Steve McQueen

A brooding performer with a rebellious streak and a proclivity for speed, actor Steve McQueen forever changed the definition of the Hollywood leading man with roles as quiet, but tough protagonists who sought their own methods outside the bounds of authority. Dubbed "The King of Cool," McQueen ushered in a new breed of antiheroes who commanded the begrudging respect - along with large salaries - of studio producers and directors, while attracting millions of moviegoer fans around the world. Though he made a name for himself as the star of the popular Western series "Wanted: Dead or Alive" (CBS, 1958-1961), McQueen nearly stole the rug from under star Yul Brynner in the acclaimed movie "The Magnificent Seven" (1960). He next portrayed a brash, but wily escape artist in "The Great Escape" (1963) before giving acclaimed performances in "The Cincinnati Kid" (1965) and "The Sand Pebbles" (1966), the latter of which earned him his only Academy Award nomination. Following a small break from the screen, McQueen entered into his most memorable phase with "The Thomas Crown Affair" (1968) and "Bullitt" (1968), which featured what many considered to be the greatest car chase ever seen on film. After the underperforming race movie "Le Mans" (1971), he had one of the biggest hits of the year with "The Getaway" (1972) and delivered a solid turn as an escaped prisoner in "Papillion" (1973). Following the epic disaster movie, "The Towering Inferno" (1974), McQueen began a tragic battle with lung cancer. Though his life and career were cut short at age 50, McQueen remained one of the most iconic and beloved film stars of the latter half of the 20th century.