RIP Karl Malden

[DMApixie]

Oscar-winning actor Karl Malden dead at 97

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Karl Malden, the Academy Award-winning actor whose intelligent characterizations on stage and screen made him a star despite his plain looks, died Wednesday, his family said. He was 97.

Malden died of natural causes surrounded by his family at his Brentwood home, they told the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. He served as the academy's president from 1989-92.

While he tackled a variety of characters over the years, he was often seen in working-class garb or military uniform. His authenticity in grittier roles came naturally: He was the son of a Czech mother and a Serbian father, and worked for a time in the steel mills of Gary, Indiana, after dropping out of college.

Malden said he got his celebrated bulbous nose when he broke it a couple of times playing basketball or football, joking that he was "the only actor in Hollywood whose nose qualifies him for handicapped parking."

Yet another legend gone. Loved his AmEx commercials. "Don't leave home without it."

[DizneyFreak2002]

Worked in Gary, Indiana??? Michael Jackson was born and raised in Gary, Indiana?? Weird....

RIP Karl...

[faline]

I've been a fan of his for many years! I'm sorry to hear of his passing but happy to realize he had 97 years on this earth as well as a marriage of 70 years - both significant accomplishments in addition to all he did on film!

[Ian]

Played one of my favorite characters in one of my favorite movies of all time ... Gen. Omar Bradley in Patton.

R.I.P. Mr. Malden.

[MNNHFLTX]

His was a life well-lived.

RIP.