Lee Marvin's Tragic Death - "Detective Lieutenant Frank" Of 'M Squad'

Actor Lee Marvin was born on February 19, 1924 in New York City, to Army veteran and advertising executive Lamont Waltman and fashion writer Courtenay Washington.

He was best known for his portrayal of "Lieutenant Frank Ballinger" in 'M Squad' from 1957 to 1960.

Before his acting career, Lee Marvin served as a scout sniper during the Second World War, especifically in the 4th Marine Division.

Following his return from the war, he started working as a plumber's assistant at a New York City theater. There, he was eventually asked to replace an actor. The rest is history. Later on, he got a job there and started to take part in more formal on-stage projects.

He then transitioned to television in series like 'The Big Story' and 'Escape'.

1951 marked his film debut in Henry Hathaway's 'You're in the Navy Now', sharing screen with Jack Warden and Charles Bronson, who also debuted as actors in the project.

Other notable film credits in his career include 'The Killers', 'The Professionals' and 'The Big Red One', from 1964, 1966 and 1980, respectively.

In television and besides his 'M Squad' role, he was known for hosting docudrama 'Lawbreakers' from 1963 to 1964.

He also made appearances in episodes of 'The Virginian', 'Bonanza' and 'Combat!'

As for his personal love life, in 1952 the actor married Betty Ebeling and welcomed four children with her: son Christopher and daughters Courtenay, Cynthia and Claudia. They divorced in 1967.

Later on, in 1970, he married again, this time to Pamela Feeley and welcomed four more children. Lee and Pamela remained as husband and wife until his 1987 death.

Quick facts about the 'M Squad' star:

• Was considered for the role of "Quint" in Steven Spielberg's 'Jaws'
• Supported the LGBTQ community at the time
• Was the first actort to win an Academy Award for playing two characters in the same film
• Known for playing tough characters, anti-heroes
• His final on-screen appearance took place in the 1986 film 'The Delta Force' as "Col. Nick"

Sadly, the actor died on August 29, 1987 in Tucson, Arizona. Two weeks before, he was rushed to the hospital due to coccidiodomycosis symptoms.

This resulted in intestinal complications and the star ended up undergoing a colectomy. He died of a heart attack at age 63, five days before his mother's passing.

Marvin was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.