Decades after his death, Marlon Brando, immortalized in the public's memory as "Vito Corleone" in "The Godfather," finds himself entwined in a revelation about his relationship with Jacqueline Kennedy.
A recently published book, "Bobby and Jackie: A Love Story," authored by C. David Heymann, sheds light on an unprecedented chapter linking the iconic actor and the former First Lady.
In this intriguing narrative, Heymann asserts that Jacqueline Kennedy engaged in an "affair" with Marlon Brando while still married to President John F. Kennedy, shortly before his tragic assassination. The book's title alludes not only to the revealed Brando connection but also touches upon another tumultuous romance in Jacqueline's life—her brief relationship with Robert F. Kennedy, the President's brother.
Brando himself had alluded to this encounter in a draft of his memoir, "Songs My Mother Taught Me," back in 1994. However, the reference never saw the light of day, as one of Jacqueline's friends, a publisher at Random House, compelled the omission of that chapter. Tragically, in the same year, Jacqueline succumbed to cancer.
Born on April 3, 1924, in Omaha, Nebraska, Marlon Brando grew up in a family of five, marked by his father's transition from a salesman to a chemical products company executive. Brando's rebellious spirit manifested after attending the Shattuck Military Academy at 16, and he subsequently pursued acting in New York City at the Actor's Studio.
Achieving success with plays like "A Streetcar Named Desire," Brando went on to become a cinematic legend with films such as "The Godfather," earning him an Oscar. Despite a hiatus, Brando returned to the limelight with notable performances in "Last Tango in Paris" and "Apocalypse Now."
The actor, married three times, faced personal challenges, including family issues and legal troubles. His retreat from public life, coupled with sporadic returns to the silver screen, marked the later years of his life. Marlon Brando passed away on July 1, 2004, at the age of 80, leaving an enduring legacy in cinema.
In 2007, the video game version of "The Godfather" was released, featuring Brando's voice for the character "Vito Corleone." A testament to his enduring influence, a study in the same year ranked Brando among the top 10 actors of all time in American cinema. The Helmut Newton Foundation's exhibition in 2008 delved into the paparazzi culture, showcasing a photograph capturing Brando confronting a paparazzo, exemplifying his complex relationship with fame.
