Charles Bronson and Lee Marvin reflect on their careers - May 1981 | KATU In The Archives

For the release of 1981s "Death Hunt," Charles Bronson and Lee Marvin spoke to KATU film critic Stuart Rosenthal about their careers and playing tough guys.
_______________
Stay up to date with our social media:
KATU on Facebook: / katunews
KATU on Twitter: / katunews
Subscribe to KATU on KZbin: / @katunews
Daily News Playlist: • KATU Daily News Playlist
For more information, visit katu.com/
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: [e-mail]
Call the Newsroom: 503.231.4222
KATU is a OR based station and a ABC Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today.
#KATU #Katu2abc #Portland

[@davidhutchinson5233]

Man, 2 WWII vets. RESPECT. And their careers...so very impressive.

[@rogergordon1765]

Both men were the real deal. Marvin, a Marine who was wounded on Saipan. Bronson, A crewman on a B-17.

[@ammantophori]

All that and they worked at their trade. I say they set a fine example

[@JAMwithGeo]

Both earned Purple Hearts and were mostly reticent about speaking of their time in the war. Bronson noted he thought of his fellow soldiers who didn’t make it back, every day.

[@jc4evur661]

No bone spurs there.

[@asterixdogmatix1073]

@@rogergordon1765 B-29. Bronson was with the 39th Bombardment Group, based on Guam.

[@Joseph-wp7ru]

Two legends . Great actors .

[@jogman262]

They don't make em like these two anymore. Like you said, legends.

[@jamesbrice6619]

2 military warriors.

[@glennjthompson332]

Yeah!😃👍👍👍👍Classic always in film!😉

[@frasertones8519]

Really? Great actors?? As much as we love these guys, let's face it...they were terrible actors.

[@glennjthompson332]

@@frasertones8519 Yeah.😆 Back then.. both have ups and downs in their careers, it's all medicore on other films, and their personal lives are a tough one to boot!😅

[@TheJugulator62]

Marvins voice, so badass.

[@GymChess]

Tobacco voice.

[@rafaelramirez1507]

Cool strong voice 👍

[@edwinrodeo]

From Delta Force. TAKE’EM DOWN. I licked him as much as Chuck Noris 😊

[@teastrainer3604]

I'm a big fan of Lee but wow, he looked rough there to be 57.

[@probyful]

@@teastrainer3604 He always looked older because of his white hair, his height, his voice and his facial features. But he was great.

[@rlpd5218]

We will never see the likes of them again God bless them

[@JAFO44]

Sadly I must agree. Gob broke their molds upon creation

[@Jinka1950]

Exactly. Today we have snowflakes hugging their teddy bears … drinking Starbucks.

[@jimwatts4901]

Loved these two , there will never be a generation like them again. I don't hardly watch TV anymore, except to watch older movies with these guys , Wayne or Clint walker. 👍

[@prakashm1468]

100% right

[@morrismonet3554]

Unlike today's "stars" these two knew which bathroom to use.

[@Mickster71]

You can feel the respect... these two men had for each other. Thank you for this.

[@coolmacatrain9434]

I don't know... don't you find it odd that Bronson never once looked at Marvin? and at the very end when the interview is finished he actually looks the other way.

[@danc3693]

@@coolmacatrain9434People “see” what they want to see. I’m not a mind reader and I’m not picking up on a mutual respect or anything opposite of that either. They seem friendly enough with each other but it doesn’t make them big time buds either.

[@coolmacatrain9434]

Google > Charles Bronson hated Lee Marvin@@danc3693

[@rafaelramirez1507]

​@@coolmacatrain9434means nothing , they both respected and got along with each other , there are other videos of them together being interviewed and you can feel the respect and love they had for each. No one calls Mr.Bronson Charlie onless you're a good tight friend.

[@coolmacatrain9434]

@@rafaelramirez1507 " No one calls Mr.Bronson Charlie Unless you're a good tight friend." and you would know this how?

[@BeauDare-ov7py]

I had the pleasure of running into Bronson when I worked in Hollywood as an actor/ screenwriter, and he was a real force on nature. In his 70's, he was built like a brick wall. Powerful and a very pleasant, genuine man. They don't make actors like him anymore..

[@nobodynothing00000]

My dad was a huge Charles Bronson fan. The guy clearly wasn't gonna win an Oscar but there was a quality of emotional honesty to a lot of his performances.

[@BeauDare-ov7py]

@fr000, Very well said. He was indeed a remarkable actor. All best.

[@vordman]

Nope, when Clint and Michael Caine go that will be it.

[@jubalcalif9100]

What a wonderful memory ! THANKS for sharing !

[@BeauDare-ov7py]

@jubal, Many thanks for your note. Indeed, Bronson was special. All best.

[@gragrn]

Both men were wounded in action in WWII. May they rest in peace!

[@NiCaNaMex]

Good memories watching Charles Bronson movies with my dad.

[@michaelpuckett8784]

Charles Bronson Lee Marvin two of the bes

[@clives344]

Both were amazing in the Dirty Dozen

[@ernestomeza4700]

2 man with pure CLASS

[@seniordavidmanderson9232]

Bronson was a gunner aboard a B-29 “Superfortress” bomber, he flew 25 missions in the Pacific Theater, and received a Purple Heart. Marvin served in the 4th Marine Division, and received a Purple Heart after being wounded at the Battle of Saipan. Both Bronson and Marvin epitomizes the tough, ultra-violent men of Action in American films. They slowly worked their way up the Hollywood ladder and, by the time they were in their forties and fifties, would emerge as the highest paid actors in the industry. Bronson and Marvin - born three years apart, Bronson being the senior- first worked together in 1951; as bit players in the Gary Cooper starrer, “You’re in the Navy now.” Throughout 50s both stars would continue playing heavies and supporting roles opposite then reigning superstars like Marlon Brando and Burt Lancaster. Marvin was the first to hit stardom- with a series of hit films in the mid 1960s like “Cat Ballou,” “The Killers,” “The Professionals” and “The Dirty Dozen.” The last mentioned film also featured Bronson, who was billed second in the credits after Marvin. Bronson was still a supporting actor then appearing in ensemble pieces like “The Magnificent Seven” and “The Great Escape.” Bronson would hit stardom first in Europe, with Sergio Leone’s 1968 Spaghetti-Western, “Once upon a Time in the West.” He will have to wait till 1974 and “Death Wish” to achieve stardom in America.

[@weirdshibainu]

Bronsons best movie IMO is "Hard Times"

[@ScottyColoradoKid]

What about The Mechanic? wasnt that was before Death Wish?

[@annalisavajda252]

War Hero or not he had to change his name or be targeted as a potential "communist" in that era.

[@if6was929]

@@weirdshibainu Agreed!

[@rickhinojosa5455]

​@@annalisavajda252And it's funny how Hollywood is truly a hive of communist and socialist mentalities, constantly pushing them in every way they can. I wonder how fast it would have gotten without the headhunting they did against those idealogies.

[@johnleos1687]

These guys are true Hollywood Royalty! 👑 Kings of their craft! R.I.P.

[@perryhidalgo2968]

Awesome interview with two great men. You both are sorely missed! RIP

[@Pilgrimm21]

Two of the most talented, most versatile, most admired actors there ever were. My favorites, surely! RIP both gentlemen!!👏👏👏

[@Vitoandolini13]

Two WWII heroes

[@johnbarroll1120]

Two Kings of the big screen

[@ChefDuane]

Two thoughtful, introspective, and intelligently articulate men who just happen to be actors. They don't make 'em like they used to.

[@donniehicks3214]

2 all time greats geeatly missed

[@ricardocantoral7672]

In interviews, they both come off as intelligent and well spoken. I wish I could have met either one of them.

[@HerrEllsworth]

I have seen other interviews with Lee Marvin, he's very reserved, very matter-of-fact. He turns off the intensity he brings to his on-screen roles.

[@raywillcox8622]

Me too

[@ronpagan]

My great uncle ( Meyer Mishkin) was their agent back in the day. He told Bronson to change his name. I have many stories about Lee Marvin. Met him once.

[@abdullahyildiz8166]

More story about Charles Bronson...

[@plasticweapon]

i read about your great uncle in "point blank" and "confessions of a hollywood housewife". he seemed like a terrific agent.

[@ronpagan]

He was very successful. He once told me that he helps people to become stars and things like ego, alcoholism and other bad things ruin them. I learned a lot from him.

[@yaantsudnbesdai972]

Charles Bronson has always been, by far, one of my favorite 'tough guy' actors of all time. I have always opined, and do every time I see interviews of him, that he is far deeper, more complex, and intelligent than we he may be perceived to be. I relate to some facets of his personality: Uber-tough, reserved, quiet, etc.

[@RabbiSteve]

Definitely. I consider him one of the most underrated actors ever. Anyone who doesn’t believe me, check out the first episode of the third season of THE TWILIGHT ZONE, titled “Two”, with just Bronson and Elizabeth Montgomery (and ditto for her being underrated because of what people remember her for most), as last two surviving humans after a world war, the movies, FAREWELL, FRIEND; RIDER ON THE RAIN, and SOMEONE BEHIND THE DOOR, all three movies made before DEATH WISH, all three movies made in Europe, all three character dramas or thrillers with Bronson acting up against just one other fine actor for the bulk of the movie. This message courtesy of THE CHAPLAIN AMERICA STORY HOUR podcast. You’re welcome.

[@rickhinojosa5455]

What does "Uber-tough" mean?

[@kevinwhelan9607]

Where are the STARS with the sheer talent and class of these two fine men both of whom served their country with distinction and sheet guts in WW2, Charles Bronson as a turret gunner in the Airforce, and Lee Marvin with the Marines in the Far East. Respect❤

[@jonathansteadman7935]

Didn't know Charles Bronson was a turret gunner, like Clark Gable, and James Stewart was a B24 pilot.

[@patriciadrury8557]

Charles and lee rip thank you for all the great fims you two made❤❤

[@jerryklooster438]

Interesting interview. Isn't it amazing that Bronson - a WWII volunteer and hero would feel compelled to change his name in order to get work in the "greatest country in the world". Both of these men were real war heroes who seldom, if ever, talked about their service. Thanks for sharing this clip.

[@watchmakersp9935]

Bronson was an ex - coal miner in Pennysilvania i believe.

[@josephososkie3029]

.his ex wife and agent talked him into it. He’s more pissed at caving to them than McCarthy-ism.

[@jimdep6542]

Back in the days of the 1950's / early 60's Cold War, there was an active Communist Party in the US, and especially around Hollywood / Los Angeles.

[@MOGGS1942]

Many people changed their names , so what's your point ?

[@watchmakersp9935]

i have not a point if i have it is none of your business@@MOGGS1942

[@Chopper650]

they dont have actors like this anymore

[@HerrEllsworth]

Times change, in many ways not for the better.

[@mus139]

Sadly no.

[@timolexsey341]

Dirty Dozen. Just watched it again it never gets old

[@mas2526]

2 of the GOATs of their times....

[@seanwills4946]

Two great actors from a better vanished time.

[@jubalcalif9100]

What a joy & delight to see two screen icons together in the same interview ! THANKS for uploading !

[@d.l.l.6578]

Love both of those guys. God bless them.

[@Crazymike1975]

Bronson and Marvin. Two Iconic Actors who can never be replaced.💪💪💪💪

[@PhillipPahinui]

Loved these two guys.

[@richarddetriquet9642]

Two great actors and real warriors in life. You can see the mutual respect come out between them in this interview in typical WW2 fashion.

[@Paul-lm5gv]

Fascinating to see and hear two legends of the screen as themselves talking about their careers!

[@kamuelalee]

Great vid with my two favorite actors. Very cool!

[@hahajaz1]

May 2024. My dad's generation was awe-inspiring. True legends of the screen.

[@salgaltrixie8265]

@hahajazi 1 That's why they're referred to as " The Last Great Generation " bc they are ! ! !!!!

[@Litauen-yg9ut]

What an AWESOME clip !!!

[@spankyharland9845]

two guys you don't want to upset.

[@RICCARDOREARDON]

BOTH OF THESE MEN WERE ALMOST APART OF MY FAMILY GROWING UP..MY OLDER BROTHER'S AND SISTER'S WOULD KNOW VERBATIM THE LINE'S OF THE 🎥 FILM'S THAT THESE MEN WERE IN..THEY KNOW THEIR PERSONAL LIVES AS WELL..THANK YOU FOR UPLOADING THIS VIDEO..

[@portnuefflyer]

Two of the most bad ass guys to earn their living as actors. Bronson had a insane workout schedule, and Marvin was Marine combat vet who saw action in the S. Pacific.

[@clives344]

Seeing Action overthere Understand it Haunted him in later life.

[@whiskeycreammedia]

Real heroes. Real actors. Real men. The last of a dying breed.

[@md7999]

Two incredible actors. Long gone but never forgotten

[@alwayssme]

charles was my favorite actor!

[@Zoro007]

When men were men, god bless them both, fantastic actors...!!!!

[@TWayneD1020]

Two of the greatest Actors !!

[@angelorollo3350]

Great actors and especially good together

[@bahmanabdollahi9690]

Two of the greatest actors of all time.

[@papasmurf5598]

Great insight on some things about two of my favorite actors. Supposedly Steve McQueen was friends with Bronson during the McCarthy witch hunt and advised Charles to change his last name, and they rode around town in Steve’s car looking for a good last name and on a street sign, there it was (Bronson). So Charles Bronson the actor was Born. I’m sure the fact that he served in the Army and was awarded the Purple Heart helped him to avoid this situation. I wonder what Steve McQueen thought about his friend several years later becoming the highest paid actor in Hollywood. Steve had that title also at one time. 😊

[@dougbodenhamer9391]

Two badass American heroes........and damned fine actors, too.

[@TheViking1980]

Two great actors

[@johncopeland3826]

Ah , Mr Lee Marvin ...one of the coolest dudes -EVER !

[@tonyperry4392]

Thank you for posting this interview two of the greatest Hollywood stars of all time

[@jennifersman7990]

Never knew that story of why Bronson changed his name

[@rolandofgilead43]

yeah i watched Crime wave (1954) within the past couple weeks or so i think? his real name in that film he got i think 5th or 6th billing but a pretty damn big part for around that time. great film too

[@teller1290]

I didn't know about USSR having an ambassador or rep here named Buchinsky. That woulda sucked.

[@johnleos1687]

He saw a street sign he like! Bronson Ave. True story

[@kyle381000]

@@johnleos1687 Apparently, it was Bronson Avenue not far from the front gate of Paramount.

[@grossy25]

It was actually Steve McQueen who helped him decide to change his name. During a conversation while they were driving, McQueen saw a street with the name Bronson and told him that's a good name for you. The rest is history.

[@c123bthunderpig]

Great patriots and awesome actors.they never let Hollywood change their personalities.

[@hisaddle]

I have so much respect for these two actors, so many great movies they made.

[@marcusmaher-triskellionfil5158]

You just can't buy class, dignity or humility like these two legends.

[@BrotherPatriot]

Sure miss those guyz...and the era. Born in '69. I feel for everyone of today's time. Most simply don't even know how good life really was then...compared to where we are today.

[@hectorlabbe]

Today’s generation are crossing streets glued to their smartphones and missing EVERYTHING around them… They have no idea of Bronson, Marvin, McQueen, Eastwood, Bryner, etc I am so glad that I grew up watching their movies with my grandfather!!! ❤

[@lemon_chi]

​@hectorlabbe that's how modernity plays out. The luxuries of modern science and technology...

[@keithss67]

Two legends

[@tarantulaclan5025]

2 legendary Actors!! Warriors on the battlefield and on the screen!! Rip

[@LifeEchoes-i3x]

Charles Bronson and Lee Marvin - Two legends . Both men were wounded in action in WW II. May they rest in peace !

[@jamesfeldman4234]

I grew up watching these two terrific actors. Their discussion reminds me when I was in grade school and became interested in drama and acting. I auditioned for the school play and was cast as the "bad guy." At the time this bothered me greatly, as I wanted to play one of the "good guys" in the play. But when I came home from school and told my parents, they were thrilled and told me I should be very happy to play the "bad guy." They said that the "bad guy" character is generally a much more interesting role to play and they also said that the fact they selected me for this role meant they had faith in me that I could play such an important character credibly. Although I later gave up my dreams of becoming an actor (and I have regrets about that), my experiences as an amateur actor taught me a lot about why Charlie Bronson and Lee Marvin are such great actors.

[@deannag48]

2 of the greatest men ever!! Soldiers & Military 🪖🪖🇺🇸

[@LeeZeidel-s1h]

Now here are 2 greats who were legendary on screen actors neither of which youll never see anyone who can compare to them ❤

[@JHL1867]

Lee Marvin was born looking that tough 😂😂😂😂

[@JHL1867]

Lee Marvin.... toughest newborn in the hospital already chomping on a cigar at birth 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@billstrohler]

@@JHL1867 Doctor was scared to cut the umbilical cord.

[@shawnkennedy855]

@@billstrohler Lee cut it himself.

[@jimdep6542]

I'll bet Lee's mother had a sore chest when he was an infant.

[@boomer3150]

@@shawnkennedy855 And he did it standing up.

[@9L252AL]

What an eye-opening interview, especially with Bronson speaking of the name change during the Macarthy Era. These are icons that will never be matched.

[@tomobedlam297]

Both purple heart recipients!

[@Azazel2024]

Bronson actually refused his at first saying he wasn't hurt all that much . He was in fact hit with sharpnel..Lee marvin was in the pacific. Two real men . Now we have people who don't even want to be Americans. Amazing

[@johnmorris7262]

I feel so privileged to have grown up watching these two terrific actors. 🤩

[@thomaskeenan574]

Wow two greats at same interview, I can't describe the admiration I have for these gents

[@caragray7010]

Marvins voice is incredible.

[@bobthebear1246]

Both so nice and soft-spoken.

[@suzieQ195]

Both favorites of mine!!

[@TheGodParticle]

Miss these guy's, grateful for the memories from the other side of the pond. Cheers maga!

[@karlmckinnell2635]

Two of the very best. You are revered and missed gentleman.

[@ruthbees7214]

They didn't just play tough guy's they were the real deal. So cool they could come together for this interview. You are both sadly missed❤😂

[@haroldgilbert6707]

Respect !!!

[@mtman2]

BOTH wounded WWII true life American hero warriors...!

[@jogman262]

Lee Marvin buried at Arlington National Cemetery right next to Joe Louis I believe.

[@tomdimartino7361]

Oh really Trump would call them losers

[@mtman2]

​@@tomdimartino7361 Speaking for Trump now...lol You gutless wonder types are the 1st to bend over...lol

[@clives344]

Purple Heart recipients

[@robzilla60]

Total respect for both of them. I grew up in the 60s and 70s watching their movies along with the rest of the great actors and actresses of that era. Eli Wallach, Clint, some John Wayne, Ben Johnson, Patricia Neal, Henry Fonda, Telly Savalas, Ernest Borgnine, Dean Martin and the Rat Pack, too many more to name. The Golden Age of TV.

[@ManuelJoseGarciaSanguino]

La generación de actores de la década de los años 40, 50, 60, 70 y 80 ha sido la mejor de la historia del cine.

[@pomnichowski]

Very Nice 🖐️

[@PeterHuebner]

LEE MARVIN UND CHARLES BRONSON WAREN SCHON MIT DIE BESTEN FILMSTARS.DIE SICH SEHR RESPEKTIERTEN UND EINE INNIGE FREUNDSCHAFT HATTEN.R.I.P.❤😢

[@vicbrown-t6h]

Two amazingly talented actors.

[@jonhay3141]

The best tough guy actors of them all.

[@garethdevlin5399]

Great actors

[@leescarbrough2621]

Two of the best and believable and War veterans

[@justinherbert9146]

It's OK for Lee Marvin to call Bronson "Charlie" BUT NOT the moderator RIP Charles and Lee - they are gone decades now - hard to believe, they were so full of life - makes you think - a reminder to enjoy and embrace life everyday. Brunson's wife Jill Ireland was talented and gorgeous - she died way before him of cancer - what a shame.

[@colinjames2469]

brunson?? ffs

[@Robert-li4cr]

They dont make actors like these two anymore both are real men tuff and with class

[@maximilliancunningham6091]

Fantastic, thank you for sharing.

[@chazjanousek9795]

My dad owned Death Hunt which I first saw when I was 12 and more then 30 years later its still a favorite

[@Madminute1968]

May they forever rest easy and in peace, two honorable military veterans.

[@S1ojim]

They don’t make them like that no more. Legends

[@sws5833]

One of my all time Fav movies is Deathhunt, seen it numerous times. RIP Charles and Lee

[@GoodisBest4u]

Two of the best. No actor today can measure up to these two men.

[@StephenHonanie]

Charles Bronson and Lee Marvin.whew😅 what legends

[@ifrahserge8736]

Those two guys were two big héros their movies unforgettable !! respect and admiration. Bravo messieurs,

[@CraigSmith-mx6ys]

Two of my favorite actors..hope u guys find immortally.

[@fishingstevie8830]

Two of the very best actors in their times . Dont have them like them guys today and never shall . Legends .

[@MBACCR]

Bronson wastes no words. His elocution and tone are both delicate and relaxed.

[@z512345]

That was great!!!!

[@Deephouse_Gent66]

Loved DEATH HUNT, admire the hell out of these two actors, R.I.P.

[@TRONA-CA]

Legends that can never be replaced!