They just don't make 'em like this anymore.

I just read that Karl Malden passed away yesterday. Most of my generation probably only know him as the American Express guy (if they even know him at all) and that is truly a tragedy. He was one of this country's finest (if unsung) actors, and his performance in On The Waterfront moves me to tears no matter how many times I've seen it. I don't know much about his life, but just the fact that he and his wife celebrated their 70th (!) anniversary last year makes me suspect that the depth and humility of his performances must have come pretty naturally. He was part of a generation of actors that not many today can even approach and when I watch him I remember why I fell in love with acting in the first place.

Thank you, Mr. Malden. 

(By the way, if you haven't seen this movie you need to repent now and get to a video store immediately.)