Biography of Marlon Brando / Биография Марлон Брандо


Marlon Brando born in Omaha the year 1924. Known as Bud by the family, had two sisters. Over the years it had been rumored “Bud” was a ham operator or was interested in the Short Wave craft. It will be a difficult task to obtain a QSL, will keep at it. Passing the two acre Santa Monica mountain top compound in Beverly Hills, one would know there were radio communications going on because of the 80 foot tower with a tribander beam.

The address of 12900 Mulholland Drive was none other than the home of Marlin Brando, Hollywood actor. It was apparent, the home owner was not interested in visitors and wanted security & privacy with the surrounding foilage covering the view. The street view at the hilltop home had razor wire atop the gate blocking the driveway and sharp pointed perimeter iron fence.

Bill W4NFR stated he met Hank Scharfe (1936-1990) in 1983 and Hank introduced him to Marlon Brando. The actor was interested in a directional antenna in FO5 Tahiti to improve communications stateside. Bill complied and in 1983 and 1986 built two systems for Mr. Brando. The first installation was a Rhombic that worked great & provided good coverage.

The hilltop L.A. home was the location of much personal difficulty that we care not to mention. The tabloids have all of that sort covered. I found an article about Brando that I found fascinating, in an interview with Larry King on CNN broadcast dated October 1994, Brando confirmed his continued interest in Amateur Radio. In response to a caller’s question, Marlon said ham radio provided him with the opportunity to just be himself. The thing he liked most about the bobby was the anonymity that it offers. He also said that he was in the process of updating his license. The F.C.C. knew our subject as “Martin Brandeaux” He had made plans to upgrade his tower system on Mulholland Drive due to grass fires previously causing some surface damage to the guy system.

But death claimed “Bud” in 2004 at age 80. A press report was observed as saying Brando was cremated, his ashes were spread both in Tahiti and in Death Valley, Calif. The report of our subject being destitute at his death, don’t believe it. W8SU