On the morning of July 23, 1966, the world lost one of its most enigmatic and brilliant stars. Montgomery Clift, the actor known for his haunting performances and striking good looks, was found unresponsive by his housemate. Despite the immediate summoning of a doctor, the actor, affectionately known as "Monty" to his close friends and family, had already succumbed to a heart ailment at the tragically young age of 45. It was a moment that marked the end of an era, a star whose light burned brightly but all too briefly.
Montgomery Clift: A Life Beyond the Gossip
For decades, the life of Montgomery Clift has been the subject of whispers, myths, and conjecture. Known for his devastating good looks, Clift became a four-time Academy Award nominee, a testament to his undeniable talent. Yet, beneath the surface of his illustrious career lay a life that was often misunderstood. Robert Clift, the actor's nephew and a filmmaker in his own right, is determined to shed light on the true essence of his uncle. In his documentary, Making Montgomery Clift, Robert seeks to dismantle the "beautiful loser" stereotype that has long shadowed the actor. "I was warned not to trust all the stories," Robert recalls. He insists that his uncle's life has been viewed through a lens clouded by outdated and homophobic ideas. "Monty was so much more than what people made him out to be," Robert explains passionately.
From Broadway to Hollywood: Monty’s Journey
When Montgomery Clift arrived in Los Angeles at the age of 25, Hollywood was eager to mold him into a classic heartthrob. However, the actor quickly revealed himself to be a different kind of star. "There were photo spreads in fan magazines, but it was clear from the start that he wasn't interested in playing the game," recounts Amy Lawrence, author of The Passion of Montgomery Clift. Clift was in it for the acting, not the fame. And while he was keeping certain aspects of his private life under wraps, his refusal to conform to Hollywood's rigid expectations was evident. "He didn't hide his sexuality like Rock Hudson, nor did he flaunt it," Lawrence clarifies. Monty's decision not to sign a seven-year studio contract was a bold move that gave him the autonomy to choose his projects and safeguard his privacy. "He valued his independence and rejected the studio system to maintain the freedom to live his life on his own terms," Robert adds.
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A Man of Wit and Joy
Contrary to the brooding image often associated with him, Monty was a man who loved life and laughter. Jack Larson, best known for his role as Jimmy Olsen on TV’s Adventures of Superman, remembers Monty as anything but the tragic figure of legend. "He wasn't the unhappy man people thought he was," Jack shares. "Monty had a great sense of humor and enjoyed having fun. He was more like Jerry Lewis on screen than the somber Montgomery Clift people imagined." This side of Monty is often overlooked, overshadowed by the myths that have persisted over the years.
Monty's close friendship with Elizabeth Taylor further highlights his vibrant personality. Their collaboration in the 1951 film A Place in the Sun marked the beginning of a lifelong bond. "They were both typecast as impossibly beautiful," Lawrence explains, "but their connection went beyond appearances. Monty helped her develop her craft, and they often attended premieres together." Their friendship was a testament to Monty's ability to connect deeply with others, beyond the superficial world of Hollywood.
A Life Changed, But Not Broken
In 1956, tragedy struck when Monty was involved in a severe car accident after leaving a party at Elizabeth Taylor's home. The injuries he sustained, including a broken jaw and nose, altered his appearance and, subsequently, how the public perceived him. But Lawrence insists that this accident did not lead Monty down a path of self-destruction, as some have suggested. Instead, he adapted by taking on roles that allowed him to portray older characters. The real challenge, she explains, was the brain trauma he suffered, which affected his ability to memorize lines. "Despite these obstacles, Monty continued to work with passion and dedication," Lawrence emphasizes. His Oscar-nominated performance in 1961's Judgment at Nuremberg is a testament to his resilience. "He cared deeply about his work, and that was what kept him going," she adds.
Monty's life was undeniably shaped by his health issues and patterns of overindulgence that began during his Broadway years. "A lot of his problems predated the accident," Lawrence notes. "I believe nothing could have changed the course of his life." Yet, even with these challenges, Monty's legacy endures. "He made 17 films, and at least six or eight of them are considered masterpieces," Lawrence reflects. "I think he'd want to be remembered for his work, plain and simple."
Reporting by Katie Bruno
