The Great Escape features an ensemble cast that includes legendary actors such as Steve McQueen, James Garner, Charles Bronson, and Richard Attenborough. But, despite their similar stature in Hollywood, not everyone got along on the set of the 1963 film. In fact, one co-star referred to Bronson as "bitter" and "belligerent" nearly 50 years after the movie was released.
In his 2011 memoir, The Garner Files, Garner wrote about the movie and his Great Escape co-stars. While he said that he was "good friends" with McQueen, the actor also claimed that McQueen could "be a pain in the [expletive] on set" and "wasn't an actor," but a "movie star."
And when it came to Bronson, who Garner did not consider a friend, he had particularly strong words. Read on to see what the late actor said about the iconic action star.
RELATED: Harrison Ford Wouldn't Make Eye Contact With This Co-Star, Reports Say.
The movie brought several of the era's biggest stars together.
The Great Escape is a war movie about Allied soldiers who plan an escape from a German prisoner of war camp during World War II. It stars a number of popular actors from the early '60s. At this point in his career, Garner had already starred in the series Maverick and appeared in a number of other TV shows and movies. Bronson had also been acting for years, appearing in many westerns, including The Magnificent Seven.
Garner claimed that Bronson was abusive on set.
In The Garner Files, Garner had a lot to say about Bronson, who died in 2003.
"Charlie Bronson was a pain in the [expletive], too," he wrote. "He used and abused people, and I didn't like it … He was a bitter, belligerent SOB. I don't know why he had a chip on his shoulder. He wasn't a barrel of laughs on the set, I can tell you."
RELATED: For more celebrity news delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
The tension between them didn't end with The Great Escape.
In his memoir, Garner also wrote about Bronson taking part in a poker game at his house a year after they shot the movie. According to Garner, Bronson tried to withdraw a bet when it was too late, and because he was playing against a "street kid" who was working as an extra in Hollywood, Garner made Bronson pay him "probably no more than fifty bucks, because that money meant a lot to that kid." He continued, "Charlie got upset and we got head-to-head, but it didn't come to blows."
Garner said that Bronson then swore he'd never work with him again. "Throughout my life, there have been a few guys who didn't like me because I was outspoken," he wrote. "Hell, I never thought I was outspoken, I just told the truth."
They were able to get to a friendly place eventually.
Garner explained that, a few years later, he and his wife, Lois Clarke, ran into Bronson and his wife, Jill Ireland, at a restaurant.
"Next thing I know the four of us are having dinner together," Garner shared. "It was all so very pleasant. But I think Charlie held a grudge. I know I did."
RELATED: Kissing Marilyn Monroe Was "Awful," Famous Co-Star Claimed.
Lia Beck Lia Beck is a writer living in Richmond, Virginia. In addition to Best Life, she has written for Refinery29, Bustle, Hello Giggles, InStyle, and more.Read moreFiled UnderCeleb Throwback • Celebrities • Entertainment • Feuds • NewsRead This NextTommy Lee Jones Hated This Co-Star
"He said, ‘I cannot sanction your buffoonery.’”March 17, 2022'70s Child Actors Who Quit Hollywood and Why
These young stars left the business behind and never looked back.March 11, 2022Tom Hanks & This Star Had a Years-Long Feud
And it all began with a movie about a crime-solving dog.March 10, 202210 Things You Didn't Know about Justin Trudeau
Athlete, nerd, hopeless romantic, thespian. Yes, there’s a lot more to Canada’s Prime Minister than just politics.March 21, 2017Jon Hamm: The Best Life Interview
Jon Hamm, star of TV's Mad Men, reveals the secrets of manliness in a postmodern world.November 15, 2016Driving Tips Smart Men Know
Ten easy ways to be the safest driver on the road. April 3, 2017Men Who Set the Time: Cash Warren
The successful producer, entrepreneur and husband of Jessica Alba reveals how you, too, can live your best life.October 31, 2016Dr. Oz: The Best Life Interview
Mehmet Oz, M.D., asks the toughest question: Are you living or dying?October 23, 2016Dr. Oz's 15 Best Life Tips
October 23, 2016The One That Got Away
A single nutrient—omega-3 fatty acids—may have turned early humans into civilized man. Has stripping it from our diet given rise to cancer, diabetes, and other civilized diseases? Our correspondent investigates.February 23, 2017
