Charles Boyer studied philosophy before he went to the theater where he gave his debut in 1920. Although he had at first no intentions to pursue a career at the movies (his first movie was Homme du large, L' by Marcel L'Herbier) he used his chance in Hollywood after several filming stations all over Europe. In the beginning of his career his beautiful voice was hidden by the silent movies but in Hollywood he became famous for his whispered declarations of love (like in movies with Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich or Ingrid Bergman). In 1934 he married Pat Paterson, his first and (unusual for a star) only wife. He was so faithful to her that he decided to commit suicide two days after her death in 1978.


Took a fatal dose of barbiturates two days following his wife's death. French born. Became an American citizen in 1942. Earned a degree in philosophy from the Sorbonne. Half bald by his twenties, he only wore a toupee for his movie roles. Out in public, he never wore it. Vice president of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 1964 Chuck Jones used his French voice and mannerisms when he created famed cartoon skunk Pepé Le Pew.