Born the son of a postal worker on Nov. 2, 1913, Lancaster broke into show business and with dogged determination learned about the movie business. He appeared in more than 70 films but never studied acting.
With his rugged good looks, Lancaster was a natural for tough-guy roles. But the notoriously stubborn actor with a sometimes fierce temper also sought parts that were challenging and intelligent.
After circus work and military service in World War II, Lancaster turned to films. By 1955 a string of hits had established him as a box-office giant.
Lancaster was lauded in numerous roles, especially when playing a heroic loser. He won an academy award in 1960 for best actor as the flamboyant sham evangelist in the film "Elmer Gantry."
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