“It seemed a good way to make money”: this cinema legend does not hide the reason why he became an actor

He was one of the seven mercenaries, twelve bastards and ten men for hell, before becoming the vigilante in the city: we no longer present Charles Bronson, a figure in the virile action from the 60s to 90, which walked his impassive face and his relentless gaze in more than 160 films and series episodes.

“I had nothing to lose”

The actor was not a fan of interviews, but had agreed to return to his career at the microphone of Roger Ebert In 1974, and he was without filter on the reasons which had pushed him to become an actor:

Emerson Film Enterprises

“It seemed to be an easy way to make money. A friend took me to see a play and I thought I could try myself. That I had nothing to lose. I dragged to New York and I did a little Stock-Company [rejoindre une troupe qui n’exerce que dans un théâtre, ndlr]. I was not really sure at the time wanting to become an actor. I have not received any encouragement. I lived in my own mind, I produced my own adrenaline. No one was paying attention to me. I played in pieces that I don't even remember. No one remembers. I played in a Molière's room and I don't even know what it was called. “

Recall that Charles Bronson started working hard from an early age. At 12, following the death of his father, he found himself in mining offices and then descending extract coal in the mines proper until the Second World War (1943 precisely), the date on which he engaged in the Air Force. Back from the conflict (medalist), the one who is still called Charles Buchinsky joined theatrical troops, went from New York to Los Angeles, and made his first films in Hollywood in 1951, not credited.

Which film made him pierce?

The actor will take years to pierce under the name of Charles Bronson, gradually climbing the ladder to obtain his first headliner in 1958 with the Kelly Machitraillette series. He will chain the second significant roles in The seven mercenaries or the great escape before being tied with Alain Delon in Adieu l'Ami (1968). The same year, Sergio Leone will allow him to reach the top of the poster of a major film with it was once in the west.

From there, Bronson will remain the first name in the credits, for the better and the least good, but always ensuring to continue his work until his death on August 30, 2003.