Charles Boyer

Charles Boyer
Otto Dyar / Fox Films

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Charles Boyer
Film: South side of the 6300 block of Hollywood Boulevard
Charles Boyer
TV: South side of the 6300 block of Hollywood Boulevard
Actor
Born Aug. 28, 1899 in Figeac, France
Died Aug. 26, 1978 of suicide in Scottsdale, AZ

Charles Boyer was a suave, French-born actor who courted a bevy of leading ladies in films during the 1930s and 1940s and became one of Warner Bros.' top stars.

During the 1930s and 1940s, he epitomized the continental gallant—suave, impeccable of manner and dress. He played the polished lover to many of the movies' leading ladies, yet had the strength and authority to be convincing also as a man of action.

Perhaps he is best remembered for his role as the thief Pepe LeMoko in "Algiers."

Among his later films were "Is Paris Burning," "How to Steal a Million," "Casino Royale" and "Barefoot in the Park."

After studying at the Sorbonne and the Paris Conservatory, Boyer made his stage debut in Paris' Theatre Antoine in "La Bataille" and soon became a leading stage star. He made his film debut in 1920.

Not until 1931 did he make his first major picture with an English-speaking role, "The Man From Yesterday," with Claudette Colbert.

The films that brought him fame in his early career were "Caravan" in 1934; "Private Worlds," "Shanghai" and "Break of Hearts" in 1935; "Le Bonheur" and "Garden of Allah" in 1936; then "History Is Made at Night," "Mayerling," "Conquest," "Tovarich" and "Algiers."

He proved himself as artist of stature in the Broadway production "Don Juan in Hell" in 1951, two years later in "Kind Sir" and in "Lord Pengo" in 1962.

In 1964, he began appearing on "The Rogues," a Four Star series dwelling on the exploits of jet-set-jewel thieves and con men moving through worlds of intrigue and opulence.

His death at a friend's Arizona home in 1978 was ruled a suicide. His wife of 44 years, Patricia, had died two days earlier of cancer.

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    Academy Awards

    Year Category Work
    1937 Best Actor Conquest Nomination
    1938 Best Actor Algiers Nomination
    1942 Special Award Win
    1944 Best Actor Gaslight Nomination
    1961 Best Actor Fanny Nomination

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