Charles Boyer
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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Points of interest
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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One thought about Charles Boyer
I love the oldtime stars and may Boyer RIP.
Also, I have started a blog dedicated to all the great old Hollywood style photographers including Hurrell among others. Please feel free to take a look:
http://vintagemoviestarphotos.blogspot.com/
Sincerely, Barb
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