Charles Bronson, born Charles Dennis Buchinsky, was an American actor with a remarkable rags-to-riches story. Born to Lithuanian immigrants in Pennsylvania, he grew up in poverty, working in coal mines from a young age. Despite early challenges, including a language barrier and the loss of his father, Bronson was the first in his family to graduate high school. He served as an aerial gunner during World War II, receiving a Purple Heart.
Post-war, Bronson worked various jobs before breaking into acting, not for passion but for financial gain. He married Harriet Tendler and moved to California to pursue acting, eventually gaining significant roles in films like "The Magnificent Seven" and "The Great Escape." After divorcing Tendler, he married actress Jill Ireland and became a leading man in numerous films throughout the '60s and '70s.
Bronson's later years were marked by his dedication to Ireland during her battle with cancer until her death in 1990. He continued acting into the '90s but eventually retired due to health issues. Bronson passed away in 2003 at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy as a prolific actor who appeared in over 90 films.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Charles Bronson was born Charles Dennis Buchinsky on November 3, 1921.
2. He was born in Ehrenfeld, Pennsylvania.
3. He was the 11th of 15 children born to Lithuanian immigrants.
4. His father was a coal miner who worked in the coal mines of Pennsylvania.
5. Bronson started school without speaking English, only speaking Lithuanian and Russian at home.
6. He developed claustrophobia while working in the coal mines.
7. He was drafted into the military in 1943 and served as a truck driver and later as an aerial gunner on a B-29 bomber.
8. He received a Purple Heart for wounds received in battle.
9. After the war, he held various odd jobs, including working as a short-order cook and a bricklayer.
10. He met his first wife, Harriet Tendler, while working as a beach chair rental attendant in Atlantic City.
11. He enrolled in the Pasadena Playhouse using the GI Bill.
12. He got his first unaccredited role in the film "The People Against O'Hara" in 1951.
13. He changed his screen name to Charles Bronson in 1954.
14. He gained his first lead role in the film "Machine Gun Kelly" in 1958.
15. He was paid $5,000 for his role in "Machine Gun Kelly".
16. He was awarded custody of his two children, Suzanne and Tony, after his divorce from Harriet in 1965.
17. He met his second wife, Jill Ireland, on the set of the film "The Great Escape" in 1962.
18. He married Jill Ireland in 1968.
19. He starred in 14 films with Jill Ireland.
20. He was awarded the Golden Globe for Most Popular Actor in the World in 1971.
21. He earned $1 million for his role in the film "Death Wish" in 1974.
22. He adopted Jill's three children, Paul, Jason, and Valentine.
23. Jill was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1984.
24. Jill died on May 18, 1990, at the age of 54.
25. Charles Bronson died on August 30, 2003, at the age of 81, due to complications from lung cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and pneumonia.
26. He was buried at Brownsville Cemetery in West Windsor, Vermont, alongside his wife Jill.
27. He appeared in over 160 films throughout his career.
28. He was married three times: to Harriet Tendler, Jill Ireland, and Kim Weeks.
29. He had seven children: Suzanne, Tony, Paul, Jason, Valentine, Zuleyka, and Katrina.
30. He was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 6901 Hollywood Boulevard.