You may remember him from a couple of Marlon Brando movies, or perhaps from a Disney classic or two, but the truth is that Karl Malden’s celebrated career encompassed more than fifty films. He was not a leading man, but he was definitely an acting powerhouse. Now, Malden’s fire has been snuffed out at the age of 97.

The actor died, surrounded by his family, of natural causes at his Brentwood home. It was a quiet end for the man with the resonant voice, who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in A Streetcar Named Desire (Marlon Brando’s first major film; actress Vivien Leigh won her second Best Actress Oscar for the same movie).

Malden was known to poke fun at his own appearance, making remarks about his rather distinct nose. But in so doing, Malden kept himself in on the joke - never laughed at, but laughing with him. And though he wasn’t often considered to be anyone’s romantic lead, his incredible acting chops and commanding voice were put to use in films like On the Waterfront and Disney’s Pollyanna.

He was awarded a star on the famed Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2003 won the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actor’s Guild. He also served as the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences during his long, triumphant Hollywood career. A memorial service for Malden is expected to commence in the next few weeks.