Introduction
Karl Malden was an American actor best known for his roles in classic films such as “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “On the Waterfront”. He had a long and successful career in Hollywood, earning numerous awards and nominations for his work on both the big and small screens. In this comprehensive biography, we will explore Malden’s life, including his height, nose, films, family, and more.
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Education
Karl Malden was born Mladen Sekulovich on March 22, 1912, in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were Serbian immigrants, and he grew up in a predominantly Serbian neighborhood. Malden attended Emerson Junior High School and then Tilden Technical High School, where he studied mechanical engineering. He worked as a steelworker and a barkeep before pursuing a career in acting.
Early Acting Career
Malden began his acting career in the late 1930s, performing in local theater productions in Chicago. He moved to New York City in 1937 and studied at the Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg. Malden made his Broadway debut in 1937 in “Golden Boy” and went on to appear in several other plays, including “The Skin of Our Teeth” and “A Streetcar Named Desire”.
Height and Nose
Height
Karl Malden was known for his distinctive appearance, which included a large nose and a stocky build. He stood at 6 feet tall, which was considered quite tall for an actor in the 1940s and 1950s. Malden’s height helped him stand out on screen, and he often played tough, authoritative characters.
Nose
Malden’s nose was also a defining feature of his appearance. He was often teased for its size, but he embraced it and even joked about it in interviews. Malden once said, “I have a nose that looks like it’s been broken 12 times but never has been. I have no idea why it looks like that.”
Family
Marriage and Children
Karl Malden was married to Mona Greenberg from 1938 until her death in 2010. The couple had two children together, daughters Mila and Carla. Mila Malden followed in her father’s footsteps and became an actress, appearing in films such as “The Reivers” and “The Sting”. Carla Malden is a writer and producer.
Personal Life
Malden was known for being a devoted family man and was often seen with his wife and daughters at public events. He was also a philanthropist and worked with several charitable organizations throughout his life.
Films and Television
Major Films
Karl Malden appeared in numerous films throughout his career, including some of the most iconic movies of the 20th century. He received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “A Streetcar Named Desire” and was nominated for the same award for his work in “On the Waterfront”. Other notable films include “Baby Doll”, “Birdman of Alcatraz”, and “Patton”.
Television Work
In addition to his film work, Malden also had a successful career on television. He starred in the popular series “The Streets of San Francisco” from 1972 to 1977 and appeared in several other TV shows and movies throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Conclusion
Karl Malden was a talented and beloved actor who left a lasting impression on Hollywood. His distinctive appearance, memorable performances, and philanthropic work have made him a beloved figure in American culture. Whether you know him from his films or his TV work, Malden’s legacy continues to live on today.
