10 fun and interesting Marlon Brando facts

1. Mr. Mumbles or Bud?

Marlon Brando was known by two nicknames over the years: Bud and Mr. Mumbles. The latter was given to him by none other than Frank Sinatra, who was a close friend of Brando's. The nickname was a reference to Brando's mumbling speech pattern, which was a result of his stutter. Despite this, Brando was a highly acclaimed actor, winning two Academy Awards for his performances in On the Waterfront and The Godfather.

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2. Marlon Brando, Famous Actor, Had a Brief stint as an Elevator Operator

Before becoming one of the most iconic actors of all time, Marlon Brando had a brief stint as an elevator operator in a department store. His job was to announce the different floors to the passengers, but he was so embarrassed to announce the lingerie floor that he quit after only four days.

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3. Marlon Brando's Oscar Doorstop

Marlon Brando won an Oscar for his iconic performance in the 1954 film “On the Waterfront”, and instead of displaying it proudly, he chose to use it as a doorstop in his home. This is a testament to Brando's humility and his disdain for the Hollywood establishment, as he was known to be a rebel and a nonconformist.

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4. Marlon Brando kisses Larry King on live TV

In 1995, Marlon Brando made an appearance on the popular talk show "Larry King Live" and shocked viewers when he leaned in and kissed the host, Larry King, on the mouth. The unexpected kiss was met with a stunned silence from the audience, and the moment quickly became a memorable part of the show's history. Brando's bold move was a testament to his larger-than-life persona and his willingness to take risks.

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5. The Actor Who Didn't Need Lines

Marlon Brando was renowned for his method acting, and he took it to the extreme by refusing to learn his lines. Instead, he would rely on cue cards to deliver his lines, which allowed him to stay in character and remain in the moment. This technique was so successful that it became a staple of his acting style, and he was able to deliver powerful performances without ever having to memorize his lines.

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6. The Master of Method Acting

Marlon Brando is widely regarded as a pioneer of the "method acting" technique, which has been adopted by many acclaimed actors, including Oscar-winner Daniel Day Lewis. This technique involves immersing oneself in the character's emotions and motivations, and is considered to be one of the most influential acting techniques of the 20th century. Brando's iconic performances in films such as A Streetcar Named Desire and On the Waterfront are often cited as examples of his mastery of the method acting technique.

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7. Marlon Brando, rebel from an early age, was expelled from high school

Marlon Brando was a rebel from an early age, as evidenced by his expulsion from high school for riding a motorcycle in the hallways. His rebellious streak was so strong that he couldn't resist the urge to take his motorcycle for a spin inside the school, leading to his eventual expulsion. Despite this setback, Brando went on to become one of the most iconic actors of all time, with his performances in films such as The Godfather and A Streetcar Named Desire cementing his legacy.

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8. A True Artist Refuses Triple the Salary

Marlon Brando was offered an incredible amount of money to reprise his roles in two films, "The Godfather: Part II" and "Superman II". Despite the offer of triple the salary of any other actor, Brando refused, claiming that once he was done with a part, he was done with it. His commitment to his craft and refusal to be swayed by money is a testament to his dedication to his art.

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9. Marlon Brando's Island: The Eccentric Actor's Most Expensive Purchase

Marlon Brando, the iconic actor, was known for his eccentric lifestyle, and one of his most extravagant purchases was an entire island located off the Pacific coast. The island, which was located in the French Polynesia, was named Tetiaroa and was made up of 12 small islets. Brando purchased the island in 1967 and used it as a private retreat, where he could escape the hustle and bustle of Hollywood.

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10. Marlon Brando, Iconic Actor, Dies at 74

Marlon Brando, one of the most iconic actors of the 20th century, passed away in 2004 due to pulmonary fibrosis, a condition in which the lungs become scarred and breathing becomes increasingly difficult. His death marked the end of an era for Hollywood, as Brando was known for his intense performances and his influence on the craft of acting. He won two Academy Awards for his roles in On the Waterfront and The Godfather, and was nominated for seven more. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his fans and in the performances of the many actors he inspired.