Peter Westfield Holden, better known as West Holden, was a talented actor who performed in many local theater productions in the 1980s. He was also the son of two Hollywood stars, William Holden and Brenda Marshall, but he never followed their footsteps to the big screen. He died in June 2014 at the age of 70, but his death was not widely reported until months later. What was the cause of his death and what was his life like?
A Passion for Theater
West Holden was born on November 17, 1943 in Los Angeles County, California. He was the only child of William Holden and Brenda Marshall, who were both famous actors in the golden age of cinema. His father starred in such classics as Sunset Boulevard, Stalag 17, and The Bridge on the River Kwai, while his mother appeared in films like The Sea Hawk, Whispering Smith, and The Corsican Brothers.
However, West Holden did not have a close relationship with his parents, especially his father, who was often absent and had a drinking problem. He once said that he saw his father more on screen than in person. His parents divorced in 1971 and his father died in 1981 from a fall after a heavy drinking session.
West Holden developed a passion for theater at an early age and studied at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he learned from some of the best actors and directors in the industry. He also attended UCLA and USC, but he never graduated from either institution. He preferred to focus on his craft rather than on academic degrees.
He moved to Palm Springs in the late 1970s and became involved in the local theater scene. He performed in many plays at the College of the Desert (COD) and other venues, earning rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. He was known for his versatility, charisma, and professionalism. He could play any role, from comedy to drama, from historical to contemporary, from Shakespeare to Neil Simon.
Some of his memorable performances include The Lion in Winter, Who’s Life Is It Anyway, The Odd Couple, The Rainmaker, and Deathtrap. He also directed some plays, such as The Glass Menagerie and The Miracle Worker. He was considered one of the best actors in the desert and many wondered why he never pursued a career in Hollywood.
A Disdain for Hollywood
West Holden had a complicated relationship with Hollywood. He grew up surrounded by fame and fortune, but he also witnessed the dark side of the industry. He saw how his parents struggled with their personal lives and careers, how they faced pressure and competition, how they dealt with scandals and controversies.
He also experienced firsthand the challenges of breaking into the business. He auditioned for many roles, but he never got a chance to showcase his talent on film or television. He felt that he was always judged by his name and appearance, rather than by his ability and potential. He once said that he was “too tall, too blond, too handsome” for Hollywood.
He also resented the fact that his father never tried to help him or open any doors for him. He said that his father was “too selfish” to care about his son’s aspirations. He claimed that his father never gave him any advice or encouragement, only criticism and disappointment.
West Holden decided to distance himself from Hollywood and pursue his own path in theater. He said that he loved theater because it was “pure” and “honest”. He enjoyed the creative process and the live interaction with the audience. He said that theater was “his life” and that he was “happy” doing what he loved.
He also had no financial worries, as he inherited a substantial amount of money from his father’s estate after his death. He lived comfortably in a spacious home in Palm Springs, where he had a large collection of books, art, and memorabilia. He also traveled extensively around the world, visiting places like Europe, Asia, and Africa.
A Decline in Health
West Holden’s health began to deteriorate in the late 1990s. He suffered from emphysema and ultimately kidney failure. He had to undergo dialysis several times a week and rely on oxygen tanks to breathe. He also developed depression and anxiety and isolated himself from his friends and colleagues.
He stopped performing in theater and became reclusive. He rarely left his home or answered his phone. He lost contact with many people who cared about him and admired him. He also refused to seek any medical help or treatment other than dialysis.
He died in June 2014 at his home in Palm Springs. His death was not announced publicly until October 2015, when a friend posted a tribute on Facebook. His ashes were scattered by his family at an undisclosed location.
His death shocked and saddened many people who knew him or worked with him. They remembered him as a brilliant actor, a kind man, and a loyal friend. They also regretted that he did not receive the recognition and appreciation that he deserved for his talent and contribution to theater.
West Holden was a remarkable person who lived a remarkable life. He was more than just the son of William Holden. He was a star in his own right.
