Scott Porter Holden was an American actor who appeared in a few films in the 1970s, such as Breezy, The Revengers, and Panhandle 38. He was also the son of one of the most famous and acclaimed actors of all time, William Holden. However, Scott’s life was overshadowed by his father’s fame, his own personal struggles, and his untimely death at the age of 58. In this article, we will explore the life and death of Scott Porter Holden, and how he was affected by his family legacy.
Early Life and Family Background
Scott Porter Holden was born on May 2, 1946, in Los Angeles, California. He was the second son of William Holden and Brenda Marshall, both successful actors in Hollywood. William Holden was known for his roles in classics such as Sunset Boulevard, Stalag 17, The Bridge on the River Kwai, and The Wild Bunch. Brenda Marshall was a popular leading lady in the 1940s, starring in films such as The Sea Hawk, Captains of the Clouds, and The Constant Nymph.
Scott had an older brother, Peter Westfield “West” Holden, who was born in 1943. He also had a half-sister, Virginia Holden Gaines, who was adopted by William from Brenda’s previous marriage to actor Richard Gaines. Scott grew up in a privileged but turbulent environment, as his parents had a rocky marriage that was marred by infidelity, alcoholism, and domestic violence. William and Brenda separated several times before finally divorcing in 1971.
Scott followed his parents’ footsteps and pursued an acting career. He studied at the Pasadena Playhouse, a prestigious theater school that trained many famous actors such as Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman. However, Scott never achieved the same level of success or recognition as his father or his peers. He only appeared in a handful of films, mostly in supporting roles or minor parts. He also struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction, which affected his personal and professional life.
Relationship with His Father
Scott had a complicated relationship with his father, who was often absent or distant due to his busy career and his affairs with other women. William Holden was known for his romances with many Hollywood stars, such as Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Kim Novak, and Stefanie Powers. He also had a long-term relationship with actress Capucine, whom he met in 1962 and remained close with until his death.
Scott admired his father’s talent and charisma, but also resented his neglect and lack of support. He felt that his father never tried to help him with his acting career or open any doors for him in the industry. He also blamed his father for his mother’s unhappiness and their divorce. Scott once said that he hated his father for “what he did to my mother and what he did to me.”
However, Scott also loved his father and tried to reconcile with him in his later years. He visited him at his home in Switzerland and attended some of his film premieres. He also defended him from the rumors that he had lung cancer or that he committed suicide. Scott said that his father was “a great man” who “died accidentally.”
Death and Legacy
Scott Porter Holden died on January 21, 2005, in San Diego, California. He was 58 years old. The cause of death was not officially disclosed, but some sources claimed that he died of natural causes or complications from diabetes.
Scott’s death came more than two decades after his father’s tragic demise. William Holden died on November 12, 1981, at the age of 63, from a fatal head wound caused by a drunken slip on a rug that made him hit a bedside table and lacerate his forehead. He bled to death alone in his apartment in Santa Monica, California.
Scott Porter Holden was buried at sea along with some of his father’s ashes. He is survived by his wife Claude Detraz Holden and three daughters: Stephanie Holden Barrymore (who married actor John Drew Barrymore), Alexandra Holden (who became an actress), and Arden Holden (who became a photographer).
Scott Porter Holden may not have achieved fame or fortune as an actor, but he left behind a family who loved him and remembered him fondly. He also shared a bond with his father that transcended their differences and difficulties. He once said that he felt “very close” to his father when he watched his movies.
According to LucyKingdom, Scott Porter Holden was “a gentle soul who loved life.” He also said that he hoped to be remembered as “a good person.”
