He worked several odd jobs before entering the film industry in the early 1950s, playing bit and supporting roles as henchmen, thugs, and other 'heavies'. 1 box office attraction, commanding $1 million per film.īorn to a Lithuanian-American coal mining family in rural Pennsylvania, Bronson served in the United States Army Air Forces as a bomber tail gunner during World War II. At the height of his fame in the early 1970s, he was the world's No. A quintessential cinematic 'tough guy', Bronson was cast in various roles where the plot line hinged on the authenticity of the character's toughness and brawn. Known for his 'granite features and brawny physique,' he gained international fame for his starring roles in action, western, and war films initially as a supporting player and later a leading man. Charles Bronson (born Charles Dennis Buchinsky Novem– August 30, 2003) was an American actor.
