Charles Shyer, an iconic filmmaker known for directing classics such as “Father of the Bride” and “Baby Boom,” passed away at 83 on Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles following a brief illness, as confirmed by his daughter, Hallie Meyers-Shyer.
The Oscar-nominated director and screenwriter contributed substantially to Hollywood, notably co-writing “Private Benjamin” with his then-wife Nancy Meyers in 1980. This collaboration kickstarted a prosperous professional and personal relationship, producing some of the most cherished comedies of the 1980s and ’90s.
Shyer’s family released a statement expressing their profound sorrow: “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, who was Oscar-nominated for co-writing “Private Benjamin” with Nancy Meyers and went on to direct a string of hit comedies including “Father of the Bride” and “Baby Boom,” died Friday. He was 83.https://t.co/sVXBfbY92S
— Variety (@Variety) December 28, 2024Following “Private Benjamin,” Shyer directed hits such as “Baby Boom” with Diane Keaton and the beloved “Father of the Bride” series featuring Steve Martin and Keaton. He also directed “Irreconcilable Differences” and co-wrote the 1998 “The Parent Trap” remake starring Lindsay Lohan. In a 2020 interview with Variety, Shyer reflected on “The Parent Trap,” noting its appeal to children from broken homes, including his own experience.
Shyer, who grew up in Los Angeles, had early exposure to filmmaking. His father, Melville Shyer, was a founding member of the Directors Guild of America and worked with D.W. Griffith. Charles began his career writing for television shows like “The Odd Couple,” “Happy Days,” and “The Partridge Family” before transitioning to feature films with his first credit for writing 1977’s “Smokey and the Bandit.”
'Father of the Bride' Director Charles Shyer Dead At 83 | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/kFOspfABoO
— TMZ (@TMZ) December 28, 2024Shyer’s later works included directing “The Affair of the Necklace” and co-writing and directing “Alfie” in 2004 with Jude Law. His most recent directorial effort was Netflix’s 2022 Christmas film “The Noel Diary,” he co-wrote last year’s holiday movie “Best. Christmas. Ever.”
Survived by his daughters Hallie Meyers-Shyer, Annie Meyers-Shyer, Sophia, and his son Jacob, Shyer’s legacy endures not only through his family but also through his timeless films that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
