George Howe Ripley, better known as George Englund, was born on June 22, 1926, in Washington, DC. He grew up with a passion for the entertainment industry, which would eventually lead him to a successful career in film and television.
Englund began his entertainment career as an actor, appearing in episodes of popular television shows such as Lights Out and Kraft Theatre. However, he soon discovered his true passion behind the camera, and transitioned into directing and producing.
Throughout the 1960s and '70s, George Englund made a name for himself in Hollywood with his work on films like The Ugly American, Zachariah, and Snow Job. One of his most notable projects was producing the screen adaptation of the novel The Shoes of the Fisherman in 1968.
Englund was married to Emmy Award-winning actress Cloris Leachman for over two decades, and together they had four sons and one daughter. In 1980, he married his second wife, Bonnie Graves, who became the mother of his sixth child. His family life was just as fulfilling as his professional one.
George Englund's legacy extends beyond his work in film and television. He penned a memoir detailing his close friendship with the iconic Marlon Brando, showcasing the personal relationships he formed throughout his life.
In his later years, George Englund continued to be a presence in Hollywood, influencing and inspiring new generations of filmmakers. He passed away, leaving behind a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.