In an acting career spanning five decades, Marlon Brando became the face of rebellion and tough-guy roles.
Born on April 3, 1924 in Omaha, Nebraska, he made his Broadway debut in I Remember Maria (1944) followed by Truckline Cafe (1946) for which he was voted Broadway's Most Promising Actor.
Brando's role in A Street Car named Desire (1947) made him a big Broadway star, but he refused Hollywood offers until 1950 when he starred in The Men.
The year later, he played Stanley in the Hollywood version of A Streetcar Named Desire.
Brando starred in a number of successful films, portraying a bikie gang leader in The Wild One (1953) and a washed up boxer in On The Waterfront (1953).
After a career downturn in the 1960s Brando returned to the limelight in 1972 winning an Oscar for his performance in the Godfather which he refused to accept in protest against Hollywood's treatment of indigenous Americans.
Despite his successes, Brando virtually exiled himself to a Pacific Island appearing in only a few cameo roles.
In 1990 he faced personal tragedy when his son killed the lover of Brando's daughter Cheyenne, who committed suicide in 1995.
Despite being deeply depressed Brando appeared in a number of films in the 1990s including Don Juan DeMarco (1994).
His last onscreen performance was in The Score (2001) but shortly before his death Brando provided his voice for the animated film Big Bug Man.
The film was due for release in 2006, 2007 and 2008 but never made it to the screens.
Brando passed away from respiratory illness in 2004.
He was 80 years old.
