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. Son, Michael Charles Boyer, born 1944; committed suicide 22nd September 1965. He apparently played Russian roulette with a .38-caliber revolver after quarreling with a girlfriend. French born. Became an American citizen in 1942. Interred at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California, USA, in the St. Ann section, #5, L186. Earned a degree in philosophy from the Sorbonne. Winner of a special Tony Award in 1952 for his performance in the 1951 Broadway production of "Don Juan in Hell". Half bald by his twenties, he only wore a toupee for his movie roles. Out in public, he never wore it. Won a special Tony Award in 1952 "for distinguished performance in 'Don Juan in Hell,' thereby assusting in a new theatre trend." He was also nominated for Broadway's 1963 Tony Award as Best Actor (Dramatic) for "Lord Pengo." Vice president of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 1964 Off-screen was a happily married bookworm; referred to by his friends as a "stick-in-the-mud".