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Marlon Brando, celebrated as one of the greatest film actors of the 20th century, passed away on July 1, 2004, at the age of 80. The two-time Oscar winner died at a Los Angeles hospital, as confirmed by his lawyer.
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Brando had been battling pneumonia. He passed away from lung failure at UCLA Medical Center, confirmed Roxanne Moster, a spokeswoman for the medical center, although she did not provide further details.
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Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, he faced several challenges, including expulsion from schools and caring for his alcoholic mother.
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In New York, he honed his craft at the Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler. Brando was a major advocate of Method acting, known for his powerful performances that resonated with 1950s youth. He earned two Best Actor Oscars for 'On the Waterfront' and 'The Godfather'.
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Brando was hailed as the best actor of his era, he left a lasting impact on stars like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. His friend and 'Godfather' co-star, James Caan, emphasized Brando's profound influence, stating that he shaped the craft of acting for generations to come.
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Brando's unconventional ways often baffled Hollywood. He grabbed attention for his fluctuating weight, multiple marriages, and vocal support for causes like Native American rights. In a bold move, he refused the best actor Oscar for 'The Godfather' in 1973, sending Sasheen Littlefeather to speak out against Hollywood's treatment of Native Americans instead.
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In May 1990, tragedy struck Brando's family when his son Christian fatally shot Dag Drollet, the boyfriend of his half-sister Cheyenne Brando, at their home in Beverly Hills. Christian, 31, maintained it was an accident.
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After a highly publicized trial, Christian Brando was found guilty of manslaughter and firearm use, landing him a 10-year prison sentence. Marlon Brando, in his testimony, expressed regret for not being able to support Christian better.
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Brandon privately apologized to the Drollet family, saying he would switch places with their deceased son if he could. Despite this, Drollet's father believed Marlon Brando's words were insincere, feeling his son was "getting away with murder." This event deeply affected Cheyenne, who tragically took her own life five years later.
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Brando's personal life can be summed up by a line from 'The Wild One'; where his character, a biker gang leader, is asked what he's rebelling against.
Explore the life and legacy of Marlon Brando, one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, as we delve into the circumstances surrounding his passing.
From his legendary performances to his battles with health issues, Brando's story is a testament to his enduring impact on the world of cinema.