Marlon Brando: A Look Back At His Amazing Career In Memoriam

Born April 3, 1924 actor and director Marlon Brando is well-regarded for his roles in 20th century Hollywood. From classics like A Streetcar Named Desire to The Freshman, Brando has left his mark on the film industry, and fans everywhere mourned his death in 2004.

After receiving an education at the Shattuck Military Academy in Minnesota, Marlon Brando had plans to enlist in the army, but was rejected because of a trick knee that was the result of a prior football injury. Not giving up, Marlon decided to move to New York to pursue his other passion-acting! After a series of roles on Broadway, Marlon would land his breakthrough role in 1951 in the film adaptation of Tennessee Williams's play A Streetcar Named Desire. 

After his rise to fame in A Street Car Named Desire, Marlon Brando would become Hollywood's most coveted male sex symbol! 1953 would bring another big role for Brando as "Mark Antony" in Julius Caesar. Brando impressed critics so much he was even offered a full season at the Hammersmith Theatre in London, which he politely declined! 

That same year Marlon Brando would also show off his tougher side in The Wild One. In the film, Brando used his own Triumph motorcycle, which fueled later sales for the company! Marlon's role also had the unintended effect of inspiring teen rebellion, which turned him into an early role model for the rock and roll movement. Among his followers were young stars James Dean and Elvis Presley!

Marlon Brando would earn an Oscar for his role in 1954's On the Waterfront. Ironically, Brando almost didn't take the part because of an ongoing issue with director Elia Kazan. Frank Sinatra was set to take the part, until the producers finally wooed Brando enough to take the part!

The most controversial role of Marlon Brando's career would come in the form of 1957's Sayonara. The film which openly discussed interracial marriage, was seen as ahead of its time. Nevertheless, the film would go on to be a box office hit and receive 10 Academy Award nominations! 

Perhaps the role Marlon Brando is most remembered for today is that of "Vito Corleone" in 1972's The Godfather. Also starring Al Pacino and James Caan, The Godfather was a runaway hit! After a decade of sub-par films, the film would be a turning point for Brando, and he would win his second Oscar for Best Actor!

Back in action again, Marlon Brando would score his second big film of 1972 with Last Tango in Paris. While a hit, the movie would prove to be controversial featuring Brando in a sexual relationship with an already married woman played by actress Marie Schneider. Last Tango in Paris would be one of Brando's last big hits for sometime as he mourned the death of his childhood best friend, actor Wally Cox. 

Many critics say Marlon Brando was never the same after losing his best friend. He would go on to gain a lot of weight and seemed to age years overnight. However, his role in 1978's Superman and its 1980s sequel beg to differ! While Brando was overpaid for his role of "Superman's" father at the time, clips from filming featuring Brando have been used in many Superman sequels long after his death!

"The horror! The horror!"- Marlon Brando's famous last words from the 1979 film Apocalypse Now, described the filming of the movie perfectly. At this point in time, Brando had become his director's worst nightmare, demanding crazy amounts of money, not preparing for the role, and being in poor physical shape. For three weeks of filming, Marlon Brando would be paid $3 million US! Despite the pains it took to film the movie, Apocalypse Now would become a box-office hit of 1979!