Director of ‘Father of the Bride’ Charles Shyer Passes Away at 83
Charles Shyer, the acclaimed writer, director, and producer known for iconic comedies like “Father of the Bride” and “Private Benjamin,” has tragically passed away at the age of 83. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Shyer breathed his last on Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after a brief illness. This news has left the entertainment industry and fans alike mourning the loss of a true cinematic legend.
Legacy of Laughter and Love
Shyer’s family, in a heartfelt statement to Deadline, expressed their deep sorrow at the passing of their beloved patriarch. They shared, “It’s with an indescribably heavy heart that we share the news of our beloved father Charles Shyer’s passing. 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. We honor the extraordinary life he led and know there will never be another quite like him.”
A Cinematic Journey
Born in Los Angeles, Charles Shyer was destined for a life in the entertainment world as the son of pioneering filmmaker Melville Shyer, a founding member of the Directors Guild of America. After studying at UCLA, Shyer entered the DGA’s apprentice program but soon found his true calling in writing. He began his career as a television writer for popular sitcoms before transitioning to the silver screen with the hit movie “Smokey and the Bandit” in 1977.
Breakthrough Success
Shyer’s big break came in 1980 when he co-wrote “Private Benjamin,” a comedy that earned him an Oscar nomination alongside his collaborators Harvey Miller and Nancy Meyers, whom he married the same year. This partnership led to a string of successful comedies such as “Baby Boom,” “Irreconcilable Differences,” and the beloved “Father of the Bride,” a modern retelling of the classic 1950 film.
Personal and Professional Bonds
Alongside Meyers, Shyer also penned the screenplay for “The Parent Trap,” a 1998 hit that marked Lindsay Lohan’s debut in a dual role. Despite their subsequent divorce, the couple’s creative partnership endured, with their daughter Hallie Meyers-Shyer following in her parents’ footsteps as a writer-director. Shyer is survived by his daughters Annie and Hallie, as well as twins Jacob and Sophia from a later marriage.
A Lasting Legacy
Hallie Meyers-Shyer, in a poignant tribute on social media, described her late father as “A complete original,” reflecting on his unique contributions to cinema and his irreplaceable presence in their lives. As the industry mourns the loss of a true talent, Charles Shyer’s work will continue to entertain and inspire audiences for generations to come.
