Jack Palance American actor Date of Birth: 18.02.1919 Country: USA

Biography of Jack Palance

Jack Palance, an American actor, was born in 1919 in Latimer Mines, Pennsylvania. Originally named Vladimir Palagnyuk, he was born to Ukrainian immigrants Vladimir Palagnyuk and Anna Gramiak. Growing up, Palance began his career in the coal mines, but his life took a different turn when he became involved in sports.

As an excellent athlete, Palance became the champion of a football tournament and pursued a career in professional sports. He also became a boxer, using the pseudonym Jack Brazzo and fighting in the heavyweight category. It was during his boxing career that he acquired his recognizable baritone voice, which developed after being hit in the throat.

During World War II, Palance fought in the United States Army Air Forces and received several military awards. However, he suffered severe burns, including on his face, during a mission when his plane caught fire. Despite his injuries, Palance pursued a career as a model after his recovery.

After the war, Palance utilized his military benefits to attend Stanford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama. Financially struggling during his years of study, he worked in restaurants and bars to support himself.

Following his education, Palance worked in radio and as a reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle. He made his Broadway debut in the renowned play "A Streetcar Named Desire," alongside the already famous actor Marlon Brando. It was at this time that Vladimir changed his name to Walter Jack Palance.

In 1950, Palance made his screen debut in Elia Kazan's crime drama "Panic in the Streets," playing a criminal. That same year, he also landed a significant role in Lewis Milestone's action film "Halls of Montezuma."

Palance also worked in Europe for a period of time, with his most notable role overseas being in Jean-Luc Godard's drama "Le Mépris" in 1963. However, the majority of his American roles were villainous characters, which somewhat frustrated the actor. Nevertheless, Palance's distinctive voice and facial features, marked by his previous burns, were well-suited for these roles.

Palance's career in film and television spanned over 100 movies and numerous TV appearances. He was a frequent attendee at the Oscars and guest on various TV shows. He even directed and acted in the television series "The Greatest Show on Earth."

Palance was married twice. He first married actress Virginia Baker in 1949, with whom he had three children, before divorcing in 1968. In 1987, he married Elaine Rogers. Jack Palance passed away at the age of 87 on November 11, 2006, at his daughter's home in Montecito.

Known for his fluency in six languages, including Ukrainian, Russian, Italian, Spanish, French, and English, Palance took great pride in his Ukrainian heritage. He even declined the title of People's Artist of Russia, stating, "I am Ukrainian, not Russian!" when it was offered to him at a Russian Arts Festival in Los Angeles.