# Lee Marvin

> American actor (1924–1987)

**Wikidata**: [Q76895](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q76895)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Marvin)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lee-marvin

## Summary

Lee Marvin was an American actor renowned for his rugged screen presence and versatility across film, television, and stage. Born in 1924, he served as a military officer during World War II before launching his acting career in 1948. Marvin won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Cat Ballou" (1965) and became known for iconic roles in Westerns and war films, establishing himself as one of Hollywood's most distinctive leading men until his death in 1987.

## Biography

- **Born**: February 19, 1924
- **Died**: August 29, 1987
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Height**: 186 cm (6'1")
- **Aliases**: Lamont Waltman Marvin Jr., Lamont Waltman Marvin, Lamont Marvin, Lamont Marvin Jr.
- **Education**: Received education at institutions identified by Q892503, Q7074307, and Q6753162
- **Known for**: Leading roles in Western and war films; Academy Award-winning performance in "Cat Ballou"
- **Employer(s)**: Film, television, and stage acting
- **Field(s)**: Acting (film actor, television actor, stage actor, military personnel, military officer)
- **Career Start**: 1948

## Contributions

Lee Marvin's acting career spanned nearly four decades and encompassed over 60 films. His most celebrated contribution was winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for "Cat Ballou" (1965), a Western comedy where he played a drunken, washed-up gunfighter. He received critical acclaim for his performances in "The Big Red One" (1980), directed by Samuel Fuller, where he portrayed a hardened sergeant in World War II. Marvin was also known for his role in "The Professionals" (1966) and his villainous turn in "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (1962). His ability to transition between comedic and dramatic roles, as well as between Westerns and war films, demonstrated remarkable versatility. He founded or was associated with The Sons of Lee Marvin, a tongue-in-cheek secret society of admirers.

## FAQs

**What awards did Lee Marvin win?**
Lee Marvin won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1965 for his role in "Cat Ballou." He also received a Silver Bear award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

**Did Lee Marvin serve in the military?**
Yes, Lee Marvin served as a military officer during World War II. He received the Purple Heart for his service.

**What are Lee Marvin's most famous films?**
Some of Lee Marvin's most notable films include "Cat Ballou" (1965), for which he won the Academy Award, "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (1962), "The Big Red One" (1980), "The Professionals" (1966), and "Point Blank" (1967).

**What was Lee Marvin's early life like?**
Lee Marvin was born on February 19, 1924. Before becoming an actor, he served in the United States military during World War II and was wounded in combat, earning the Purple Heart.

**How did Lee Marvin die?**
Lee Marvin died on August 29, 1987, at the age of 63.

## Why They Matter

Lee Marvin mattered in American cinema because he helped redefine the leading man archetype in Hollywood during the 1950s and 1960s. Unlike traditional Hollywood leading men, Marvin's rough, weathered appearance and gritty persona brought authenticity to roles in Westerns and war films. His Academy Award win for "Cat Ballou" was significant because it recognized a comedic performance in a genre typically not awarded top honors. Marvin's ability to play both heroes and villains with equal conviction influenced subsequent generations of actors. His work in films like "Point Blank" helped pioneer a more naturalistic acting style that would become influential in modern cinema. The establishment of The Sons of Lee Marvin, a secret society of his admirers, demonstrates the cultural impact he had on fans and fellow actors alike.

## Notable For

- Academy Award for Best Actor for "Cat Ballou" (1965)
- Purple Heart recipient for military service in World War II
- Iconic performances in Western films including "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (1962)
- Leading roles in war films such as "The Big Red One" (1980)
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy
- Silver Bear award recipient
- Height of 186 cm (6'1")
- Career spanning from 1948 to 1987
- Member of The Sons of Lee Marvin (tongue-in-cheek secret society)

## Body

### Early Life and Military Service

Lee Marvin was born on February 19, 1924, in the United States. Before embarking on his acting career, he served as a military officer during World War II, the global conflict that took place from 1939 to 1945. During his military service, Marvin was wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart, a United States military decoration awarded to those wounded or killed in service. This military background would later inform his authentic portrayals of soldiers and military personnel in his film roles.

### Education

Marvin received his education at multiple institutions, identified in the source material by Q-numbers Q892503, Q7074307, and Q6753162. While specific institutional names are not provided in the raw data, his educational background prepared him for his eventual career in acting.

### Acting Career Beginnings

Lee Marvin began his professional acting career in 1948, marking the start of a nearly four-decade-long career in entertainment. He worked across multiple acting disciplines, including film acting, television acting, and stage acting. His versatility as an actor allowed him to perform in dramatic and comedic productions across film, television, theatre, and radio.

### Film Career and Notable Roles

Throughout his career, Marvin appeared in over 60 films, establishing himself as one of Hollywood's most reliable and distinctive leading men. His filmography spanned multiple genres, with particular success in Westerns and war films.

In "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (1962), directed by John Ford, Marvin played the villainous character Tom Doniphon, a performance that became iconic in Western cinema. The film is widely considered one of the greatest Westerns ever made.

His role in "Cat Ballou" (1965) earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. In this Western comedy, Marvin played a drunken, washed-up gunfighter named Kid Shelleen. The performance was notable for its comedic timing and depth, proving that Marvin could excel in lighter fare while still delivering a compelling character study.

Other notable films include "The Professionals" (1966), where he played a lead role alongside Burt Lancaster, and "Point Blank" (1967), a crime thriller that has since become a cult classic. His performance in "The Big Red One" (1980), directed by Samuel Fuller, is widely regarded as one of his finest, portraying a hardened sergeant leading his squad through the European theater of World War II.

### Television Work

Beyond film, Marvin maintained a significant presence in television, performing in numerous television productions throughout his career. His work in television allowed him to reach broader audiences and demonstrate his range across different media.

### Awards and Recognition

Lee Marvin received numerous accolades for his work. His Academy Award win for Best Actor in 1965 was the pinnacle of his recognition. He also received a Silver Bear (a film award presented at the Berlin International Film Festival) and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. These awards recognized his exceptional talent and contribution to the film industry.

### Personal Characteristics

Lee Marvin stood at 186 centimeters (approximately 6'1"), giving him a commanding physical presence on screen. He was born under the name Lamont Waltman Marvin Jr. and was also known by various aliases including Lamont Waltman Marvin, Lamont Marvin, and Lamont Marvin Jr. He held United States citizenship throughout his life.

### Legacy and Cultural Impact

The impact of Lee Marvin on American cinema extends beyond his performances. His rugged, unconventional leading man persona challenged Hollywood's traditional notions of star power. He helped pave the way for actors who didn't fit the conventional handsome leading man mold but possessed undeniable screen presence and acting ability.

The formation of The Sons of Lee Marvin, a tongue-in-cheek secret society, speaks to his cultural impact and the following he developed among fans and fellow actors. This organization, dedicated to celebrating his work and legacy, demonstrates the lasting impression he left on popular culture.

### Later Life and Death

Lee Marvin continued acting into the 1980s, with "The Big Red One" (1980) being one of his final major film performances. He passed away on August 29, 1987, at the age of 63, ending a career that had spanned nearly four decades and left an indelible mark on American cinema.

### Professional Affiliations and Identifiers

Marvin was associated with various professional organizations and is identified by multiple industry identifiers, including his IMDB ID (nm0001511), his Wikipedia title "Lee Marvin," and numerous other catalog and identification numbers across different databases. His work period began in 1948 and continued until his death in 1987, covering a significant era in American film history.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Genealogics
4. LIBRIS. 2004
5. [Source](https://ancexplorer.army.mil/publicwmv/index.html#/arlington-national/)
6. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1966)
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. MusicBrainz
10. SNAC
11. Internet Broadway Database
12. Find a Grave
13. Discogs
14. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
15. GeneaStar
16. Roglo
17. Croatian Encyclopedia
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
19. IdRef
20. CONOR.SI
21. BBC Things
22. Quora
23. The Movie Database
24. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data