Cornel Wilde

Press Photo of Cornel Wilde 02

Cornel Wilde (October 13, 1912 – October 16, 1989) was a Hungarian-American actor and film director. He is best known for his roles in Hollywood films during the 1940s and 1950s. Wilde's career spanned over five decades, and he appeared in a variety of genres, including drama, adventure, and musical films.

Early Life

Cornel Wilde was born Kornél Lajos Weisz in Prievidza, then part of Austria-Hungary (now in Slovakia). His family emigrated to the United States when he was seven years old. Wilde showed an early interest in the arts and excelled in both academics and athletics. He attended City College of New York and later studied medicine at Columbia University, but he left before completing his degree to pursue a career in acting.

Career

Acting

Wilde began his acting career on the Broadway stage, where he gained recognition for his performance in the play Having Wonderful Time. His success on stage led to a contract with 20th Century Fox, where he made his film debut in High Sierra (1941). Wilde's breakthrough role came in 1945 when he starred as Frédéric Chopin in the biographical film A Song to Remember, for which he received an Academy Award for Best Actor nomination.

Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Wilde appeared in numerous successful films, including Leave Her to Heaven (1945), The Big Combo (1955), and The Greatest Show on Earth (1952). He was known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters.

Directing

In addition to acting, Wilde also pursued a career in directing. He made his directorial debut with the film The Devil's Hairpin (1957), in which he also starred. Wilde went on to direct several other films, including The Naked Prey (1965), which is considered one of his most significant works. The film received critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling and Wilde's performance.

Personal Life

Wilde was married twice. His first marriage was to actress Patricia Knight in 1937, with whom he had a daughter, Wendy. The couple divorced in 1951. He then married actress Jean Wallace in 1951, and they remained together until her death in 1990. Wilde was known for his athleticism and was an accomplished fencer, which he showcased in several of his films.

Death

Cornel Wilde passed away on October 16, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, from leukemia. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances and contributions to the film industry.

Legacy

Wilde's work continues to be celebrated for its impact on Hollywood cinema. His performances and directorial efforts have influenced many in the industry, and his films remain popular with audiences and critics alike.

Selected Filmography

• High Sierra (1941)
• A Song to Remember (1945)
• Leave Her to Heaven (1945)
• The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)
• The Big Combo (1955)
• The Devil's Hairpin (1957)
• The Naked Prey (1965)

See Also

• Hollywood
• 20th Century Fox
• Academy Award for Best Actor
• Broadway theatre

External Links

Cornel Wilde on IMDb