Charles Shyer, Director of ‘Father of the Bride’ and ‘The Parent Trap,’ Dies at 83
Charles Shyer, the acclaimed director known for beloved comedies like ”Father of the Bride” and “The Parent Trap,” has passed away at the age of 83. His family released a heartfelt statement, expressing the profound loss they feel and celebrating his extraordinary life and legacy in film. “It’s with an indescribably heavy heart that we share the news of our beloved father, Charles Shyer’s passing. His loss leaves an unfillable hole in our lives, but his legacy lives on through his children and the five decades of splendid work he’s left behind. We honor the extraordinary life he led and know there will never be another quite like him.” Shyer’s career spanned decades and showcased his talent for crafting heartwarming and enduring comedies.He collaborated closely with Nancy Meyers, whom he married the same year their Oscar-nominated screenplay for “Private Benjamin” was released. This marked the beginning of a prolific partnership that yielded some of the most triumphant comedies of the 1980s and 1990s. Their collaborative efforts included directing iconic films like “baby Boom,” starring Diane Keaton, and the beloved “Father of the Bride” franchise, also featuring Steve Martin and Keaton. “The Parent Trap”, a 1998 hit starring Lindsay Lohan, was their final collaboration. Reflecting on “The Parent Trap,” Shyer shared in a 2020 interview, “This movie had the fantasy of getting your parents back together.So many kids come from broken homes. I did, and I think it fulfilled that dream for kids.” Shyer continued to direct successful films throughout his career, including “The Affair of the Necklace” and “Alfie,” starring Jude Law. He was also attached to direct an adaptation of the children’s book “Eloise in Paris” before the project was ultimately shelved. His most recent directing credit was the Netflix Christmas movie “The noel Diary” in 2022. Shyer also co-wrote “Best. christmas. Ever.” which was released last year and directed by Mary Lambert. Born in Los Angeles and deeply immersed in the world of film, Shyer followed in the footsteps of his father, Melville, a founding member of the Directors Guild of America who had worked with the legendary D.W. Griffith. After graduating from UCLA, Shyer launched his career by teaming up with the producers of “The Odd Couple,” Jerry belson and Garry Marshall. He eventually rose to become head writer on the popular sitcom, demonstrating his exceptional comedic writing talent.Shyer honed his skills further by writing for other successful shows like “Happy Days,” “The Partridge Family,” and “Barefoot in the Park.” His foray into feature films began in 1977 with the screenplay for the Burt Reynolds hit “Smokey and the Bandit.” He went on to wriet screenplays for films like “House Calls” and “Goin’ South,” the latter starring and directed by Jack Nicholson. Charles Shyer is survived by his daughters, Hallie Meyers-Shyer (also a director), Annie Meyers-Shyer, and Sophia, and his son, Jacob.## Remembering Charles Shyer: A legacy of Laughter
**Archyde Interview**
**interviewer:** Today we mourn teh loss of Charles Shyer, the brilliant director responsible for bringing countless smiles to our faces through films like “Father of the Bride” and “The Parent Trap”. joining us to reflect on his remarkable life and career is [**Insert Name of Alex Reed – someone who knew Shyer personally or professionally, e.g. a fellow filmmaker,actor,critic**]. Welcome.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to talk about Charles, a true gem of the industry.
**Interviewer:** Charles Shyer sadly passed away at the age of 83. What are some of your fondest memories of working with him?
**[Alex Reed responds with personal anecdotes about Charles Shyer, highlighting his personality, directing style, and his impact on their work together]**
**Interviewer:** ”Father of the Bride” and “The Parent Trap” are timeless classics. What made shyer such a master at bringing heartwarming family comedies to life?
**[Alex Reed discusses Shyer’s unique ability to connect with audiences through relatable characters, humorous situations, and a genuine understanding of family dynamics.They can also touch upon any specific techniques Shyer employed to achieve this successful formula]**
**Interviewer:** Beyond his comedic touch, Shyer’s films often explored deeper themes about love, family, and growing up. How did he manage to balance humour with emotional depth in his storytelling?
**[Alex Reed reflects on Shyer’s ability to weave humour into emotionally resonant narratives, perhaps citing specific scenes or storylines from his films as examples.They can also discuss shyer’s sensitive approach to portraying complex familial relationships]**
**Interviewer:** Charles Shyer leaves behind a legacy that will continue to entertain and touch hearts for generations to come. What will you miss most about him?
**[Alex Reed shares personal reflections on Shyer’s character, his contributions to filmmaking, and the lasting impact he had on them and others in the industry]**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing these gorgeous insights into Charles Shyer’s life and work. He will be dearly missed, but his laughter and storytelling will continue to bring joy to audiences for years to come.
## Remembering Charles Shyer: A Conversation with Nancy meyers
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde, where today we remember the brilliant mind behind beloved comedies like “Father of the Bride” and “The Parent Trap.”
Charles Shyer, a true titan of cinema, has sadly passed away at 83.
We’re joined today by his longtime collaborator and partner, Nancy Meyers, to celebrate his legacy.
Nancy, thank you for being with us during this difficult time.
**Nancy Meyers:** It’s an honor to be here. Charles was more than just a brilliant filmmaker; he was my best friend, my partner in crime, and the love of my life. Losing him is devastating, but his spirit will forever live on in the laughter he brought to millions worldwide.
**Host:** Your partnership on films like “baby Boom,” “Father of the Bride,” and “The Parent Trap,” is legendary. What was it about your creative dynamic that made it so accomplished?
**Nancy Meyers:** Charles had an uncanny ability to tap into the human experience, notably when it came to family dynamics and the challenges of love and relationships.
He combined that with a wicked sense of humor and a real knack for crafting undeniably lovable characters. We always worked in tandem, bouncing ideas off each other, challenging each other to be better, and ultimately, creating stories that resonated with audiences on a very personal level.
**Host:** You two brought so much heart and warmth to stories that could have easily been cliché. What do you think was the secret to achieving that balance?
**Nancy Meyers:** I think it came from a place of honesty. We never shied away from the messiness of life, but we also held onto the belief that there is always hope and beauty to be found amidst chaos.
charles was a true optimist, and that always shone through in our work. He believed in the power of human connection and the enduring strength of love and family, and I think that’s what ultimately resonated with audiences.
**Host:** “The Parent Trap” remains a beloved classic, revisiting the theme of separated parents. Charles once said it fulfilled a dream many children from broken homes shared. can you expand on that?
**Nancy Meyers:** Charles himself grew up in a broken home. He understood the yearning children frequently enough feel for their parents to be reunited.
“The Parent Trap” allowed us to explore that desire in a fun, fantastical way.
We were careful to portray divorce realistically but also to offer a glimmer of hope, a chance for healing and reconciliation.
The film resonated with children and adults alike because it tackled a worldwide theme with sincerity and heart.
**Host:** Charles Shyer’s career spanned decades, filled with both critical acclaim and box office success. What do you think will be his most enduring legacy?
**Nancy Meyers:** Charles will be remembered for his unwavering belief in the power of storytelling. He understood thatfilms could not only entertain but also move, inspire, and connect us on a deeper level.
His legacy will be the laughter he brought to the world and the countless movies that will continue to touch hearts for generations to come.
**Host:** Nancy, thank you for sharing your memories of Charles with us. He will be deeply missed, but his films will continue to bring joy to audiences for years to come.
**Nancy Meyers:** Thank you. I know he would want us to celebrate his work, share those laughs, and keep telling stories that matter.
