After a historic career that led to numerous box office successes and an Oscar nomination, Private Benjamin‘s director and writer Charles Shyer has reportedly passed away. The filmmaker worked on over a dozen films throughout his decades-long career, having first achieved prominence with Private Benjamin, where he helped to turn Nancy Meyers into a box office star in her debut film. The two often worked together on Shyer’s other renowned projects, including The Parent Trap (1998), Father of the Bride (1991), and Irreconcilable Differences (1984).
According to a report by Deadline, Shyer passed away at 83 years old on Friday, December 27. The cause of death has not been released, and it is not expected that it will be made public. It is not known if the acclaimed director was working on any projects, though if so, none have been announced. He is survived by four children, who have shared their pain and grief. His family offered a solemn quote after his passing:
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.
Charles Shyer Enjoyed A Truly Distinguished Career
The Director & Writer Created Many Classic Hits
Shyer’s career was defined by classic comedies that relied on strong writing, talented actors, and compelling romances. Romantic comedies quickly became his defining genre. After all, Baby Boom (1987), Father of the Bride (1991), and The Parent Trap (1998) all leaned on believable relationships as their connecting tissues. Shyer always had a strong understanding of how to balance the heavier moments in a relationship with the humor that made the movies stand out. Even Shyer’s The Noel Diary (2022), his last movie as a director, proved that he was more than capable of directing modern romantic comedies.
Shyer earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Writing for Private Benjamin.
Still, he did not always work on romance. The Affair of the Necklace (2001), Once Upon a Crime (1992), and his debut work, the Burt Reynolds-led Smokey and the Bandit (1977), all proved that he was more than capable of diving into other genres. Action, drama, and mystery were never beyond him. While he earned his Oscar nomination for Private Benjamin, even that focused far more heavily on Judy Benjamin’s independence, rather than just her ever-shifting romantic prospects.
Shyer Will Always Be Remembered For His Talent
His Legacy Remains As Strong As Ever
A Hollywood legacy is not always a guarantee for a writer or director. Many produce only a single movie and are not especially remembered for their contributions. Shyer, however, made his name in the comedy niche, having left his mark on Hollywood and helped to create a lasting project that became a serious success in the Father of the Bride franchise. Tragically, if Father of the Bride 3 is ever produced, Shyer won’t be able to take part in the production. Still, Charles Shyer left his mark on Hollywood and will remain remembered for his immense talent and work.
Source: Deadline
