Hollywood heartthrobs of cinema's Golden Age don't get much more iconic than William Holden. The charming younger brother to Humphrey Bogart in Sabrina and struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard, the actor left behind an enviable legacy in the world of performance.
It's no surprise, then, that this talent prompted two of his children to forge their own careers in acting, including one son's appearance alongside his father in two '70s hits. Find out more about their own paths to big screen success.
© Getty ImagesAmerican actor William Holden's best-loved projects include 'Sabrina' and 'Sunset Boulevard'
Who is William Holden?
Born on 17 April 1918, William Holden first appeared on screen in the 1930s on Prison Farm and Million Dollar Legs.
Just a year after his first uncredited role, William Holden starred as Joe Bonaparte in Golden Boy (1939). His best known projects came during the '50s in hits like Sunset Boulevard, Sabrina and Stalag 17.
© Getty ImagesWilliam Holden was married to actress Brenda Marshall between 1941 and 1971
Married life
William tied the knot with actress Brenda Marshall on 12 July 1941. The couple welcomed two sons during their time together and William adopted Brenda's daughter from a previous marriage, Virginia.
The pair officially separated in 1971 and William didn't remarry but dated Hart to Hart actress Stefanie Powers for several years before his death.
© Getty ImagesPeter was the oldest of the two sons William shared with wife Brenda
Peter Westfield Holden
William and Brenda welcomed oldest son Peter Westfield Holden on 17 November 1943. Like his father, Peter liked to perform and got involved in several local theatre productions.
Known to friends as 'West', William Holden's firstborn died at the age of 70 in 2014.
© Getty ImagesScott Holden followed his father's footsteps onto the silver screen
Scott Holden
Brenda and William's second son arrived on 2 May 1946. Working alongside his father, Scott appeared in several well-loved '70s films like Breezy (1973) and The Revengers (1972).
He was married to wife Shirley and welcomed three daughters of his own. Scott passed at the age of 58 on 21 Jan 2005.
© Getty ImagesThe 88-year-old adopted daughter of William Holden worked with Jane Fonda and Laurence Harvey
Virginia Holden
Born Virginia Gaines on 17 November 1937, Virginia Holden is the daughter of Brenda and her previous husband, Double Indemnity actor Richard Gaines.
Virginia appeared in Oscar-nominated feature Walk on the Wild Side in 1962 with an uncredited role alongside Laurence Harvey and Jane Fonda.
© Getty ImagesWilliam Holden was a beloved icon of classic cinema
A golden legacy
William Holden remains a famous face from Hollywood's Golden Era, bringing the charming younger Larrabee brother David to life in Sabrina opposite Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart.
The actor passed in 1981, leaving a sparkling legacy of Golden Age films including Picnic, Sunset Boulevard and Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing.
