Growing Up in a Coal Mine: Charles Bronson Believed He Was the Lowest of All Men

Hollywood celebrities are often surrounded⁣ by glitz,⁤ making it seem ‌like every star is naturally gifted.

But this isn’t always true, and ​Charles Bronson, a famous actor from Hollywood, was not ⁤one ‌of those people. Born Charles Dennis Buchinsky, Bronson had a tough life and an especially hard childhood⁣ in a coal mining town called Croyle Township, which is about 60 miles away from Pittsburgh.

He grew⁤ up with 14 other‌ siblings, being the ninth child out of 15. While raising just one child can be expensive, imagine the pressure on a‌ family with⁤ so little money! This was exactly what Bronson⁢ faced.

The small cabin where he lived with his⁣ big family was very close to the coal car tracks. They ⁤had to take turns sleeping because there wasn’t enough room for everyone.

“There was no love in⁤ my house,” he said. “The‌ only time ⁤I touched my mother ‌was when ⁣she ‌pulled lice out of my hair.”

The town ⁢itself felt pretty sad and empty; it mainly served⁣ business people who wanted to make money off ​coal mining. But it wasn’t just the Bronsons who struggled.

There wasn’t much beauty around; the water quality stunk and things‌ looked grim for the future. It’s‌ no‌ wonder that Bronson described his childhood as lonely and unpleasant.

When he became a teenager and lost his ⁢father, life got even tougher. He used to ​trade for pennies but then had to leave school to ‌help support his family by working as a coal miner—this seemed like‌ the only option available.

Even as an adult, memories from⁣ that time haunted ⁢him; he could never forget‍ how hard it was or how strong the smell of coal ⁤lingered in his nose. Living on hands and knees made him feel like he inhaled black dust all day‌ long.

He often thought back on how dirty his hands were after work or how many ⁣headaches he suffered while mining. According to him: “I came into this world with⁢ a shovel ​instead of‍ a spoon.”

Beyond physical effects though lay something deeper: working underground gave him serious feelings‌ of inferiority.

“During my years as a miner,” he said ‌“I felt like I was ‌at rock bottom.” ‌

Bronson believed that all miners shared this feeling; they thought steelworkers were superior while they were seen as​ low-class workers.

“Very few know what it’s like down there beneath everything else—in ⁣total darkness.”

He felt thrilled when finally joining the army—it meant escaping those ⁤dark days where food ⁢& clothes weren’t guaranteed! This chapter would‍ lead him ⁢toward becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest names!

After ‍serving in World War II & returning home ,he began studying⁣ art before enrolling at Pasadena Playhouse ​in California .

His talent shone through quickly: one teacher noticed early on & referred young‌ Bronson over director Henry Hathaway . This led directly into landing roles starting with You’re in The Navy Now (1951).

Although unnoticed initially ,by 1954 films such as Vera Cruz followed by Machine-Gun Kelly four years later ⁢earned praise from critics alike!

In addition acting gigs⁤ early ​on included ​jobs painting,cooking,masonry,and onion-picking . In fact during⁣ these times ,he changed name legally from Buchinsky due ‍fears regarding Russian-sounding names amidst anti-communist sentiments prevalent then .

However,it wasn’t until 1974 when Paul Kersey role came ​along ‍via Death Wish—a vigilante architect whose wife/daughter ⁤face attack—that everything changed! Due success ⁢multiple sequels followed suit over decades thereafter!

After starring alongside James ‌Coburn’s character Hard Times,Bronson continued rising fame steadily throughout career journey ahead!

It⁢ took some adjusting getting used being famous yet reports⁢ suggest lingering shadows cast upon past experiences⁣ troubled upbringing still haunted deeply within soul…

Co-star Andrew Stevens noted avoidance towards invasive individuals threatening ​comfort zones while revealing softer side emerged once relaxed atmosphere present around friends instead…

With first wife Harriet⁤ Tendler married between ’49-’65 produced two children together before marrying British actress Jill Ireland appearing alongside her across fifteen films including Valachi Papers/Love Bullets—sadly losing battle against cancer back ’90 leaving behind ‍two kids too…

Third marriage ‍occurred December ​’98 tying knot Kim Weeks—a ​former⁣ audiobook ‌worker assisting recordings previously done by Ireland herself too…

Later years ⁢saw diagnosis Alzheimer’s emerge stark contrast high-energy lifestyle once lived fully vibrant moments experienced throughout lifetime overall…

Occasionally spotted confused staggering ⁢around Beverly Hills thankfully cared for lovingly ​spouse Kim Weeks ensuring well-being maintained despite challenges faced daily struggles endured together hand-in-hand always supporting each other through thick thin alike… ‍

“The family has​ known something wrong​ since almost year now because Charles hasn’t been himself ‍lately,” stated⁢ sister Catherine Pidgeon clearly⁤ expressing concern surrounding health issues affecting beloved brother ‍deeply⁤ cherished memories ⁣shared forevermore…

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