(CBS/ AP)
The family of Karl Malden, the Academy Award- and Emmy-winning actor, said Wednesday he had died at age 97.
CBS Radio news correspondent Sam Litzinger reports Malden was known for his bulbous nose, bullhorn voice and a certain gruffness he brought to more than six decades of acting roles.
Whether playing heavies such as the police inspector in Alfred Hitchcock's "I Confess," or heroes like the priest in 1954's "On the Waterfront," his talent got him cast in a slew of prestigious movies.
Then he switched to television, and was nominated for 4 Emmys for "The Streets of San Francisco."
Malden claimed to have loved every TV show and movie he'd ever been in -- even the bad ones. The actor said working was what kept him going.
He'll also be remembered for the 21 years he spent pitching commercials.
"Don't leave home without them," he memorably warned in ads for American Express traveler's checks.
