What's After the Movie
Lee Van Cleef
Clarence LeRoy Van Cleef Jr., better known as Lee Van Cleef, was an American actor who had a strong presence in the film industry for almost 40 years, with a filmography that went beyond 170 film and TV roles. Born on January 9, 1925, in Somerville, New Jersey, Van Cleef's iconic look and taciturn screen persona saw him typecast as villains and minor characters initially. Notably, he reached stardom through his collaboration with Sergio Leone in Spaghetti westerns, particularly the 'Dollars Trilogy' films: 'For a Few Dollars More' (1965) and 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' (1966). Van Cleef's contribution to the Western film and television genre didn't go unnoticed, as he received a Golden Boot Award in 1983.
Aside from being an actor, his service in the United States Navy during World War II is noteworthy. He served aboard a minesweeper and earned the Bronze Star for his actions. After the war, Van Cleef began his career as a regional theatre actor before making his film debut in 'High Noon' (1952) in a non-speaking outlaw role. His later works included many other renowned films including 'The Big Gundown' (1967), 'Death Rides a Horse' (1967), and 'Escape from New York' (1981) among others. He played the lead role of John Peter McAllister on the martial arts TV series The Master (1984) before his death on December 16, 1989.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Lee Van Cleef, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Lee Van Cleef rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Clarence LeRoy Van Cleef Jr.
Born: Somerville, New Jersey, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Birthday: January 9, 1925
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1952-1989
Children: 4
Spouses: Patsy Ruth Kahle, Joan Marjorie Drane, Barbara Havelone
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Lee Van Cleef
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
For a Few Dollars More
Escape from New York
Death Rides a Horse
The Octagon
Klaus Kinski: I’m not an actor
Thieves of Fortune
The Hard Way
Code Name: Wild Geese
The Master Ninja 5
Master Ninja
Master Ninja II
Killing Machine
Jungle Raiders
The Commander
Speed Zone
Armed Response
Take a Hard Ride
Captain Apache
The Magnificent Seven Ride!
Jack Slade
Tribute to a Bad Man
A Man Alone
Commandos
The Bandits of Corsica
The Naked Street
Pardners
Gypsy Colt
The Big Combo
God’s Gun
The Desperado
Kid Vengeance
The Perfect Killer
The Lawless Breed
Vice Squad
The Stranger and the Gunfighter
Treasure of Ruby Hills
Joe Dakota
Rails Into Laramie
Day of Anger
The Bravados
Princess of the Nile
Tumbleweed
Bad Man’s River
Last Stagecoach West
Ride Lonesome
The Conqueror
Raiders of Old California
The Tin Star
The Big Gundown
Gun Battle at Monterey
The Squeeze
Posse from Hell
Mean Frank and Crazy Tony
Machete
The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms
El Condor
China Gate
Beyond the Law
Ten Wanted Men
Untamed Frontier
It Conquered the World
The Young Lions
Kansas City Confidential
The Slowest Gun in the West
The Yellow Tomahawk
Accused of Murder
Return of Sabata
The Road to Denver
Guns, Girls and Gangsters
Dawn at Socorro
Barquero
The Lonely Man
Arrow In The Dust
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Lee Van Cleef, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1984
Code Name: Wild Geese
Archie 'China' Travers
Master Ninja
John Peter McAllister
Master Ninja II
John Peter McAllister
Killing Machine
Julot
1967
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
For a Few Dollars More
Day of Anger
Frank Talby
The Big Gundown
Jonathan Corbett
1957
Joe Dakota
Adam Grant
Last Stagecoach West
Steve Margolies
Raiders of Old California
Damon Pardee
The Tin Star
Ed McGaffey
Gun Battle at Monterey
Kirby
China Gate
Maj. Cham
The Lonely Man
Faro
1956
Tribute to a Bad Man
Fat Jones
Pardners
Gus
The Conqueror
Chepei
It Conquered the World
Dr. Tom Anderson
Accused of Murder
Police Sgt. Emmett Lackey
1955
A Man Alone
Clanton
The Naked Street
Harry Goldish (uncredited)
The Big Combo
Fante
Treasure of Ruby Hills
Frank Emmett
Ten Wanted Men
Al Drucker
The Road to Denver
Pecos Larry
1954
Gypsy Colt
Hank
The Desperado
Paul Clayton/Buck Clayton
Rails Into Laramie
Ace Winton
Princess of the Nile
Hakar (uncredited)
The Yellow Tomahawk
Fire Knife
Dawn at Socorro
Earl Ferris
Arrow In The Dust
Tillotson Henchman
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