Sunday, November 12, 2006

Jack Palance dies at 87

Jack Palance, the legendary raspy-voiced actor who won an Oscar for his comedy role in City Slickers and nominations for his villainous roles in Sudden Fear and Shane and has memorable roles in Young Guns and Batman, has died of natural causes; he was 87.

While better known for playing the heavy throughout his career, Palance did an about face at the age of 72 by playing the crusty, menacing trail boss Curly in the Billy Crystal comedy City Slickers. The role won him an Oscar and a place in Hollywood history books when, after accepting his Best Supporting Actor award, he dropped to the stage for a series of one-armed push-ups; the stunt became a running gag for show host Crystal that year. He had to decline the role of General Chang in Star Trek VI due to scheduling conflicts with City Slickers.

Palance suffered extensive facial damage when he was pulled from the burning wreckage of a B-24, and the resulting surgery left him with his distinctive facial features, chiseled and gaunt which served him well throughout his career as he appeared extremely menacing. His awards from WWII include a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Palance was best known to TV viewers as the co-host of the show Ripley's Believe It Or Not with his daughter, Holly.

Source: IMDB

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think I saw him first in Tango & Cash (is that in the Colonels DVD collection?)

"Oh, I've had enough of this. Too much television... can hurt your eyes."

Major General Creedon said...

I had to getTango & Cash from the US but is indeed in my collection and thankfully something he will be remembered for.