TV Land PRIME blog

The legendary star with a penchant for playing tough guys was born to a Serbian father and Czech mother on March 22, 1912 in Chicago. He left a steel-factory job during the Depression to try his hand at theater - a move that paid off when he relocated to New York City in 1937. After a handful of notable Broadway roles and a brief break for a tour of duty in the armed services, he was spotted by director Elia Kazan, who would later direct him in his Oscar-winning role as gritty Father Barry in On the Waterfront.

Malden's star continued to shine, with roles in Birdman of Alcatraz, How the West Was Won and Cheyenne Autumn (John Ford's last picture). But his big break came when he switched to television and took the role of no-nonsense veteran cop, Det. Lt. Mike Stone, in the 1972 series Streets of San Francisco. His co-star was then unknown actor Michael Douglas.

Douglas is being honored with the 37th AFI Life Achievement Award, which airs on TV Land July 19; Malden recently took the time to give an exclusive interview for the special ceremony, telling Douglas he'd be honored to be his adopted father.

Malden was the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1989 to 1992, and was also well known as the longtime, trench-coated spokesman for American Express, warning travelers to "never leave home without it."

Malden is survived by his wife, Mona, to whom he was married for 70 years, and two daughters.

Photos courtesy Getty Images.