Charles Shyer, the Oscar-nominated writer, director, and producer famous for movies like Private Benjamin, Baby Boom, and Father of the Bride, has passed away at the age of 83. With a career that spanned more than 50 years, Shyer made a big impact on Hollywood, especially in comedy and family films. His family confirmed his death, but the cause was not revealed.
The Meyers-Shyer family released a heartfelt statement, expressing their grief: “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.”
Charles Shyer’s career was marked by his successful partnership with his former wife, Nancy Meyers. Together, they co-wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay for Private Benjamin (1980), a comedy starring Goldie Hawn, which also won them a WGA Award. They collaborated on other films like Baby Boom, Father of the Bride (1991) and its sequel, and the 1998 Disney remake of The Parent Trap. After their divorce in 1999, Shyer continued to create, directing films like The Affair of the Necklace (2001) and the 2004 remake of Alfie starring Jude Law.
In addition to his collaboration with Nancy Meyers, Charles Shyer had a successful career as a writer and director. Early on, he wrote the scripts for Smokey and the Bandit (1977) and House Calls (1978), the latter earning him a WGA nomination. His more recent work included the 2022 Netflix holiday film The Noel Diary and the 2023 festive comedy Best Christmas Ever!.
Charles Shyer was born in Los Angeles to Lois Delaney and Melville Shyer, a pioneer of the Directors Guild of America and a collaborator with D.W. Griffith. He studied at UCLA before working as an assistant to Garry Marshall and Jerry Belson on The Odd Couple. This led to a successful career as a head writer, producer, and eventually a renowned feature film director.
Charles Shyer’s legacy is marked by warmth, humor, and timeless storytelling. From Private Benjamin to the enduring charm of Father of the Bride, his films continue to delight audiences worldwide. As Hollywood mourns his loss, his work remains a testament to his exceptional talent and creative vision.
