50 Facts About Robert Wagner

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Robert Wagner's journey in Hollywood started with humble beginnings and a bit of luck. His early life set the stage for a remarkable career.

1. Early Life: Born on February 10, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan, Wagner's parents were Thelma Hazel Alverad Wagner (Boe) and Robert John Wagner. His paternal grandparents hailed from Germany.

2. Family Move: At six, Wagner's family relocated to Bel Air, California, placing him near the Bel-Air Country Club, a hotspot for Hollywood elites.

3. First Brush with Show Business: Wagner's initial exposure to Hollywood came as a caddy for Clark Gable, giving him a glimpse into the glamorous world of film.

4. Discovery by Talent Agent: While dining with his parents in Beverly Hills, talent agent Henry Willson discovered Wagner, marking the start of his acting career.

5. Career Beginnings: Wagner's first role was as an extra in The Happy Years (1950). He soon landed parts in military-themed films like Halls of Montezuma and The Frogmen (both 1951).

Rise to Fame

Wagner's talent and charm quickly propelled him to stardom, earning him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.

6. Golden Globe Nomination: In 1953, Wagner received a Golden Globe nomination for his role in Stars and Stripes Forever (1952).

7. Breakthrough Role: His performance in With a Song in My Heart (1952) garnered immediate public attention, thanks to Darryl F. Zanuck's casting.

8. Spencer Tracy’s Endorsement: Spencer Tracy was so impressed with Wagner's role in Beneath the Twelve Mile Reef that he requested Wagner for Broken Lance (1954).

9. Prince Valiant: Wagner starred as the title character in Prince Valiant (1954), directed by Henry Hathaway.

10. The Mountain: He worked alongside Spencer Tracy again in The Mountain (1956).

Iconic Roles and Challenges

Wagner's career saw both triumphs and setbacks, but his resilience kept him in the spotlight.

11. Romantic Leads: Known for his romantic roles, Wagner shone in films like The True Story of Jesse James (1957).

12. A Kiss Before Dying: His performance in A Kiss Before Dying (1956) alongside Joanne Woodward solidified his dramatic acting credentials.

13. The Pink Panther: Despite going blind for four weeks due to an industrial-strength foaming agent during filming, Wagner's role in The Pink Panther (1963) remains iconic.

14. Career Skid: The mid-1960s brought a downturn in Wagner's film career, leading to several years of unemployment.

15. Television Career: Wagner successfully transitioned to television with It Takes a Thief (1968), earning an Emmy nomination.

Television Success

Wagner found a new audience and renewed success on the small screen.

16. Switch: By the mid-1970s, Wagner starred in Switch (1975), an action-packed detective satire.

17. Hart to Hart: His role as Jonathan Hart in Hart to Hart (1979) opposite Stefanie Powers became his most successful television venture.

18. International Success: Hart to Hart gained international popularity, running from 1979 to 1984 and later being revived as TV movies.

Personal Life and Relationships

Wagner's personal life, marked by high-profile relationships and tragedies, often paralleled his on-screen drama.

19. Marriage to Natalie Wood: Wagner married actress Natalie Wood twice, first in 1957 and again in 1972, with a daughter, Courtney, born in 1974.

20. Tragic Death of Natalie Wood: In 1981, Wood tragically drowned near Catalina Island. Wagner became the guardian of her daughter, Natasha Gregson.

21. Marriage to Jill St. John: After an eight-year courtship, Wagner married longtime friend and fellow actor Jill St. John in 1990.

Career Resurgence and Later Years

Wagner continued to reinvent himself, appealing to new generations of fans.

22. Austin Powers Trilogy: Wagner played Number Two, Dr. Evil's henchman, in the Austin Powers trilogy, introducing him to a younger audience.

23. NCIS: He made numerous guest appearances on NCIS, portraying Anthony DiNozzo, Sr., the father of Tony DiNozzo.

24. Love Letters Tour: Wagner toured globally performing Love Letters with Stefanie Powers, later continuing with his wife, Jill St. John.

Hobbies and Interests

Beyond acting, Wagner has a rich life filled with hobbies and interests.

25. Golf Enthusiast: Wagner is an avid golfer with a five handicap and once beat professional golfer Sam Snead.

Film and Television Credits

Wagner's extensive filmography showcases his versatility and enduring appeal.

26. Film Credits: His film credits include Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, The Curse of the Pink Panther, Midway, The Towering Inferno, Banning, Harper, and All the Fine Young Cannibals.

27. Television Miniseries: Wagner starred in several miniseries, including Windmills of the Gods, Pearl, Love Among Thieves, and Indiscreet.

28. Executive Producer: He served as executive producer for eight Hart to Hart movies, including five for NBC and three for the Family Channel.

Memoirs and Awards

Wagner's reflections on his life and career have been well-received, earning him accolades and awards.

29. Memoirs: Wagner published his memoir Pieces of My Heart in 2008 and You Must Remember This: Life and Style in Hollywood’s Golden Age in 2014.

30. Awards and Nominations: He received an Emmy nomination for It Takes a Thief and the Best Ensemble award at the Method Fest Film Festival for Man in the Chair.

Family and Personal Life

Wagner's family has played a significant role in his life and career.

31. Family Involvement: His daughter Katie Wagner is also an actress, and he has been a guardian to Natalie Wood's daughter Natasha Gregson.

32. Personal Life: Known for his kindness, Wagner is always willing to help or offer advice to peers.

Philanthropy and Legacy

Wagner's contributions extend beyond entertainment, impacting various charitable causes.

33. Philanthropy: He has been involved in numerous charitable activities, supporting causes close to his heart.

34. Legacy: With over 100 films and numerous TV appearances, Wagner's dedication to his craft has made him a beloved Hollywood figure.

Notable Relationships and Collaborations

Wagner's career has been marked by significant relationships and collaborations with other stars.

35. Early Romantic Interests: His first date with Natalie Wood in 1956 began a tumultuous yet iconic Hollywood romance.

36. Marriage to Marion Marshall: After divorcing Wood, Wagner married Marion Marshall in 1963, with whom he had a daughter, Katie.

Career Resurgence and Guest Roles

Wagner's ability to adapt kept him relevant in the ever-changing entertainment landscape.

37. Career Resurgence: The 1990s saw a resurgence in Wagner's career with his role in the Austin Powers trilogy.

38. Television Guest Roles: He made numerous guest appearances on popular shows like Two and a Half Men and NCIS.

Production Ventures and Portrayals

Wagner's influence extended into production and portrayals of his life.

39. Production Ventures: He served as executive producer for several TV series and films, including the Hart to Hart movies.

40. The Mystery of Natalie Wood: Wagner was portrayed by Michael Weatherly in The Mystery of Natalie Wood (2004), a film exploring Wood's tragic death.

Unique Connections and Incidents

Wagner's life includes unique connections and memorable incidents.

41. Ballet Classes: His wife Jill St. John, deceased former wife Natalie Wood, and Hart to Hart co-star Stefanie Powers all attended ballet classes together as youngsters.

42. Industrial-Strength Foaming Agent Incident: During The Pink Panther filming, Wagner went blind for four weeks after being submerged in an industrial-strength foaming agent.

43. Universal Studios Bungalow: Wagner's bungalow at Universal Studios was a tour stop for many years, highlighting his importance at the studio.

Legal Battles and Notable Roles

Wagner's career also involved legal battles and notable roles in various productions.

44. Charlie’s Angels Profits Dispute: Wagner spent years in court disputing profits from Charlie’s Angels with Aaron Spelling and Leonard Goldberg.

45. Windmills of the Gods: He starred alongside Jaclyn Smith in Windmills of the Gods, a top-rated miniseries based on Sidney Sheldon's novel.

46. Pearl: Wagner appeared in Pearl, a miniseries starring Angie Dickinson, showcasing his versatility.

47. Love Among Thieves: He worked with Audrey Hepburn in Love Among Thieves, another notable TV performance.

48. Indiscreet: Wagner starred in Indiscreet with Lesley Anne Down, demonstrating his adaptability to various genres.

49. There Must Be a Pony: Wagner executive-produced and appeared in There Must Be a Pony, highlighting his dual role in acting and production.

50. North and South: Book 3, Heaven and Hell: Wagner appeared alongside notable names like Philip Casnoff, Kyle Chandler, Cathy Lee Crosby, Leslie-Ann Down, and Billy Dee Williams in North and South: Book 3, Heaven and Hell.

Robert Wagner's Enduring Legacy

Robert Wagner's career has spanned over seven decades, showcasing his versatility and dedication to his craft. From his early days as a caddy for Clark Gable to iconic roles in The Pink Panther and Austin Powers, Wagner has left a lasting mark on Hollywood. His personal life, filled with both triumphs and tragedies, has captivated the public. Despite facing challenges, including the tragic death of Natalie Wood, Wagner continued to thrive in the entertainment industry. His successful transition from film to television with series like Hart to Hart and It Takes a Thief further cemented his status as a beloved actor. Wagner's contributions to film and television, along with his philanthropic efforts, ensure his legacy will be remembered for generations. His story is a testament to resilience, talent, and the enduring appeal of a true Hollywood star.