Sterling Hayden

Birth Name:

Sterling Relyea Walter

Birth Place:

Upper Montclair, New Jersey, United States

Profession

Actor, Writer, Soundtrack

By the time he was 21 years old, he had earned his sailing master's license
Before becoming interested in acting, he dropped out of school at the age of 15 in order to become a sailor
Quote: "To be truly challenging, a voyage, like a life, must rest on a firm foundation of financial unrest․․․Only then will you know what the sea is all about․"
Frequently portrayed villainous, scheming characters in his various roles
Changed his name to John Hamilton during World War II in order to keep his Hollywood life secret
Served in the Office of Strategic Services during World War II
Was in contention to portray the role of Quint in "Jaws․"

Fast Facts