Legendary screen presence Marlon Brando performed for more than 50 years and is famous for such films as ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ and ‘The Godfather.
After early promise in the 1940s and ’50s, including a legendary performance in the film version of A Streetcar Named Desire, Marlon Brando’s film career had more downs than up until his starring role in The Godfather.
Why did Brando refuse Oscar for Godfather?
The actress and activist Sacheen Littlefeather attended the ceremony in Brando’s place, stating that the actor “very regretfully” could not accept the award, as he was protesting Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans in film.
Now revered by many as the greatest actor of his generation, Brando earned his first Oscar nomination for his portrayal of the brutish Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951).
Brando’s career went into decline in the 1960s, with expensive flops such as One-Eyed Jacks (1961), which he also directed, and Mutiny on the Bounty (1962). Aside from his preternatural talent, the actor had become notorious for his moodiness and demanding on-set behavior, as well as his tumultuous off-screen life.
