Steve McQueen - The "King Of Cool"
Steve McQueen (Source: Wikimedia Commons).
Steve McQueen, also known as the “King of Cool,” was an American actor who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. Born on March 24, 1930, in Indianapolis, Indiana, McQueen had a tough upbringing and a tumultuous personal life. Despite his rough exterior, McQueen became one of the most sought-after actors of his time and cemented his place in Hollywood history.
McQueen was raised by his grandmother in Slater, Missouri, after his parents divorced when he was just five years old. He struggled in school and had trouble adjusting to authority, which led him into trouble with the law. At the age of 17, McQueen joined the Marine Corps and was stationed in the Pacific. His time in the military gave him a sense of discipline and a new perspective on life, and he went on to attend the high school of Performing Arts in New York City after his discharge.
McQueen began his acting career in television, starring in popular shows like “Wanted: Dead or Alive,” “The Great Race,” and “The Magnificent Seven.” He quickly became known for his tough, masculine demeanor, and his captivating screen presence made him a sought-after leading man. He was known for his method acting, which involved immersing himself in his characters and researching their backgrounds. This gave him a reputation as a more serious and dedicated actor.
In 1963, McQueen starred in the iconic film “The Great Escape,” which cemented his status as a movie star. The film was a huge commercial and critical success, and it solidified McQueen’s reputation as a tough and fearless action hero.
Publicity photo of the cast of 1960 western The Magnificent Seven. From left to right: Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Horst Buchholz, Charles Bronson, Robert Vaughn, Brad Dexter, and James Coburn. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, McQueen continued to star in a string of popular films, including “The Sand Pebbles,” “The Thomas Crown Affair,” and “Bullitt.” In the latter film, McQueen gave a standout performance as Frank Bullitt, a San Francisco detective, and thrilled audiences with his iconic car chase scene. McQueen’s action scenes were legendary, and he became known for performing many of his own stunts.
Steve McQueen entering his 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).
"When you're racing, it's life. Anything that happens before or after is just waiting".
McQueen was also a big animal lover and was known to have several pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. He was also a member of the Humane Society of the United States.
Photo of Steve McQueen with his horse, Doc, and his Jaguar XK-SS sports car. 1960. (Source: Wikimedia
Commons).
Although the military had provided him with discipline and direction, his troubles with the law were not over. In 1972, he was arrested and charged with drunk driving in Anchorage, Alaska. Witnesses stated that they saw him racing across town in a rented Oldsmobile Toronado. When Police finally managed to pull him over and perform a sobriety test, he failed by somersaulting down the white line, on which he was ordered to walk.
McQueen later posted bail and skipped town, though but not before signing autographs - still in handcuffs. He was convicted "in absentia" for reckless driving.
Mugshot taken following arrest of actor Steve McQueen in Anchorage, Alaska, 1972. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).
Aside from his on-screen success, McQueen was known for his personal life. He was married three times and had two children, but his relationships were often tumultuous and marked by infidelity. McQueen was also a notorious womanizer and had numerous affairs throughout his life. Despite his reputation as a ladies’ man, McQueen settled down in the end and was known as a dedicated family man.
Photo of Steve McQueen and his wife at the time, Neile Adams, in a scene from the television program Alfred Hitchcock Presents. The episode, "Man From the South", was the first time the couple appeared together professionally. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).
In the late 1970s, McQueen was sadly diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Despite his illness, he continued to work and starred in several more films, including “The Hunter” and “Tom Horn.” His health continued to deteriorate, and he eventually passed away on November 7, 1980, at the young age of 50.
Steve McQueen
Despite his untimely death, Steve McQueen remains one of the most enduring and beloved movie stars of all time. He was known for his rugged good looks, his fearless approach to acting, and his magnetic screen presence. His work continues to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers, and he is remembered as one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history.
He will forever be remembered as the “King of Cool".
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