Jack Palance, Oscar-winning actor, dies at age 87

For many people Jack Palance represented the Old West. His acting career centered around his portrayal of gritty cowboys and the rugged life of a solitary rebel. It was that character that earned him an Oscar nomination in 1953 for his role as Jack Wilson in the western classic, Shane. He would wait another 38 years before capturing that Academy Award, ironically enough, for his role in City Slickers, a comedy staring Billy Crystal.

Palance had actually been nominated for best supporting actor in 1952 for his role as a love struck stalker in the movie Sudden Fear with Joan Crawford.

Before becoming an actor Palance worked as a coal miner, earned a living as a professional boxer and moved on to serve in World War II.

Palance died at his California home of natural causes.