ACTOR
Neville Brand
20 archived facts 4 topics 1 source Last reviewed Oct 2026
All facts (20)
- #001
Neville Brand was regularly described as the fourth most decorated soldier of World War II, but this claim is false and was denied by Brand before his death. Official military records show he was awarded the Silver Star for heroism in the war. His other awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Service Ribbon, the European/African/Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with three Battle Stars, an Overseas Service Bar, a Service Ribbon and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
- #002
A voracious reader, Neville Brand owned one of Hollywood's largest private libraries, with more than 5,000 books. He had more than 30,000 books until a 1978 fire destroyed his Malibu home and most of the collection.
- #003
Neville Brand developed post-traumatic stress disorder after his successful military years and later fought a long battle with alcohol.
- #004
In 1958, Neville Brand won the Sylvania Award for his role as Willie Stark in the TV special All the King's Men: Part 1 (1958).
- #005
After retiring from acting in 1984, Neville Brand spent the last eight years of his life in Sacramento, California. He died of emphysema at the age of 71, caused by heavy smoking for most of his adult life. He was buried at East Lawn Memorial Park in Sacramento, CA, Plot Niche # 1327 Section L-L, Morning Glory Room.
- #006
Best remembered for his scar-faced, despicable heavies, Neville Brand earned notoriety for playing Al Capone in the series "The Untouchables" and in the film The George Raft Story (1961). Around the same time, Rod Steiger portrayed the notorious gangster in the film Al Capone (1959).
- #007
Neville Brand was the eldest of eight children. His father, Leo Thomas Brand, was a bridge builder, and his mother was Helen Louise Davis. His parents divorced when he was 13. He was a high school dropout.
- #008
Known for his terrifying roles as a "bad guy," Neville Brand is remembered for killing Elvis Presley in King's first film, Love Me Tender (1956).
- #009
In his youth, Neville Brand worked a series of skilled jobs. He was a shoe shiner, a waiter and a soda jerk.
- #010
Neville Brand married at least three times; he had a daughter named Mary from his first wife and two daughters, Katrina and Michelle, from his third wife, Mae.
- #011
Neville Brand was a lifelong Republican.
- #012
During World War II, Neville Brand became a platoon sergeant in Europe and was said to be the fourth most decorated soldier.
- #013
Neville Brand made his big screen breakthrough with the small role of Chester, a psychotic gun enthusiast, in the 1949 thriller "D. O. A."
- #014
From 1958 to 1962, Neville Brand played the gangster Al Capone in the series The Untouchables.
- #015
Neville Brand won the Sylvania Award for his live television performance as Willie Stark in All the Kings Men.
- #016
Neville Brand appeared in Return from the Sea (1954), the only romantic film in which he had a leading role.
- #017
Neville Brand lived in Malibu for 25 years before moving to Sacramento in 1982.
- #018
Neville Brand had one brother and two sisters.
- #019
Neville Brand was the fourth most decorated soldier of World War II, and he went on to appear in more than 40 films and many television programs, notably The Untouchables and Laredo from 1959 to 1962.
- #020
Neville Brand was married to Rae, with whom he had three daughters.
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