Lee Van Cleef was not always a ruthless antagonist. The future celebrity began as an accountant with a penchant for performing. After an accidental meeting with a talent scout, he arrived on stage, although with a rocky start.

His dedication extended to the military, where he served with distinction and honed his marksmanship. This discipline continued with martial arts training, a skillset that would translate perfectly to the big screen.

Lee persevered despite having chronic pain as a result of a tragic car accident. His major break came with Sergio Leone’s “For a Few Dollars More,” in which he starred alongside Clint Eastwood. Their conflicting styles reshaped the Western genre.

While typecast as a villain, Lee embraced the challenge, finding depth in even the most ruthless characters. He even surprised audiences with a role as a wise ninja master.

Lee Van Cleef’s life ended in 1989 from a heart attack. Though his career was cut short, he left an indelible mark on Westerns, proving that complexity can reside on both sides of the law.