Marlon Brando was an American actor and was considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. He was born on April 3, 1924, in Omaha, Nebraska, and was the only son of Marlon Brando Sr. and Dorothy Pennebaker. Since his parents were mostly away on business, Brando grew up a lonely child and often acted out for attention. After being expelled from high school and dropping out of military school, Brando followed his sisters to New York to study at the American Theatre Wing Professional School.
Brando immediately fell in love with acting and was credited with popularizing method acting in modern cinema. The aspiring actor began his career on stage before transitioning to the silver screen. In 1951, Brando got his big break after portraying the role of Stanley Kowalski in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” for which he was nominated for his first Academy Award. Three years later, Brando won his first Academy Award and Golden Globe award for his leading role in “On The Waterfront.”
During the 1960s, Brando’s career spiralled down after he starred in consecutive flops. His performance in “Mutiny On The Bounty” (1962) had a negative impact on his career. Brando would take a temporary hiatus from acting for a decade before Francis Ford Coppola picked him as Vito Corleone in “The Godfather” (1972). The casting decision revived Brando’s career and won him his second Academy Award for Best Actor. With his additional performance in “Last Tango In Paris” (1972), Brando reclaimed his spot as one of Hollywood’s top box-office stars.
Towards later years, Brando eventually settled with highly paid supporting roles in many films and mostly stayed out of the spotlight up until his death in 2004. This proved to be a smart decision considering that the last decades of his life were riddled with controversies. Among the many issues that the actor faced was his sexuality. So, was Marlon Brando gay? Let’s see what the actor had to say about the matter.
VOTE: What was Marlon Brando’s Sexuality?
Marlon Brando’s Dating History
Aside from his acting chops, Brando was infamous for his womanizing ways and high-profile relationships. Throughout his life, the actor would marry at least three times and have more than ten children. Brando’s openness towards his sex life and affairs often fueled the rumors that he was gay. To uncover his true sexuality, let’s take a brief look at his most significant relationships.
Marlon Brando and Marilyn Monroe (1955-1962)
Around 1955, Brando met the blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe at a house party. According to the actor, they would engage in an on-and-off affair for several years. Although the relationship never turned serious, the pair were good friends and communicated frequently. Brando also mentioned in his autobiography that he received a call from Monroe days before she passed away.
Marlon Brando and Katy Jurado (1952-1961)
In 1952, the American Western film “High Noon” was released and Brando was instantly smitten with actress, Katy Jurado. According to the actor, he was strongly attracted to Juardo’s black eyes which were like “fiery arrows.” When the two finally met, the chemistry was immediate and they went on to have an affair that lasted for several years. Their relationship peaked when they co-starred in “One-Eyed Jacks,” a 1961 film that was also directed by Brando.
Marlon Brando and Rita Moreno (1954-1962)
Not long after meeting Jurado, Brando got together with another actress, Rita Moreno. The couple’s relationship was extremely passionate. During her golden years, Moreno would divulge details about their sex life and refer to the actor as her “drug.” The actress also revealed in her memoir that she became pregnant with Brando’s child. Unfortunately, he forced her to have an abortion and quickly moved on with Tarita Teriipaia.
Moreno almost died from depression and grief after she attempted suicide. The couple would split up years later.
Marlon Brando and Anna Kashfi (1955-1959)
During his relationship with Moreno, Brando was also entertaining two other women. He was briefly engaged to French actress Josanne Mariani before dumping her for his other girlfriend, Anna Kashfi. At the time, the latter was pregnant with Brando’s child and the duo got married in 1957. Kashfi gave birth to their son, Christian Brando, and the couple got divorced a year later.
Marlon Brando and Movita Castaneda (1960-1968)
In 1960, Brando married his second wife, Movita Castaneda, and stayed married for at least eight years. Unfortunately, it was discovered that Castaneda’s previous marriage wasn’t annulled so she couldn’t be technically married to the actor. Despite the split, the couple had two children together: Miko Castaneda Brando and Rebecca Brando.
Marlon Brando and Tarita Teriipaia (1960-1972)
Although Brando and Tarita Teriipaia met years prior, they didn’t start their relationship until 1960. The actress was almost two decades younger than Brando and was described as “innocent” and “naive.” Teriipaia gave birth to two children: Simon Brando and Tarita Cheyenne Brando. Sadly, their relationship wasn’t meant to be and the couple divorced in 1972.
Marlon Brando’s Numerous Affairs
The actor had so many affairs that it would be almost impossible to list every single one in this feature. However, some of his most notable connections included Japanese actress, Reiko Sato, an American journalist named Dorothy Kilgallen, and actress, Ariane Quinn. Brando was also linked to Cynthia Lynn, Jill Banner, and his housekeeper, Maria Cristina Ruiz, with whom he shared three children.
During the filming of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” Brando was linked to fellow actor, Sandy Campbell. According to sources, the actors had a sexual relationship that was later confirmed by Truman Capote. In his memoir, “Capote: A Biography,” Capote recalled talking to Brando and Campbell about their alleged affair.
I asked Marlon, and he admitted it. He said he went to bed with lots of other men, too, but that he didn’t consider himself a homosexual. He said they were all so attracted to him. ‘I just thought that I was doing them a favor,’ he said.”
Truman Capote, Capote: A Biography, 1988
Brando was also closely associated with actor Wally Cox and comedian Richard Pryor. However, both claims were disputed.
Marlon Brando’s Views On Homosexuality
Brando’s views on homosexuality were considered ahead of its time. At a glance, the actor wasn’t ashamed of his sexual conquests and didn’t shy away from sharing his personal views on the matter. In a 1976 interview, Brando admitted to engaging in homosexual experiences but didn’t consider himself gay.
Homosexuality is so much in fashion, it no longer makes news. Like a large number of men, I, too, have had homosexual experiences, and I am not ashamed. I have never paid much attention to what people think about me. But if there is someone who is convinced that Jack Nicholson and I are lovers, may they continue to do so. I find it amusing.”
Marlon Brando to a French journalist, 1976
Was Marlon Brando Gay?
Yes, Marlon Brando was gay. While the actor confessed to having relations with men, he never identified himself as gay. At best, fans may consider Brando as bisexual. He was married three times and fathered multiple children.
Featured Image: “Marlon Brando”, by Unknown, licensed under PDM 1.0 DEED