Clift, Montgomery

Montgomery Clift (1920-66, age 45). An American actor. A four-time Academy Award nominee, he was known for his portrayal of “moody, sensitive young men”, according to The New York Times. Born in Omaha, Nebraska and lived in New York City where he acted on Broadway until he moved to Hollywood to act in film.

Montgomery Clift co-stared with such notable actors as Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, and Tallulah Bankhead. Clift started his career as an actor on Broadway, between 1935 and 1946, and also appeared at the off-Broadway Phoenix Theater in 1954. He became identified as a Method actor, and as one of the younger men who portrayed a different version of American masculinity.

He moved to Hollywood in 1946. Clift appeared in 17 films during his 18-year Hollywood career, including The Search (1948), The Heiress (1949), A Place in the Sun (1951), I Confess (1953), From Here to Eternity (1953), and Lonelyhearts (1958).

Clift returned to New York in 1951 and suffered a car accident in 1956;  subsequent injuries left Clift addicted to alcohol and painkillers. He had several serious relationships with men, including one with the highly influential choreographer Jerome Robbins. Clift also dated Jack Larson, who is best known for starring as Jimmy Olsen on the TV series Superman (1952-58). He died young from a heart attack.