Jack Palance

Jack Palance (born: Volodymyr Ivanovich Palahniuk) was an American screen and stage actor, famous for his roles playing tough guys and villains in the film industry. Born to Ukrainian immigrants in Lattimer Mines, Pennsylvania on February 18, 1919, Palance served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II before his foray into acting. Making his film acting debut in Elia Kazan's 'Panic in the Streets' (1950), his third and fourth-ever film roles in 'Sudden Fear' (1952) and 'Shane' (1953) earned him Oscar nominations. His performances spanned various genres from crime dramas to Westerns, with a significant body of work in Europe, particularly a memorable role in Jean-Luc Godard's '1963 film Contempt'.

In the 1980s, Palance found a new generation of audiences while hosting the television series 'Ripley's Believe It or Not! (1982–86)'. This led to a late-career revival, with roles in several blockbuster hits like 'Young Guns' (1988), 'Tango & Cash' (1989), and his Oscar and Golden Globe-winning performance in 'City Slickers' (1991). Palance's contribution to the Hollywood industry continued until his death in 2006. Off-screen, he was a notable supporter of the Ukrainian American community, and contributed to efforts as chairman of the Hollywood Trident Foundation.