and speech created by putting cotton in his cheeks became legendary. He won his second Oscar for this role but refused to accept it to draw attention to Native American rights, sending Sacheen Littlefeather in his place. His Colonel Kurtz role in 'Apocalypse Now' (1979) also became unforgettable. In his later years, he was known for his heavy weight and eccentric behavior. Father of eight children, Brando passed away in 2004 in Los Angeles from respiratory failure. Legends like Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Jack Nicholson cite him as their greatest inspiration.