Flying with Marlon Brando — A Pan Am Story

This Pan Am Story is About Flying With Marlon Brando on Board

This Pan Am Marlon Brando story is one of many memories from the golden age of air travel. As a Pan Am captain, I had the privilege of flying celebrities, dignitaries, and adventurers to destinations across the globe. Among them was Marlon Brando — the legendary actor who had a deep connection to Tahiti and his private island, Tetiaroa.

Brando’s Island in the South Pacific

In 1965, after filming Mutiny on the Bounty, Marlon Brando purchased Tetiaroa — an atoll of 12 islands about 35 miles north of Tahiti. Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, it was a place he visited often. Today, it is home to “The Brando,” a luxury eco-resort inspired by his vision.

Marlon Brando

Encounters in the Sky

Brando was a frequent passenger on our Pan Am flights to Tahiti. While I never had an extended conversation with him, he always made it a point to stop by the cockpit to greet the crew. The flight attendants were especially delighted when he was on board, and after The Godfather was released, they joked about making him “an offer he couldn’t refuse.”

A Courtesy in the Air

When departing Tahiti for Honolulu, our route took us near Tetiaroa. As we passed, we would announce the sighting to passengers — without mentioning Brando by name — and make a slight bank so he could see his island from the air. It was a small gesture, but one of mutual respect.

A Final Flight

The last time I recall seeing Brando on board was a somber one. On arrival in Honolulu, he was met by the airport manager who informed him that his lifelong friend, Wally Cox, had died. He was clearly shaken, but continued on to Los Angeles to assist with the cremation arrangements. Years later, when Brando himself passed away in 2004, it is reported that his ashes were mingled with Wally Cox’s and scattered over both Death Valley and Tahiti. For more stories view my blog