A Real American Character: The Life of Walter Brennan (Hollywood Legends)

Name: A Real American Character: The Life of Walter Brennan (Hollywood Legends)
Brand: University Press of Kentucky
SKU: 131483
Availability: InStock

$22.30

Disclosure

Discover the fascinating life of Walter Brennan, one of Hollywood’s most iconic character actors, in this expertly researched biography from the University Press of Kentucky. Explore his career, legacy, and impact on American cinema with insightful analysis and compelling storytelling.

Category: Books

Tags: American actors biography, classic Hollywood, film history book, Hollywood legends book, University Press of Kentucky, Walter Brennan biography, Walter Brennan life story

Brands: University Press of Kentucky

Walter Brennan (1894–1974) was one of the greatest character actors in Hollywood history. He won three Academy Awards and became a national icon starring as Grandpa in The Real McCoys. He appeared in over two hundred motion pictures and became the subject of a Norman Rockwell painting, which celebrated the actor’s unique role as the voice of the American Western. His life journey from Swampscott, Massachusetts, to Hollywood, to a twelve thousand-acre cattle ranch in Joseph, Oregon, is one of the great American stories.

In the first biography of this epic figure, Carl Rollyson reveals Brennan’s consummate mastery of virtually every kind of role while playing against and often stealing scenes from such stars as Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart, and John Wayne. Rollyson fully explores Brennan’s work with Hollywood’s greatest directors, such as Howard Hawks, John Ford, and Fritz Lang. As a father and grandfather, Brennan instilled generations of his family with an outlook on the American Dream that remains a sustaining feature of their lives today. His conservative politics, which grew out of his New England upbringing and his devout Catholicism, receive meticulous attention and a balanced assessment in A Real American Character.

Written with the full cooperation of the Brennan family and drawing on material in archives from every region of the United States, this new biography presents an artist and family man who lived and breathed an American idealism that made him the Real McCoy.

A Real American Character: The Life of Walter Brennan (Hollywood Legends) offers a compelling and richly detailed portrait of one of Hollywood’s most enduring and versatile character actors. Published by the University Press of Kentucky, this authoritative biography delves into the life and career of Walter Brennan, exploring not only his memorable performances but also the personal experiences that shaped his unique presence on screen. Through meticulous research and engaging narrative, readers gain insight into Brennan’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a beloved figure in American cinema. The book captures the essence of his distinctive talent and the cultural significance of his work, making it an essential addition for film enthusiasts, historians, and anyone interested in the golden age of Hollywood. Beyond its informative content, this biography enriches everyday reading by offering a window into the complexities of fame, artistry, and resilience. It stands as a tribute to a true American character whose legacy continues to influence the entertainment world. With its thoughtful analysis and approachable style, A Real American Character invites readers to appreciate Walter Brennan’s contributions in a new and meaningful way.