Karl Malden, the bulbous-nosed actor who won an Academy Award for his supporting role in Streetcar Named Desire and became a fixture in American Express Co. advertising died today at 97.

Malden's acting career spanned more than 6 decades and he was one of the most recognizable sights in movies and on television for five decades. In the 1970s, he became known to millions of viewers as a veteran police detective who partners with a young inspector, played by Michael Douglas, in the ABC drama series The Streets of San Francisco.

The actor is survived by his wife of 70 years, former actress Mona Graham; two daughters, Mila and Carla; three granddaughters; and four great-grandchildren.

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