Brando dies

Film legend Marlon Bando died last night in a hospital bed in Los Angeles, he was 80.

In a 50 year film career he was nominated for eight "Best Acting" Oscars, and won two. However, he turned down the award he won for his role in "The Godfather" in 1972. In a protest he sent a woman dressed as a native American to protest about Hollywood's treatment of American Indians.

He will be remembered for iconic roles such as his Oscar-winning performances in "The Godfather" (1972) and "On The Waterfront" (1954).

The actor was a fiercely private man but details of his life prove intriguing.

He fathered nine children, of which the eldest, Christian Devi is now 46 and the youngest is ten.

Two of his children went on to become actors - Christian Devi has appeared in eight films to date under the screen name Gary Brown; and Stefano Brando has acted in films like "Lethal Weapon 4".

In his final years Brando grew increasingly withdrawn. He would not speak to callers and was known to send faxes addressed from his dog.

The actor lived out his final days in poverty, surviving on his Screen Actors' Guild pension and social security payments.

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