Robert Wagner, born on February 10, 1930, is an American actor who has appeared in over 100 films and television series. He rose to fame during the 1950s and 1960s as a handsome leading man, known for his suave demeanor and charming personality. Wagner has also worked as a producer and writer, making significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
Early Life
Robert John Wagner Jr. was born in Detroit, Michigan, to parents Robert John Wagner Sr. and Hazel Alvera Boe. His parents divorced when he was young, and he moved to Los Angeles with his mother. Wagner attended Saint Monica Catholic High School in Santa Monica, California, and later worked as a caddy at the Bel-Air Country Club, where he met legendary actor Spencer Tracy.
Career
Wagner made his film debut in The Happy Years (1950) and quickly became a sought-after leading man in Hollywood. He starred in popular films such as Titanic (1953), Prince Valiant (1954), and The Longest Day (1962), among many others. He also worked alongside some of Hollywood’s most notable actors, including Elizabeth Taylor, Natalie Wood, and Frank Sinatra.
Wagner also found success on television, appearing in popular series such as It Takes a Thief (1968-1970), Hart to Hart (1979-1984), and the miniseries The Thorn Birds (1983). He received multiple Golden Globe nominations for his television work.
In addition to acting, Wagner worked as a producer and writer. He produced several episodes of Hart to Hart, as well as the 1986 TV movie Lime Street. He also wrote two autobiographical books, Pieces of My Heart: A Life (2008) and You Must Remember This: Life and Style in Hollywood’s Golden Age (2014).
Personal Life
Wagner’s personal life has been the subject of much public fascination. He was married four times, first to actress Natalie Wood (1957-1962), then to Marion Marshall (1963-1971), then to actress Jill St. John (1990-present), and finally to Barbara C. Kraus (1972-1985). Wagner has two children from his marriage to Wood, actress Natasha Gregson Wagner and Courtney Brooke Wagner.
Wagner was also at the center of a high-profile investigation into the death of Natalie Wood, who drowned off the coast of California in 1981. Wagner and Wood were on a weekend boating trip with actor Christopher Walken when Wood went missing. Her death was ruled an accident, but questions about the circumstances surrounding her death have persisted for decades.
Legacy
Robert Wagner has left an indelible mark on Hollywood, with a career spanning over six decades. He has received several honors throughout his career, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2002. Wagner remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, known for his talent, charm, and enduring appeal.
In conclusion, Robert Wagner is a Hollywood icon, known for his contributions to film and television. His career has been remarkable, spanning over 60 years and encompassing various roles, both in front of and behind the camera. Wagner’s life has also been the subject of much public curiosity, with his personal relationships and the circumstances surrounding Natalie Wood’s death generating significant attention. Regardless of the controversies, Wagner remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, revered for his talent and charisma.