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Steve McQueen spent the final months of his life in a clinic in Mexico, seeking alternative therapies for his cancer. He died on November 7, 1980, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, after undergoing surgery to remove several tumors.

Date of Birth
24 March 1930, Beech Grove, Indiana, USA
Date of Death
7 November 1980, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico (heart attack)
Birth Name
Terence Steven McQueen
Nicknames
Bandito
King Of Cool
Mac
McQ
Height
5' 9½" (1.77 m)

Ultra-cool male film star of the 1960s, and rose from a troubled youth spent in reform schools to being the world's most popular actor. Over 25 years after his untimely death from mesothelioma in 1980, Steve McQueen is still considered hip and cool, and he endures as an icon of popular culture.McQueen was born in Beech Grove, Indiana, to Julia Ann (Crawford) and William Terence McQueen, a stunt pilot. His first lead role was in the low-budget sci-fi film The Blob (1958), quickly followed by roles in The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery (1959) and Never So Few (1959). The young McQueen appeared as Vin, alongside Yul Brynner, in the star-laden The Magnificent Seven (1960) and effectively hijacked the lead from the bigger star by ensuring he was nearly always doing something in every shot he and Brynner were in together, such as adjusting his hat or gun belt. He next scored with audiences with two interesting performances, first in the World War II drama Hell Is for Heroes (1962) and then in The War Lover (1962). Riding a wave of popularity, McQueen delivered another crowd pleaser as Hilts, the Cooler King, in the knockout World War II P.O.W. film The Great Escape (1963), featuring his famous leap over the barbed wire on a motorcycle while being pursued by Nazi troops (in fact, however, the stunt was actually performed by his good friend, stunt rider Bud Ekins).McQueen next appeared in several films of mixed quality, including Soldier in the Rain (1963); Love with the Proper Stranger (1963) and Baby the Rain Must Fall (1965). However, they failed to really grab audience attention, but his role as Eric Stoner in The Cincinnati Kid (1965), alongside screen legend Edward G. Robinson and Karl Malden, had movie fans filling theaters again to see the ice-cool McQueen they loved. He was back in another Western, Nevada Smith (1966), again with Malden, and then he gave what many consider to be his finest dramatic performance as loner US Navy sailor Jake Holman in the superb The Sand Pebbles (1966). McQueen was genuine hot property and next appeared with Faye Dunaway in the provocative crime drama The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), next in what many consider his signature role, that of a maverick, taciturn detective in the mega-hit Bullitt (1968), renowned for its famous chase sequence through San Francisco between McQueen's Ford Mustang and the killer's black Dodge Charger.Interestingly, McQueen's next role was a total departure from the action genre, as he played Southerner Boon Hogganbeck in the family-oriented The Reivers (1969), based on the popular William Faulkner novel. Not surprisingly, the film didn't go over particularly well with audiences, even though it was an entertaining and well made production, and McQueen showed an interesting comedic side of his acting talents. He returned to more familiar territory, with the race film Le Mans (1971), a rather self-indulgent exercise, and its slow plot line contributed to its rather poor performance in theaters. It was not until many years later that it became something of a cult film, primarily because of the footage of Porsche 917s roaring around race tracks in France. McQueen then teamed up with maverick Hollywood director Sam Peckinpah to star in the modern Western Junior Bonner (1972), about a family of rodeo riders, and again with Peckinpah as bank robber Doc McCoy in the violent The Getaway (1972). Both did good business at the box office. McQueen's next role was a refreshing surprise and Papillon (1973), based on the Henri Charrière novel of the same name, was well received by fans and critics alike. He plays a convict on a French penal colony in South America who persists in trying to escape from his captors and feels their wrath when his attempts fail.The 1970s is a decade remembered for a slew of "disaster" movies and McQueen starred in arguably the biggest of the time, The Towering Inferno (1974). He shared equal top billing with Paul Newman and an impressive line-up of co-stars including Fred Astaire, Robert Vaughn and Faye Dunaway. McQueen does not appear until roughly halfway into the film as San Francisco fire chief Mike O'Halloran, battling to extinguish an inferno in a 138-story skyscraper. The film was a monster hit and set the benchmark for other disaster movies that followed. However, it was McQueen's last film role for several years. After a four-year hiatus he surprised fans, and was almost unrecognizable under long hair and a beard, as a rabble-rousing early environmentalist in An Enemy of the People (1978), based on the Henrik Ibsen play.McQueen's last two film performances were in the unusual Western Tom Horn (1980), then he portrayed real-life bounty hunter Ralph "Papa' Thorson (Ralph Thorson) in The Hunter (1980). In 1978, McQueen developed a small but persistent cough that would not go away. He quit smoking and underwent antibiotic treatments without improvement. Shortness of breath grew more pronounced and on December 22, 1979, after he completed work on 'The Hunter', a biopsy revealed pleural mesothelioma, a rare lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure for which there is no known cure. The asbestos was thought to have been in the protective suits worn in his race car driving days, but in fact the auto racing suits McQueen wore were made of Nomex, a DuPont fire-resistant aramid fiber that contains no asbestos. McQueen later gave a medical interview in which he believed that asbestos used in movie sound stage insulation and race-drivers' protective suits and helmets could have been involved, but he thought it more likely that his illness was a direct result of massive exposure while removing asbestos lagging from pipes aboard a troop ship while in the US Marines.By February 1980, there was evidence of widespread metastasis. While he tried to keep the condition a secret, the National Enquirer disclosed that he had "terminal cancer" on March 11, 1980. In July, McQueen traveled to Rosarito Beach, Mexico for an unconventional treatment after American doctors told him they could do nothing to prolong his life. Controversy arose over McQueen's Mexican trip, because McQueen sought a non-traditional cancer treatment called the Gerson Therapy that used coffee enemas, frequent washing with shampoos, daily injections of fluid containing live cells from cows and sheep, massage and laetrile, a supposedly "natural" anti-cancer drug available in Mexico, but not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. McQueen paid for these unconventional medical treatments by himself in cash payments which was said to have cost an upwards of $40,000 per month during his three-month stay in Mexico. McQueen was treated by William Donald Kelley, whose only medical license had been (until revoked in 1976) for orthodontics.McQueen returned to the United States in early October 1980. Despite metastasis of the cancer through McQueen's body, Kelley publicly announced that McQueen would be completely cured and return to normal life. McQueen's condition soon worsened and "huge" tumors developed in his abdomen. In late October, McQueen flew to Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico to have an abdominal tumor on his liver (weighing around five pounds) removed, despite warnings from his American doctors that the tumor was inoperable and his heart could not withstand the surgery. McQueen checked into a Juarez clinic under the alias "Sam Shepard" where the local Mexican doctors and staff at the small, low-income clinic were unaware of his actual identity.

October 1997, he was ranked #30 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list.

On August 8, 1969, a week before the Woodstock Music Festival kicked off in Bethel, New York, McQueen had been invited for dinner at the Roman Polanski-Sharon Tate home in the Hollywood hills by mutual friend and hairdresser-to the-stars Jay Sebring. An unexpected rendezvous with a mystery woman prompted him to cancel his appointment. In the wake of the Manson Family Tate-LaBianca murders at, respectively, 10050 Cielo Drive and 3301 Waverly Drive, McQueen would later learn that he was accorded the kind of priority billing for which he was unprepared--he topped Charles Manson's celebrity death list. Thereafter, he carried a concealed weapon.

Although he was the highest paid star of the 1960s, McQueen had a reputation for being tight-fisted. On some films he would demand ten electric razors and dozens of pairs of jeans. It was later found that he gave this stuff to Boys Republic, a private school and treatment community for troubled youngsters, where he spent a few years himself.

Issued a private pilot's license by the FAA in 1979 after learning to fly in a Stearman bi-plane, which he purchased for that purpose. After his death it was sold at auction, along with his large collection of vehicles, in 1982.

Father of Chad McQueen and Terry McQueen.

Trained in Tang Soo Do with ninth-degree black belt Pat E. Johnson (not Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris as is popularly believed). His son was trained in karate by Norris. Lee trained him in Jeet Kune Do.

Served in the United States Marine Corps.

Was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an often fatal form of cancer related to asbestos exposure, which often afflicts workers in ship-building and construction industries. As in most cases, a tumor was discovered on the outside lining of a lung, and spread to other areas of the body. Although McQueen had been a heavy smoker, which may or may not have been a contributing factor, mesothelioma itself is not a smoking-related lung disease. While the source of his exposure has been debated, McQueen himself points to two likely sources, including the time when he took part in replacing asbestos-based insulation in the ship's engine room during his stint in the Marines. He also believed he could have been exposed in his years as a film star, since soundstage insulation had also been made of asbestos. Others have suggested sources as varied as automotive brake pads and the cloth used to bandage his broken foot during the 12 hours of Sebring race in 1971.

He was posthumously awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6834 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on June 12, 1986.

He was chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#19) (1995).

Was a pallbearer at the funeral of Bruce Lee.

Dropped out of school in ninth grade.

Former stepfather of Josh Evans.

He proposed the idea for the drama film The Bodyguard (1992) in 1976. However, this was forgotten for 16 years until 1992, when Kevin Costner revived the idea.

His role in Never So Few (1959) was originally going to be played by Sammy Davis Jr.. A feud had broken out between Davis and Frank Sinatra after Davis had claimed in a radio interview that he was a greater singer than Sinatra. Sinatra demanded he be dropped from the cast, and thus McQueen received his breakthrough role.

Died from two consecutive heart attacks at 3:45 am on November 7, 1980, less than 24 hours after undergoing successful surgery to remove the malignant tumors in his stomach and lungs. According to the doctor present at the operation, his right lung was entirely cancerous.

Sheryl Crow made a song titled "Steve McQueen" as a tribute to him. It is featured on the album "C'mon C'mon" (2002).

The original script of The Towering Inferno (1974) called for his character to have more lines of dialogue than Paul Newman's. McQueen insisted that the script be changed so that he and Newman would have the same number of lines. He believed that his talent was superior to Newman's and he wanted the critical criteria to be as equal as possible.

Was originally slated to star with Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969); however, due to a disagreement over the billing, he left the project. Ironically, the billing method was used several years later when he and Newman starred together in The Towering Inferno (1974).

He was very interested in playing John Rambo in the adaptation of the novel "First Blood". He was actually slated to star, but did not due to his death. Sylvester Stallone got the role instead in First Blood (1982).

The band Drive-By Truckers have the tribute song "Steve McQueen" featured on their album "Gangstabilly" (1998).

Along with Martin Sheen and James Dean, is mentioned in the song "Electrolite" by R.E.M..

After being told his lung cancer was inoperable, he went to a health clinic in Mexico to undergo a controversial "apricot pit" therapy that is still banned in the United States.

Was the first of the original film The Magnificent Seven (1960) to pass away.

Had appeared, helmeted and uncredited, as a motorcyclist in the B-movie Dixie Dynamite (1976), starring Warren Oates and Christopher George. Legend has it that the call went out for dirt bike riders to take part in this low-budget action adventure, and among those who turned up was McQueen. Heavily bearded and overweight, he kept a low profile (this was during his reclusive period when he was turning down multi-million-dollar offers for such films as A Bridge Too Far (1977) and Apocalypse Now (1979)), and was only noticed when he queued up to accept his day's payment, about $120. The astonished production assistant handing out the cash saw his name on a list and said, "Is that THE Steve McQueen?". McQueen's riding style (standing on his foot pedals, leaning forward, head over the handlebars) makes him immediately identifiable to bike buffs.

He was voted the 56th Greatest Movie Star of all time by "Entertainment Weekly".

The "King of Cool" became a born-again Christian shortly before he died, due to the influence of his third wife Barbara Minty and his flying instructor Sammy Mason. He went through Bible studies with Rev. Billy Graham. It is interesting to note that this conversion happened before he was diagnosed with cancer, meaning it was probably genuine. McQueen's favorite Bible verse was John 3:16, which reads, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.".

In the 1960s, he publicly threatened to break Howard Hughes' nose if Hughes did not stop harassing Mamie Van Doren, a woman both men had affairs with, but at different times. Needless to say, Hughes never bothered Van Doren again.

Upon meeting Martin Landau, McQueen told Landau that they had already met. Landau, who didn't remember McQueen, inquired as to where. McQueen told him that he--Landau--was on the back of James Dean's motorcycle when Dean brought it in for repairs at a garage in New York City. The motorcycle mechanic at the garage was none other than McQueen.

After the huge success of The Towering Inferno (1974), McQueen announced that any producer wishing to acquire his services would have to send a check for $1.5 million along with the script. If he liked the script and wanted to make the movie, he'd cash the check; the producer then owed him another $1.5 million. He'd keep his half of his $3 million salary if the producer couldn't come up with the other half. McQueen likely used this then-unprecedented pay-or-play arrangement to guarantee the six-year semi-retirement he undertook after "The Towering Inferno", in which he appeared in only one picture, the vanity project An Enemy of the People (1978). When he did return to commercial filmmaking, his price was $3 million.

He was voted the 31st Greatest Movie Star of all time by Premiere magazine.

Had appeared with Charles Bronson in three films directed by John Sturges: Never So Few (1959), The Magnificent Seven (1960), The Great Escape (1963). Also, appeared with James Coburn in the latter two Sturges films cited above.

According to military records released by the Pentagon in 2005, Marine Pfc. Steve McQueen was confined to base for being absent without leave for 30 days and fined $90 after being AWOL from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He joined the Marine Corps at 17 and worked as a tank driver and mechanic, which probably spurred his lifelong interest in vehicles, especially motorcycles. He received a commendation for rescuing five Marines in a training accident, and later took advantage of GI Bill education benefits to study at the Actors' Studio in New York City.

Had appeared with Eli Wallach in both his first major successful film, The Magnificent Seven (1960), and his final film, The Hunter (1980).

Had appeared with Robert Vaughn in three films: The Magnificent Seven (1960), Bullitt (1968) and The Towering Inferno (1974).

When he briefly left The Great Escape (1963) during filming, due to the fact that his character did not play as large a part as he would have liked, it was James Coburn and James Garner who convinced him to return. Because of its huge success and continuing popularity, it has become his best known role.

Always resented the fact that Horst Buchholz was cast as Chico in The Magnificent Seven (1960), the role he had initially wanted.

Like the coolest movie stars, was strongly connected to Triumph motorcycles, riding a 650cc TR6 Trophy in The Great Escape (1963) and competing on the same model in the 1964 International Six Days Trial held in East Germany. Photographs of his desert racing also show him upon this model. He also visited Triumph's Meriden factory in 1964 and 1965 for collection and preparation of his motorcycles.

In the movie S.W.A.T. (2003), Colin Farrell's character of Jim Street has a poster of McQueen's Bullitt (1968) in his apartment. In real life, Farrell frequently cites McQueen as one of his idols and influences as an actor.

In 1960, with his growing success, he formed his own production company called Scuderia Condor Enterprises, which he ran until 1963 when he and his family moved to 2419 Solar Drive and he renamed his company Solar Productons, Inc., and would produce many films under this banner until his death.

Of all the characters he ever played, he frequently cited Lt. Frank Bullitt from Bullitt (1968) as his favorite.

The last words he uttered on screen were "God bless you" in The Hunter (1980). He died shortly after the film's release.

His only two appearances at the Academy Awards were as a presenter: in 1964, he presented the Oscar for Best Sound, and in 1965, holding hands with Claudia Cardinale, he presented the Oscar again for Best Sound.

Shortly before filming began on Tom Horn (1980), he had quit smoking cigarettes. His somewhat "squashed" appearance was due to a crash diet.

Former father-in-law of Stacey Toten.

Grandfather of Steven R. McQueen and Molly McQueen.

His name somehow appeared on President Richard Nixon's "List of Enemies" in 1972. In reality, McQueen was conservative in his political beliefs, with a strong belief in self-help. In 1963 he had declined to participate in the March on Washington for civil rights and, in 1968, refused to join many of his Hollywood peers in supporting Sen. Robert F. Kennedy's presidential campaign. An incredulous Ali MacGraw asked McQueen how he could have been considered a threat by Nixon, adding, "You are the most patriotic person I know!" McQueen responded to the whole affair by flying an enormous American flag outside his house.

Was William Friedkin's first choice for the Jackie Scanlon character in Sorcerer (1977). McQueen accepted the part, but on one condition. He wanted a co-starring role for his then wife, Ali MacGraw. Friedkin would not accept his conditions, and McQueen dropped out of the film. Freidkin later went on record has having regretted not accepting McQueen's conditions.

Before his death, McQueen optioned two screenplays from Walter Hill: The Driver (1978) and "The Last Gun". "The Driver" got made later, with Ryan O'Neal playing the lead part. "The Last Gun" remains unproduced.

Some of the few movie stars he admired were Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, Spencer Tracy and John Wayne.

After The Towering Inferno (1974) he was offered several multi-million-dollar roles but refused them all. He turned down the chance to star in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Superman (1978), Raise the Titanic (1980) and the opportunity to star in and direct a film called "Deajum's Wife".

Turned down a role for the sequel to The Towering Inferno (1974) in 1977.

Died of the same cause (lung cancer) as his The Magnificent Seven (1960) co-star Yul Brynner, though McQueen's cancer was brought on by exposure to asbestos and Brynner's was due to smoking.

Felt ill during the filming of Tom Horn (1980), and assumed he had pneumonia. However, towards the end of filming McQueen had begun to cough up blood. On 22 December 1979, after filming had finished, he was diagnosed with cancer.

Following the release of Bullitt (1968) McQueen found it hilarious how he was considered the coolest celebrity by teenagers, despite being nearly 40. In that same year, he declared his support for the Vietnam War and voted for Richard Nixon in November's presidential election.

Homer Simpson named McQueen as his personal hero in The Simpsons: Saturdays of Thunder (1991).

Was offered the co-starring role in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961). However, he was still under contract for his television series Wanted: Dead or Alive (1958), which prevented him from appearing. The role eventually went to George Peppard.

In 1973, McQueen flew to England to meet Oliver Reed and discuss a possible film collaboration. "Reed showed me his country mansion and we got on well," recalled McQueen. "He then suggested he take me to his favorite London nightclub." The drinking, which started at Reed's home, Broome Hall, continued into the night until Reed could hardly stand. Suddenly, and with no apparent warning, he vomited over McQueen's shirt and trousers. "The staff rushed around and found me some new clothes, but they couldn't get me any shoes," said McQueen. "I had to spend the rest of the night smelling of Oliver Reed's sick.".

Turned down a role in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969).

Turned down Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). McQueen told director Steven Spielberg he couldn't play a character who was too emotionally oriented.

Posthumously inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers. [April 2007]

He did not like gratuitous violence, swearing or nudity in movies.

Was considered for the role of Colonel Kurtz in Apocalypse Now (1979), which eventually went to Marlon Brando.

At one point he approached playwright Samuel Beckett with an idea for filming the play "Waiting for Godot", but Becket had never heard of him.

Intended to retire after filming The Towering Inferno (1974).

Inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1978.

After Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn, McQueen was the celebrity most sought out by the press at the premiere of My Fair Lady (1964).

Turned down Clint Eastwood's role in Dirty Harry (1971).

Inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.

His friend and co-star Richard Attenborough said that if McQueen had lived for longer he would have been regarded as the greatest film actor since Spencer Tracy.

British band Prefab Sprout used his name for the title of their second album, released in 1985. Due to objections from the late actor's estate, the album was issued with the alternative title of "Two Wheels Good" in the United States.

He later regretted turning down Roy Scheider's role in Sorcerer (1977).

Profiled in "Back in the Saddle: Essays on Western Film and Television Actors", Gary Yoggy, ed. (McFarland, 1998).

Kevin Costner has named McQueen as his favorite actor, and his main influence as an actor.

Turned down Gene Hackman's Oscar-winning role as drug-busting cop Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in The French Connection (1971) because he thought the movie was too similar to Bullitt (1968).

Quigley Down Under (1990) was written for McQueen in the 1970s.

Made headlines when accepting the lead in Tai-Pan (1986) for an unheard of $10 million, for which he was given a $1-million fee up front. However, his health declined and he died before the producers were able to raise the necessary capital for production. It was eventually released six years after McQueen's death, with Bryan Brown in the lead.

Was considered, but ultimately rejected, for the role of Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby (1974). The role eventually went to Robert Redford.

Colin Farrell, Kevin Costner, Pierce Brosnan and Bruce Willis have all listed McQueen as their hero and inspiration for being an actor.

Turned down a $4-million offer to star in The Gauntlet (1977) when Barbra Streisand was originally attached to the picture with Sam Peckinpah set to direct. McQueen and Streisand did not get along and refused to appear together, for reasons unknown. Kris Kristofferson and Ali MacGraw were then a considered pair, before Clint Eastwood took over as director and cast himself and Sondra Locke in the lead roles.

He had expressed interest in starring in Return of the Magnificent Seven (1966), but Yul Brynner vetoed the idea.

Turned down Marlon Brando's role in The Missouri Breaks (1976) and George C. Scott's role in Islands in the Stream (1977) because he claimed to be completely retired from acting.

Turned down lead roles in The Victors (1963) and King Rat (1965) because he didn't want to become typecast in war movies.

Turned down Ocean's 11 (1960) on the advice of his friend Hedda Hopper, who told him to be his own man rather than Frank Sinatra's "flunky".

On March 21, 1967, three days before his 37th birthday, he became the 153rd star to put his handprints and footprints on the forecourt of Grauman's Chinese Theater.

Turned down a role in A Bridge Too Far (1977) because he only wanted top billing roles, not all-star assembled projects.

Cousin of Janice McQueen Ward.

Had a younger paternal half sister, Terri McQueen, whom he never met.

He was brought up by his grandparents.

A troublesome teenager, he spent five years in a California reformatory.

He ran away from home and worked on ships, as an oil field laborer and fairground barker.

Had appeared with his good friend Don Gordon in three films: Bullitt (1968), Papillon (1973) and The Towering Inferno (1974).

Dick Powell, head of Four Star Productions, gave the green light to McQueen's western series Wanted: Dead or Alive (1958), but was concerned about his continuing in the lead after the pilot sold because the actor was not big or tall enough to be believable as a rough-hewn bounty hunter, and did not know how to ride a horse. Powell changed his mind when he saw McQueen's charismatic performance in the early rushes of the show's first episode.

He was a rebellious teenager, didn't get along with his stepfather and had several thefts on his record. In 1944, his parents placed him in the California Junior Republic for Boys at Chino. In later years, he referred to his stay at Chino as "the best thing that ever happened to me" and that "they straightened me out there".

After his first meeting with director Robert Wise for his first film role in Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956), Wise referred to him as "just a kook in a beanie".

In 1966, he appeared on the game show What's My Line (1956).

Although he had problems with authority in the strict Marine Corps and served a tough 41 days in the brig for a 21-day AWOL incident, he was discharged honorably.

Acting teacher 'Sanford Meisner' (q) said of the fledgling actor: "He was an original--both tough and childlike, as if he'd been through everything, but he had preserved a basic innocence".

During the scene in Bullitt (1968) in which the giant airliner taxis just above McQueen, observers were shocked that no double was used. Asked if the producers couldn't have found a dummy, the actor wryly replied, "They did".

McQueen died from mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. It is assumed he was exposed to race driver suits that used asbestos for protection from car fires and movie soundstage insulation.

McQueen was cremated and a memorial service was held at his home with a bi-plane flyover by his flying buddies. There were so many flowers and cards from his fans put on his likeness at the Hollywoo Wax Museum, the wax statue had to be put in storage to prevent damage from the tributes.

He was born on March 24 (1930), the same day that 76 Allied prisoners of war begin breaking out of the German POW camp Stalag Luft III in 1944, during World War II, which later became the basis of The Great Escape (1963) in which McQueen starred.

He quit smoking cigarettes in 1978, although he continued to smoke cigars.

He was once employed as a "towel boy" in a brothel.

Smoked three packs of cigarettes a day.

Had a feud with next-door neighbor British rocker Keith Moon ("the loon") of The Who in Malibu. Moon had a habit of leaving his bathroom light on at night. The light shone directly into McQueen's bedroom and kept him awake at night. After telling Moon repeatedly to turn it off without success, he took out a shotgun, blew out the light and went back to bed.

Charged a $50,000 script reading fee upfront during his semi-retirement years.

Was voted #14 in an online poll for Channel 4's 100 Greatest Movie Stars in 2003 (UK).

Was the first actor to make the transition from television star to huge box-office movie star.

First wife Neile Adams had an abortion in 1971 when their marriage was on the rocks. Several months later, then-girlfriend Barbara Leigh also had an abortion. Second wife Ali MacGraw had a miscarriage in 1974.

Although McQueen himself was an alcoholic, he loathed a woman who drank at all.

Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956)
$19 /day
The Blob (1958)
$3,000
The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery (1959)
$4,000
Never So Few (1959)
$75,000
The Magnificent Seven (1960)
$100,000 (equivalent to $773,000 in 2012)
The Honeymoon Machine (1961)
$100,000
Hell Is for Heroes (1962)
$150,000
The War Lover (1962)
$75,000
The Great Escape (1963)
$400,000 (equivalent to $3,000,000 in 2012)
Soldier in the Rain (1963)
$200,000 + 25% of the net to be paid to Solar Productions
Love with the Proper Stranger (1963)
$300,000
Nevada Smith (1966)
$300,000 + 25% of the Net.
The Sand Pebbles (1966)
$300,000 + 25% of the Net
The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)
$650,000 + 25% of the Net.
Bullitt (1968)
$1,000,000 (equivalent to $6,500,000 in 2012)
The Reivers (1969)
$700,000
Le Mans (1971)
$750,000 + % of the gross
Junior Bonner (1972)
$500,000
The Getaway (1972)
No up front fee in exchange for 10% of the gross.
Papillon (1973)
$2,300,000 + % of gross
The Towering Inferno (1974)
$1,500,000 + 10% of the gross
An Enemy of the People (1978)
$1,500 a week
Tom Horn (1980)
3,000,000 + 10% of the gross
The Hunter (1980)
$3,000,000 + 15% of gross

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George Carlin.
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controversial, outspoken and particularly funny, George Carlin stands as one of the comedy greats, however given his anti-established order perspective, it would come as a wonder that he is a additionally a veteran. After losing out of high school in 1954, Carlin joined the Air pressure up to dateupupdated the GI invoice up to date cover the costs of broadcasting college. He up to dateupdated educated as a radar technician, and up-to-date stationed in Barksdale Air pressure Base in Bossier metropolis, Louisiana.

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9. Steve McQueen

Steve Mcqueen
"It was all very best simply mendacity in the solar and watching the ladies go with the aid of, but in the future I abruptly felt uninterested in placing round and went and joined the Marines."

Steve McQueen's legacy as the "King of Cool" commenced early -- born updated a stunt pilot and an alleged alcoholic prostitute, he had a tumultuous formative years which led him up-to-date domesticate his insurrection phoupupdated, which would persist for the duration of his career. After drifting from process up to date activity, he determined up to dateupupdated the Marines in 1947. He up-to-date promoted up-to-date personal First elegance and served with an armored unit, but he up to dateupdated demoted back up-to-date non-public seven times. His rebellious nature got here up to date a head while he allow a weekend pass up to dateupdated a week tryst up to date girlfriend. Shore patrol apprehended him, but he resisted and spent 41 days in the brig; the primary 21 have been spent residing off of bread and water.

His time within the brig helped reform him. Later his unit turned inupupdated performing a education workout in the Arctic which grew to become disastrous. The ship McQueen, his unit, and their tanks had boarded hit a sandbank, which threw several tanks and their crews inup-to-date the water. Many drowned straight away, not able up to date get out of their tanks, but McQueen jumped in and up to date the lives of five guys.

In popularity of his movements, McQueen was chosen up to date partake in the Honor protect shielding Harry S. Truman's yacht. McQueen stayed with the Marines till 1950 while he become honorably discharged. "The Marines gave me field I up-to-date live with. by the time I got out, I up-to-date deal with things on a greater realistic level. All in all, no matter my troubles, I appreciated my time in the Marines," McQueen stated.

After leaving the Marines, McQueen used cash earned via the GI invoice up-to-date observe performing at Sanford Meisner's neighborhood Playhouse. His career up to date prolific -- he starred in numerous roles and maintained his celebrity fame up till his untimely demise in 1980.

eight. Ice-T

Ice-T closeup.
"when I had my daughter i used upupdated like, man, i am going up to date updated prison, I were given up to date do some thing, and i went updated an enlistment office. subsequent element you understand, i am within the army, 4 years infantry."

up-to-date human beings be part of the military for in basic terms practical or economic reasons -- count acup to dater and musician Ice-T among them. After a up-to-date-and-tumble upbringing in South la, Ice-T up-to-date suffering up to date aid his girlfriend and daughter, and determined upupdated the army for the financial benefits. He served four years in the twenty fifth Infantry department. Early in his career, he changed inupupdated part of a group that sup to datele an infantry rug and subsequently abandoned. After a month, once the rug had been recovered, Ice-T lower back and obtained a non-judicial punishment, which allowed him up-to-date superior Infantry schooling.

throughout his deployment in Hawaii, Ice-T served as a squad leader at Schofield Barracks. in keeping with his memoir, it up-to-date right here that he purchased stereo gadget, along with turntables, a mixer, and speakers. At one up to daterupdated in the course of his profession, a sergeant up to dateld Ice-T that he was serving inside the navy because he couldn't up-to-date on his very own inside the civilian global. no matter the sergeant's declare, Ice-T utilized his time in the army updated construct economic balance, hone his talents, and launch a career in amusement.

7. Humphrey Bogart

Humphrey Bogart headshot.
the person who have become a legend gambling difficult-bitten private eyes and soulful outlaws had a stricken up-to-date: born right into a successful family, Humphrey Bogart become expected up to dateupdated Yale however ended up dropping hobby in school and dropping out. up-to-date attending a specific college or looking for a civilian job, Bogart enlisted within the U.S. military in 1918. it's been recorded that Bogart up-to-date a model sailor, and spent maximum of his profession ferrying troops among the U.S. and Europe. In 1919, Bogart transferred from the Leviathan up-to-date the usaSanta Olivia. He missed the deliver whilst it sailed for Europe, and he became himself in updated the military port authority. up to dateupdated his set off motion, Bogart up-to-date no longer listed as a deserter and up-to-date recorded as being AWOL for which he up-to-date punished with three days of solitary confinement, and allowed nothing however bread and water up to date consume.

notwithstanding the infraction, he up-to-date honorably discharged on June 18th, 1919 with the rank of seaman 2nd elegance with a 3.zero performance score in skillability and four.0 in sobriety and obedience.while Bogart back domestic, he discovered that his values had grown independently of his family. although he up-to-date still articulate, polite, and hard-working, he he detested pretension and snobbery. He rebelled and worked as a shipper, then bond salesman, and in the end joined the Naval Reserve. via a early life buddy, he labored his way inup-to-date show commercial enterprise, and finally his roles veered up to datewards up-to-date-man heroes and gangsters, which became a guidepost for the relaxation of his career. He might go on to superstar in classics upupdated "The Maltese Falcon" and "Casablanca," and win an Academy Award for up-to-date Acup-to-dater in “The African Queen.” He up to date additionally updated draw upon his naval experience whilst he played volatile Captain Queeg in one among his very last films, “The Caine Mutiny.”

6. Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman headshot.
"I joined the Air force. I up-to-dateok updated it without delay when I arrived there. I did 3 years, 8 months, and ten days in all, but it updatedok me a yr and a 1/2 updated get disabused of my romantic notions approximately it."

every now and then being in the navy allows decide what you need updated be in existence -- despite the fact that it manner not being inside the navy. proficient young Morgan Freeman up to date so in love with the idea of flying that he joined the U.S. Air force in 1955 up-to-date accepting a scholarship for drama from Jackson country university. finally, he were given the threat up-to-date teach as a fighter pilot, but as soon as he sat inside the cockpit of what he notion might be his dream job, he felt like he up to dateupdated "sitting in the nose of a bomb," as he up-to-date AARP magazine. "I had this very clear epiphany... You are not in love with this; you're in love with the concept of this." Freeman didn’t hesitate up to dateupdated on his intestine instinct, and left the Air force in 1959.

it'd be an extended, up to date road up to date stardom for Freeman, as he acted for over two decades on level before gaining fame on tv inside the cleaning soap opera "every other global" and the lengthy-walking children's software "the electrical business enterprise." Freeman went on up to date in outstanding assisting roles, and later as a celeb in such films as "The Shawshank Redemption," "Seven," and "Unforgiven."

5. Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris at USO event
"earlier than the President of america can claim conflict, Congress up-to-date have permission from Chuck Norris."

up to daterupdated-champion martial artist is a film and television famous person, and has spawned an entire enterprise round "Chuck Norris records" (as an instance: "Chuck Norris does not breathe, he holds the air hostage"). but it may not have come about had he now not determined upupdated the Air pressure after high faculty. Aiming for a career in law enforcement, he joined the USAF security police, and at the same time as stationed in Korea, he found out one night on obligation that he couldn't arrest a rowdy drunk without pulling his weapon. As a end result, he commenced analyzing a number of the neighborhood Korean martial arts, consisting of Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwan Do, and have become the first Westerner up to date be presented an 8th-degree Black Belt in Tae Kwan Do. He held up to daterupdated middleweight karate champion title for six years, and changed inupupdated named Black Belt magazine's "Fighter of the yr" in 1969. He based 32 martial arts colleges, and become acup to dater and fellow veteran Steve McQueen's karate up to date. McQueen advocated Norris up-to-date appearing, and after gaining interest as Bruce Lee's opponent in "way of the Dragon," he starred in such movies as "precise men wear Black," "Delta pressure" and "lacking in movement." He additionally starred within the long-strolling television series "Walker, Texas Ranger." Norris has used his success up-to-date lower back up-to-date the army community, serving as a spokesman on behalf of the Veterans administration and hospitalized veterans. On March 28, 2007, Commandant Gen. James T. Conway made Norris an honorary usa Marine.

4. Mr. T

Mr. T
"when you find a honestly updated guy, he is no longer a predaupdatedr. He would not up to datehave upupdated show himself. men who have up to date fake up-to-date be up to date, they ain't. i am upupdated."

before he almost pounded Rocky Balboa inup-to-date submission in Rocky III, and went on to fame as B.A. Baracus on the hit television display A-group, Mr. T up to date a member of the biggest crew of all of them -- the U.S. navy. originally up-to-date Laurence Tureaud, Mr. T served within the navy's military Police Corps inside the mid-70s. In November 1975 he up to date awarded a letter of recommendation by way of his drill sergeant, and in a cycle of six thousand troops he become elected "up-to-date Trainee of the Cycle" and promoted up to date Squad leader. In July 1976 his plaupdatedon sergeant punished him by means of giving him the element of reducing down bushes all through training camp at fortress McCoy in Wisconsin, but the sergeant did now not specify how many trees that had been up-to-date be reduce down -- so Tureaud unmarried-handedly chopped down over 70 timber inside the span of 3 and a half hours before being relieved of the element.

After his discharge from the army, Tureaud tried out for the NFL's green Bay Packers however up to date make the team due upupdated a knee damage. but, his navy police education served him nicely in his next job, as a bouncer at Chicago nightclubs, in which he began cultivating his ultra-updated "Mr. T" persona (the well-wellfamous gold chains he wears were a result of selecting up discarded earrings from the nightclub every night time). perhaps the primary "superstar bodyguard," and virtually one of the most well-wellfamous, Mr. T ultimately found repute within the films and television, and presently lives in L.A.

3. Johnny coins

Johnny coins within the army
"That up-to-date the big up-to-date when up-to-date developing up, making a song on the radio. The volume of my dream up to dateupdated updated sing at the radio station in Memphis. even if I were given out of the Air pressure in 1954, I came right returned updated Memphis and commenced knocking on doorways at the radio station."

The mythical usa performer is up to date the "man in Black," but he become also a person in Air pressure blues. sparkling out of high college in 1950, cash joined the Air force because the Korean struggle began, and spent most of his 4-12 months enlistment in Germany. perhaps no longer tremendously for a man with track in his veins, coins turned inupupdated reachable while it got here updated the rhythms of Morse code, and served as an intercept operaupdatedr with the USAF protection service.

it may be argued that if were not for the army, we'd by no means have recognized who Johnny cash up-to-date -- coming from a poor background, he turned inupupdated best up-to-date scrounge enough money up-to-date up to date buy a guitar once he started receiving military pay. He bought his first guitar at the base exchange whilst stationed in Germany, and the relaxation is up-to-date, as they are saying. He also formed his first band while within the Air force (the Landsberg Barbarians) and upon his discharge he used his GI invoice benefits up-to-date a radio-announcing direction at a broadcasting school in Memphis.

although cash's reputation as an outspoken, upupdated-residing rebel has overshadowed his time in provider, he never forgot about where he came from, and years later, he met a younger navy captain named Kris Krisupdatedfferson, who he helped become a country movie star in his own proper.

2. Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood in "Kelly's Heroes"
"up-to-date drafted during the Korean warfare. None of us wanted up-to-date... It up-to-date only multiple years after global struggle II had ended. We stated, 'Wait a 2nd? up to date we simply get through with that?'"

long before Eastwood dared everyone up-to-date make his day as dirty Harry, he served within the military as a swimming updated at up to dateesupdated. Ord. As destiny (and luck) could have it, his swimming abilities would come in reachable: one time while he up-to-date hitching a ride aboard a military updatedrpedo bomber, the aircraft ran out of gas and up-to-date forced up to date ditch within the Pacific Ocean approximately 3 miles off up-to-date Reyes Station CA. Eastwood swam over a mile thru the tide up-to-date shore, foreshadowing his very own individual's watery trials in "escape from Alcatraz" via shark infested waters. After his discharge in 1953, Eastwood attended L.A. up-to-date university and studied drama below the GI invoice. From humble origins within the film enterprise (he started out on a $75-a-week contract with accepted Studios), he finally observed worldwide fame in "spaghetti" westerns, the dirty Harry series, and as an Oscar-winning direcupdatedr.

1. Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley within the navy
"The navy teaches boys up to date assume like men."

It seems handiest truthful that the man called "the King of Rock 'n' Roll" must be the king of this listing. Drafted by using the U.S. military just as he up-to-date experiencing a upward thrust updated stardom seldom visible earlier than or for the reason that in popular music, Presley didn'tupdated shirk from his obligation and observed himself buying and selling in his leather jacket for combat fatigues. He entered the army as a everyday GI at ft. Chaffee on March 24, 1958. As his famously up-to-date hair up-to-date shaved all the way down upupdated regulation duration, he cracked, "Hair up to date, long past up to datemorrow." His induction up to dateupdated a chief event, with masses of overlookers and media there updated witness it.

Elvis was stationed at feet. Hood for fundamental education and become assigned up-to-date the second Armored division's 'Hell On Wheels' unit. Later he become assigned up to date the 1/3 Armored 'Spearhead' division, and stationed in Friedberg, Germany -- it become here that he met Priscilla Beaulieu, who would eventually become his spouse. in the course of his time in Texas and Germany, Elvis kept a low profile, despite the fact that he up-to-date already rich sufficient up to date deliver his father and grandmother up-to-date live with him off-base.

by the point he finished his military stint, Elvis have been promoted up to date sergeant, and he become honorably discharged from active duty on March 5, 1960 at citadel Dix, receiving a mustering-out take a look at of $109.54. just up to dateupdated his go out, Elvis reflected on his studies in an interview for military Radio and tv: "up to date in a humorous position. clearly, this is the best way up-to-date be. humans have been up-to-date me up-to-date mess upupdated, up to date goof up in one way or another. They notion I couldn't take it and so forth, and up-to-date determined updated up to dateupdated any limits up to date show otherwise, now not most effective up-to-date the folks who were thinking, but up-to-date myself."

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