10 fun and interesting Steve McQueen facts

1. The Legendary Actor Known By Many Names

The legendary actor Steve McQueen was known by many names, but four nicknames in particular stuck with him throughout his career. He was affectionately referred to as 'Bandito', 'King Of Cool', 'Mac' and 'McQ'. These nicknames were often used to address him, and he was known to answer to all of them.

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2. US Marine Corps Veteran

Before becoming a Hollywood icon, Steve McQueen served in the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted in 1947 at the age of 17 and was assigned to the 2nd Armored Amphibian Battalion, where he was trained as a tank driver and mechanic. After being honorably discharged in 1950, McQueen went on to become one of the most successful and beloved actors of all time, starring in iconic films such as The Great Escape, Bullitt, and The Thomas Crown Affair.

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3. Iconic Actor Who Made His Debut in 'The Blob'

In 1958, Steve McQueen made his debut as the lead actor in the sci-fi horror classic, "The Blob". His performance in the film was so impressive that it earned him dozens of offers to appear in other films, launching his career as one of the most iconic actors of the 20th century.

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4. Steve McQueen & "The Towering Inferno": A Fan Fave

Steve McQueen is remembered fondly by his fans for his role in the disaster film "The Towering Inferno". Despite being one of the main characters, McQueen does not appear until halfway through the movie, making his entrance all the more memorable. His character, Doug Roberts, is a chief architect who is determined to save the lives of those trapped in the burning skyscraper.

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5. Iconic Warrior Actor

Steve McQueen was renowned for his rugged physique and commanding presence, which made him a natural fit for roles as a military character or police officer in the majority of his films. His strong, stoic demeanor and athletic build made him the perfect choice for these types of characters, and his performances in films such as The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape, and Bullitt are still remembered as some of the most iconic in cinematic history.

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6. Steve McQueen Wins Academy Award for Role in The Sand Pebbles

Steve McQueen won the Academy Award for his role in the 1966 movie The Sand Pebbles, a war drama set in 1920s China. His performance as Jake Holman, a sailor assigned to a gunboat on the Yangtze River, earned him critical acclaim and the Academy Award for Best Actor. McQueen's portrayal of Holman's struggle to survive in a hostile environment was praised by critics and audiences alike, and his win at the Academy Awards cemented his status as one of the greatest actors of his generation.

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7. Steve McQueen and Martin Landau: Two of a Kind

In 1955, Steve McQueen and Martin Landau were two of only two actors selected out of a staggering 2000 who auditioned to take part in Lee Strasberg's Actor's Studio. The Actor's Studio was a renowned acting school and workshop that had produced some of the most iconic actors of the 20th century, and McQueen and Landau were among the lucky few to be chosen to join its ranks.

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8. Friend of Roman Polanski, Sharon Tate

Steve McQueen was a close friend of both Roman Polanski and Sharon Tate, and was even a frequent visitor to their home in Hollywood. Sadly, it was in this same home that Sharon Tate was tragically murdered by the followers of Charles Manson. McQueen was deeply affected by the tragedy, and it was said that he never visited the home again.

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9. Hollywood's Highest Paid Actor of the 1960s

In the 1960s, Steve McQueen was the highest paid actor in Hollywood, and his fame was well-deserved. His iconic roles in films such as 'Papillon', 'The Magnificent Seven', 'The Getaway', and 'The Thomas Crown Affair' cemented his status as a Hollywood legend. His performances in these films earned him critical acclaim and made him one of the most sought-after actors of the decade.

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10. Steve McQueen, Iconic Actor, Dies at 50

On November 7, 1980, the world was shocked to learn that the iconic actor Steve McQueen had passed away at the age of 50. The cause of death was a heart attack, which he had suffered following surgery. McQueen was best known for his roles in films such as The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape, and Bullitt, and his death was mourned by fans around the world.