William Holden

:For the North Carolina Governor by this name, please see William Woods Holden. For the California Lieutenant Governor by this name, please see William Holden (politician).

Early life and career

Born William Franklin Beedle Jr. in O'Fallon, Illinois he moved with his wealthy family to Pasadena, California when he was three. His father, William Franklin Beedle, Sr., was an industrial chemist and his mother, Mary Blanche Ball, a teacher. The family was of English descent; Holden's paternal great-grandmother, Rebecca Westfield, was born in England in 1817, while some of his mother's ancestors immigrated to the U.S. in the 17th century from Millenback, Lancaster, England. While attending Pasadena Junior College he became involved in local radio plays and the Pasadena Playhouse, leading to his discovery by a talent scout from Paramount Pictures in 1937. His first role was in Prison Farm the following year.

Related Topics:
O'Fallon, Illinois - Pasadena, California - English - U.S. - Millenback - Lancaster - Pasadena Playhouse - Paramount Pictures - 1937 - Prison Farm

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