'Father of the Bride' director Charles Shyer dies at 83, family pays tribute to his 'extraordinary life'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Charles Shyer, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker known for directing 'Father of the Bride' and 'Baby Boom', died on Friday, December 27 at the age of 83.
His family confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement, saying, “His loss leaves an unfillable hole in our lives, but his legacy lives on through his children and the five decades of wonderful work he’s left behind.”
Charles Shyers' collaboration with wife Nancy Meyers
Charles Shyer’s career spanned television and film, with a remarkable ability to craft stories that resonated with audiences.
From co-writing 'Private Benjamin' with Nancy Meyers to helming 'Irreconcilable Differences' and 'The Parent Trap', Shyer’s work defined romantic comedies of the 1980s and 1990s.
His collaboration with Meyers, whom he married in 1980, was a hallmark of his career.
Their first major success came with the Oscar-nominated screenplay for 'Private Benjamin', which launched a series of hit films.
Together, they worked on beloved titles like 'Baby Boom' and 'Father of the Bride'.
The couple divorced in 1999, but their professional partnership culminated in the 1998 film 'The Parent Trap', Meyers’ directorial debut.
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In a 2022 interview, Shyer revealed that Meyers offered insights on his Netflix film 'The Noel Diary', underscoring their enduring creative connection.
Charles Shyers' legacy of iconic films
Charles Shyer’s filmography includes timeless classics. He directed Steve Martin and Diane Keaton in 'Father of the Bride', a remake that became a cultural touchstone, and its sequel.
His other directorial credits include 'I Love Trouble', 'The Affair of the Necklace', and the 2004 'Alfie' remake starring Jude Law.
Before his success in movies, Shyer honed his craft in television, writing for beloved sitcoms like 'Happy Days', 'The Partridge Family', and 'Barefoot in the Park'.
Charles Shyers' roots in Hollywood
Born in Los Angeles, Charles Shyer was destined for a career in entertainment.
His father, Melville Shyer, was a founding member of the Directors Guild of America and worked with silent film pioneer DW Griffith.
“I used to go onto the set with him when I was a kid all the time,” Shyer once said.
He began his career writing for television before transitioning to feature films. His first big-screen credit came with the 1977 hit 'Smokey and the Bandit'.
He is survived by four children, including actress and filmmaker Hallie Meyers Shyer.
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Shyer’s family paid tribute to his remarkable contributions to cinema, saying, “We honor the extraordinary life he led and know there will never be another quite like him,” according to Variety.
