William Wyler
Directing
- Born
- July 1, 1902 · Mülhausen, Alsace-Lorraine, German Empire [now Mulhouse, Haut-Rhin, France]
- Died
- July 27, 1981 (age 79)
William Wyler (July 1, 1902 – July 27, 1981) was a German-born film director, producer, and screenwriter. Notable works include Ben-Hur (1959), The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), and Mrs. Miniver (1942), all which won Wyler Academy Awards for Best Director, and also won Best Picture. He earned his first Oscar nomination for directing Dodsworth in 1936, sparking a 20-year run of almost unbroken greatness.
Film historian Ian Freer calls Wyler a "bona fide perfectionist," whose penchant for retakes and an attempt to hone every last nuance "became the stuff of legend." His ability to direct a string of classic literary adaptations into huge box office and critical successes made him one of Hollywood's most bankable moviemakers during the 1930s and 1940s.
Known for
Ben-Hur
November 18, 1959
Roman Holiday
August 26, 1953
The Best Years of Our Lives
November 22, 1946
How to Steal a Million
July 13, 1966
Funny Girl
September 19, 1968
The Big Country
August 13, 1958
The Children's Hour
December 19, 1961
Wuthering Heights
April 7, 1939
Mrs. Miniver
July 3, 1942
The Heiress
October 6, 1949
The Letter
November 21, 1940
The Collector
June 17, 1965
Behind the camera61
- 2016Roman Holiday Writer
- 2011History Rediscovered: The Memphis Belle Director
- 1970The Liberation of L.B. Jones Director, Producer
- 1968Funny Girl Director
- 1966How to Steal a Million Director
- 1965The Collector Director
- 1961The Children's Hour Director, Producer
- 1959Ben-Hur Director
- 1958The Big Country Director, Producer
- 1956Friendly Persuasion