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Born William Franklin Beetle Jr. on April 17, 1918, in O'Fallon, Illinois, Holden had a childhood filled with family loyalty and early responsibilities. His family’s move to sunny California seemed a dream come true for young Holden, yet this joyful transition quickly spiraled into a daunting reality. A family health crisis thrust the then-young boy into the role of caretaker when his father fell gravely ill. During this period of strain, Holden discovered his passion for acting, captivating audiences in school plays with his warm, resonant voice.