10 Things You Didn't Know About Steve McQueen

By Alex Porritt / February 19, 2015

Dubbed 'The King Of Cool', Steve McQueen is a rare gem amongst actors, notable as being one of the most effortlessly impressive performers to ever grace the silver screen. Sophisticated, well-dressed, mysterious and well-spoken, he delivered a totally unique quality to some of the most iconic roles in Hollywood history. But though being remembered mainly for his prolific acting career, there was far more to the blonde-haired, blue-eyed bad boy than initially apparent. With a shaky start on the wrong side of the law, he himself admitted that "If I hadn't made it as an actor, I might have wound up a hood," and after a string of questionable acting appearances, it could very nearly have happened. But success found him in good time, and McQueen went on to define the roles of cowboys, military personnel, and gravelly-voiced police detectives. Becoming one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood after only a few years, he lived a life of excess, danger, and thrills. Frequently voted as one of the sexiest, coolest, and best dressed celebrities in history, he's become a style symbol that every man - as far flung as Homer Simpson - can cite as an influence and hero. The women want him. The men want to be him. Classic. Close calls with death; clashing egos; unexpected odd jobs; missed opportunities. McQueen's story has it all, surprises included. Here are some of the things you didn't know.