George Englund

Producer, Director, Screenwriter and Author George Englund passed away on September 14th following complications from a fall. George is known for such films as The Ugly American, The Shoes of the Fisherman, Zachariah and Challenger. His literary works include, The Way It's Never Been Done Before: My Friendship with Marlon Brando, and Cloris: My Autobiography. The son of actress Mabel Albertson and Harold Austin Ripley, and nephew of actor Jack Albertson, he was born George Howe Ripley in Washington D.C. After his parents divorced, Mabel married Screenwriter, Ken Englund; who adopted George and his Sister, Patsy Ripley. His early education was at Black-Foxe Military Institute. As an English/Philosophy major at UCLA, he was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and Captain of the Basketball and Tennis Teams. George was married to actress Cloris Leachman from 1953-1979. They had five children: Adam, Bryan (died 1986), George Jr., Morgan and Dinah. George was then married to Bonnie Graves from 1980-1992; and had two children; Max (died 1993) and Graves. George spent the last decade of his life with his loving friend Frances Bowes; writing, travelling and enjoying life. A man of eloquence and wit, George is known for his towering intellect and legendary sense of humor. He had a tremendous store of poetry and song in him, and he gave beautiful voice to both. His mind was curious, caring and massive. George was in the process of completing his Autobiography (to be published). A movie about his life and friendship with actor Marlon Brando is also in development. George's loving Family and friends surrounded him when he died at his home in Palm Springs, with the beautiful view of the mountains he cherished. George's Sister, two ex-wives, five children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandson survive him. Services are pending and a Memorial in George's honor is being planned for November. In lieu of flowers, please donate to SMA.ORG in memory of Max Englund.