Karl Malden

Karl Malden was one of the great character actors of his time. His 60 year career included supporting roles in the classic films On the Waterfront, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Patton. Malden was born Mladen Sekulovich to immigrant parents in Chicago. After studying acting at the Goodman Theater in Chicago, Malden was invited to New York City to audition for a play on Broadway. The show he auditioned for was never produced, but he got another role instead and his career was off. Later on, Malden starred in a popular television drama called The Streets of San Francisco, and served as the spokesman for American Express travelers’ checks, where he helped popularize the slogan, "Don't leave home without them." He was also the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1989 to 1992. Malden passed away on July 1, 2009 at the age of 97.