The actor who graced the screen in such notable cinematic masterpieces as A Streetcar Named Desire, On The Waterfront and Patton has passed away at the age of 97. Karl Malden, who won an Academy Award for "Streetcar", had a long career on the stage, in Hollywood, and television for over five decades. Before gaining notoriety on Broadway, Malden worked as a steelworker.

Malden had a look that made him immediately recognizable, with his prominent, bulbous nose, and an "every man" appearance. He was the quintessential character actor, the breed of performer who is often underappreciated.

In the 1970s, he played Police Lieutenant Mike Stone, paired with the young Michael Douglas as his rookie partner in the television crime series, The Streets of San Fransisco. This role is most likely how many of us remember him, as he parodied the trench coat wearing Stone for 21 years as pitchman for American Express. The phrase, "Don't leave home without them," referring to the the company's travelers checks, will be forever burned into the memories of everyone who grew-up watching those classic commercials.

R.I.P., Karl. And thank you for the dedication you delivered to your craft. We will not see your like again.