Karl Malden, star of stage, screen and TV commercials, died yesterday. He was 97.

Born Mladen George Sekulovich; March 22, 1912 - July 1, 2009, this crusty-but-benign thespian could play second fiddle like no one could in such films as (Oscar, Tony), On the Waterfront, How the West Was Won and Patton. But for most of us, he will be best remembered on television as Lt. Mike Stone on the '70s classic The Streets of San Francisco

Malden also served as a spokesman for American Express, reminding members "Don't leave home without it," which helped plunge countless people into irrevocable financial debt.

Reportedly in bad health for over the last few years, Malden died at his Brentwood home in Los Angeles.

Check out some of Malden's finest work after the jump

A Streetcar Named Desire