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Robert EvansAmerican film producer
Date of Birth: 29.06.1930
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Robert Evans: Hollywood Legend and Mastermind
- Transition to Production
- Reshaping Paramount Pictures
- Independent Ventures and Controversies
- Personal Life and Legal Struggles
- Legacy
Robert Evans: Hollywood Legend and Mastermind
Early Life and Acting CareerRobert Evans was born on June 29, 1930, in New York City. He grew up during the Great Depression, amidst the affluence of the Upper West Side. Early on, he ventured into the entertainment industry, working in promotions for his brother's fashion company and voice acting. A chance encounter with actress Norma Shearer at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 1956 led to his film debut as Irving Thalberg in "The Man with a Thousand Faces" (1957). He later gained recognition for his role as matador Pedro Romero in "The Sun Also Rises" (1957).
Transition to Production
Despite his acting success, Evans realized his true calling lay in production. He acquired the rights to Roderick Thorp's detective novel "The Detective" and produced its film adaptation starring Frank Sinatra in 1968. Peter Bart's "New York Times" article on Evans's aggressive style caught the attention of Charles Bluhdorn, head of Gulf+Western, who hired him to revamp Paramount Pictures.
Reshaping Paramount Pictures
Upon taking over Paramount as its head, Evans transformed it from bankruptcy to Hollywood's reigning studio. Under his leadership, it released a string of box office hits including "Barefoot in the Park," "The Odd Couple," "The Italian Job," "True Grit," "Love Story," "Harold and Maude," "Serpico," and "The Godfather."
Independent Ventures and Controversies
Seeking financial independence and creative control, Evans negotiated a deal with Paramount that allowed him to simultaneously remain its head and pursue independent production. This move alienated other producers at Paramount, forcing Evans to resign. He went on to produce films such as "Chinatown," "Marathon Man," and "Black Sunday."
Personal Life and Legal Struggles
Evans married seven times, with none of his unions lasting more than three years. His wives included Sharon Hugueny, Camilla Sparv, Ali MacGraw, Phyllis George, Catherine Oxenberg (marriage annulled after nine days), Leslie Ann Woodward, and Victoria White. In the early 1980s, he was convicted of attempting to purchase cocaine during the production of "Popeye."
Legacy
Robert Evans's contributions to the film industry are immeasurable. He was a driving force behind some of the most iconic films of the 20th century. Despite his tumultuous personal life and legal troubles, his legacy as a producer remains one of innovation, creativity, and audacity.
