Jack Palance was an American actor born on February 18, 1919, in Lattimer Mines, Pennsylvania. He gained fame for his rugged looks and commanding presence, often portraying villains in Westerns and action films. Some of his notable works include Shane, City Slickers, and The Professionals. Palance served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later pursued a career in acting. He received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in City Slickers in 1992. Palance passed away on November 10, 2006, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.