True Tales From Clint Eastwood

The Oscar-winning director for Million Dollar Baby and Unforgiven follows up his most recent films, American Sniper and Sully, with yet another “reel-life” story. The 15:17 to Paris (Feb. 9), the latest film from Eastwood, 87, is based on the true tale of three American soldiers who thwart a terrorist attack on board a Paris-bound train.

1 Eastwood was a lifeguard and swimming instructor while based at Fort Ord in California during the Korean War.

2 James Coburn and Charles Bronson both turned down the starring part in Fistful of Dollars, which paved the way for Eastwood to land his careerchanging role in 1964.

3 He has practiced Transcendental Meditation for more than 40 years.

4 An avid golfer, he owns Tehama Golf Club in Carmel, Calif.

5 Eastwood was nicknamed “Samson” by the hospital nurses when he was born because he weighed 11 pounds, 6 ounces.

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