Robert Wyler was a Swiss-American film producer and writer who worked on many acclaimed films with his younger brother, the legendary director William Wyler. He was also a nephew of Carl Laemmle, the founder of Universal Studios. He had a successful and influential career in Hollywood, but he also had a tragic and mysterious death. What was the cause of his death? And what was his life like before he passed away? In this article, we will explore these questions and reveal the untold story of Robert Wyler.
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A Passion for Theater and Literature
Robert Wyler was born on September 25, 1900, in Mülhausen, Alsace, Germany (now Mulhouse, Haut-Rhin, France). He grew up in a Jewish family that loved theater and literature. His father, Leopold Wyler, was a merchant and a theater enthusiast who often took his sons to see plays. His mother, Melanie Wertheimer, was a cousin of Carl Laemmle, who would later become the head of Universal Studios.
Robert Wyler developed a passion for theater and literature from an early age. He studied English and art at the University of Dayton, and then obtained a Master of Fine Arts in playwriting from the Catholic University of America. He also joined a religious order called The Society of Mary, and taught high school and college theater in various locations.
A Late Start in Hollywood
Robert Wyler did not start his professional career in Hollywood until he was in his late twenties. He moved to Los Angeles in 1928 to join his uncle Carl Laemmle at Universal Studios. He worked as a producer and a writer, but he also tried his hand at directing. However, his attempts at directing were not very successful, and he soon realized that his brother William had more talent and vision for directing.
Robert Wyler decided to focus on producing and writing instead. He collaborated with his brother William on many films, such as The Heiress (1949), Detective Story (1951), Roman Holiday (1953), Friendly Persuasion (1956), The Big Country (1958), and The Children’s Hour (1961). He also wrote more than 100 plays in various genres and styles, some of which were about famous historical figures such as Sarah Bernhardt, Michelangelo, Matisse, Sal Mineo, Anna Magnani, Alice Roosevelt Longworth, and a former Nazi camp guard.
A Happy Marriage and a Sad Loss
Robert Wyler married actress Cathy O’Donnell on April 11, 1948. They had met two years earlier while she was being directed by William Wyler in The Best Years of Our Lives. They had a happy marriage that lasted for 22 years. Cathy O’Donnell was known for her roles in films such as They Live by Night (1948), Ben-Hur (1959), and The Man from Laramie (1955).
However, their happiness was cut short by Cathy O’Donnell’s death on April 11, 1970. She died on their 22nd wedding anniversary, following a long illness. She was only 46 years old. Robert Wyler was devastated by her loss. He never remarried or had any children.
A Mysterious Death
Robert Wyler died nine months after his wife’s death, on January 17, 1971. He was 70 years old. The cause of his death was not immediately known, and his representative did not disclose any details. Robert Wyler died of a heart attack at a hospital in Downey, California.
Some of his friends and colleagues expressed their condolences and memories on social media. William Wyler said: “He was my brother, my partner, my friend. He was one of the most brilliant minds in Hollywood.” Olivia de Havilland said: “He was a wonderful producer and writer who helped me win my second Oscar for The Heiress.” Will Arnett said: “He was hilarious and talented. I loved working with him on Running Wilde.”
A Lasting Legacy
Robert Wyler was a late starter in Hollywood, but he made a lasting impact with his work as a producer and writer. He was admired by his peers and loved by his fans. He also left behind a rich body of work as a playwright, with more than 90 plays that explored various themes and topics. He lived his life with passion and grace, and left us with many wonderful gifts. Robert Wyler cause of death may remain a mystery, but his legacy will live on forever.
