Origins & Early Life

Edward Montgomery Clift (October 17, 1920 – July 23, 1966) was an American actor. A four-time Academy Award nominee, he was known for his portrayal of "moody, sensitive young men", according to The New York Times. He is best remembered for his roles in Howard Hawks's Red River (1948), George Stevens's A Place in the Sun (1951), Fred Zinnemann's From Here to Eternity (1953), Stanley Kramer's Judgment at Nuremberg (1961), and John Huston's The Misfits (1961). Along with Marlon Brando and James Dean, Clift was considered one of the original method actors in Hollywood (though Clift distanced himself from the term); he was one of the first actors to be invited to study in the Actors Studio with Lee Strasberg and Elia Kazan.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Clift's decision to sign a contract only after his first two films were a success created "a power differential that would go on to structure the star–studio relationship for the next 40 years". Edward Montgomery Clift was born on October 17, 1920, in Omaha, Nebraska, into a wealthy family. His father, William Brooks "Bill" Clift (1886–1964), was the vice-president of Omaha National Trust Company. His mother was Ethel Fogg "Sunny" Clift (née Anderson...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alberto Sordi — Contemporary (Born in 1920) (1920): Pillar of Italian Cinema, master of Commedia all'italiana comedy.
• Alfred Peet — Contemporary (Born in 1920) (1920): Dutch-American founder credited with starting the US specialty coffee revolution.
• Amedeo Modigliani — Contemporary (Died in 1920) (1920): Italian painter and sculptor known for elongated, modern portraits and nudes.
• A. R. Rahman — Contemporary (Born in 1966) (1966): Visionary Indian composer celebrated for blending global sounds with cinematic emotion.
• Adam Sandler — Contemporary (Born in 1966) (1966): Acclaimed comedian and actor known for his prolific career in Hollywood comedy.
• Alain Mabanckou — Contemporary (Born in 1966) (1966): Congolese novelist and academic exploring contemporary Africa and the diaspora experience.
• Adam Michnik — Shared historical date (10-17 · Born) (1946): Prominent Polish intellectual, dissident, and journalist advocating for democracy.
• Al-Suyuti — Shared historical date (10-17 · Died) (1505): Egyptian Sunni polymath, renowned for authorship across nearly all Islamic sciences.
• Alison Krauss — Shared historical date (07-23 · Born) (1971): Esteemed American bluegrass singer and musician known for her vibrant career.
• Amy Winehouse — Shared historical date (07-23 · Died) (2011): Iconic British soul artist blending jazz, R&B, and retro sounds.
• 1920 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1920
• October 17 (10-17) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 17
• 1966 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1966
• July 23 (07-23) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 23