Jack Palance Gone, but Not Forgotten

Actor Jack Palance died today of natural causes at the age of 87. Palance a movie star during the 50’s always played the bad guy in film noir, westerns, and melodramas. His debut was in “Panic in The Street” followed by his impressive, and Oscar-nominated role as a cad in “Sudden Fear,” (1952) my favorite Jack Palance & Joan Crawford movie. He also starred in Shane (1953 Oscar-Nominated), and Requiem For A Heavyweight (1956). He continued to act through the 60’s & 70’s although most of these movies have long been forgotten. He made a comeback in 1989 in Tim Burton’s Batman, then appeared in a parody of himself as a trail boss in City Slickers (1991) at the age of 72– and won his first Oscar as best supporting actor for this role.

I remember when he got that Oscar–I remember how he accepted the award–truly unforgettable. He wanted to show the world that he still had it even at the age of 72. He did one-handed push-ups. I am sure that not one young person in the audience could match his vigor. It is this spirit that will never be forgotten about Palance. Ever wonder why he had a taut looking face? He was badly burned during WWII and had plastic surgery. That taut looking face, I am sure, helped him land the roles he did. It also convinced us the viewers that he was tough, every role he played was believable. He had that “Go ahead make my day” kind of face.

Jack, thank you for the memories, gone but never forgotten. You will be missed.