Lee Van Cleef, the American actor known for his sharp eyes, rugged face, and commanding presence, became one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars in Western classics like *For a Few Dollars More* and *The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.* But behind that steely image was a man who had fought a battle far tougher than anything on screen. In 1958, a near-f*tal car accident shattered his left knee, leaving him in constant pain. Doctors told him he would never ride a horse again — a devastating blow for a We

Clarence Leroy "Lee" Van Cleef, Jr. (January 9, 1925 – December 16, 1989), was an American actor who appeared mostly in Westerns and action films. His sharp features and piercing eyes led to him being cast as a villain in scores of films, such as Kansas City Confidential, High Noon, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, prior to becoming a leading man. | Western Trails Stars of the Silver Screen