Hollywood legend and icon Steve McQueen, who was one of the first action stars of the modern era, and had a presence filled with swagger and confidence of the highest salt and piss and vinegar, passed away today on November 7th, 1980, a victim of cancer.

McQueen was the first alpha male by way of the cool variety, sunglasses at night kind of a vibe; he left no stone unturned in doing things at a casual, yet intensified kind of energy that was infused with rugged good looks, snappy charm, no-nonsense eyes, and a spirit which helped to create some of the silver screen’s all time great visual narratives.