Family is in mourning, Robert Wagner has just passed away after a long battle wi
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00:00 Robert Wagner was born Robert John Wagner Jr. on February 10, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan,
00:07 U.S. to Robert John Wagner Sr. and Hazel Alvera, née Boe.
00:12 His father served the Ford Motor Company as a traveling salesman and his mother was a
00:17 telephone operator.
00:19 He has a sister named Mary.
00:21 His family moved to Bel Air, California in 1937 and settled close to the Bel Air Country
00:27 Club where Wagner became a caddy for noted club members such as Alan Ladd and Fred Astaire.
00:33 He attended St. Monica Catholic High School and graduated in 1949.
00:39 He developed an interest in acting at an early age.
00:42 Robert Wagner's foray into the world of film commenced with his impressive debut in the
00:46 1950 movie The Happy Years.
00:50 The film marked the beginning of a promising career that would see him rise to prominence
00:54 in the film industry.
00:57 Wagner's talent and on-screen presence immediately captured the attention of audiences and industry
01:02 professionals alike, setting the stage for his future success.
01:07 Recognizing his immense potential, 20th Century Fox swiftly signed Wagner to a contract, paving
01:13 the way for him to appear in a series of noteworthy films.
01:17 The studio recognized his versatility as an actor and sought to showcase his abilities
01:22 in various genres.
01:24 Wagner's collaboration with 20th Century Fox resulted in a string of memorable performances
01:29 that solidified his position as a rising star in Hollywood.
01:33 In 1952, Wagner's talent was prominently featured in the historical drama Stars and
01:39 Stripes Forever.
01:41 The film, directed by Henry Koster, depicted the life of composer John Philip Sousa.
01:47 Wagner's portrayal of the determined and ambitious Willie Little captured the attention of both
01:52 critics and audiences.
01:55 Continuing his collaboration with 20th Century Fox, Wagner showcased his acting prowess in
02:00 the 1954 film Broken Lance.
02:03 Directed by Edward Demitric, the western drama featured Wagner alongside a stellar cast,
02:09 including Spencer Tracy and Richard Widmark.
02:13 As Wagner's career blossomed, he continued to impress audiences with his diverse range
02:17 of roles.
02:19 In 1956, he starred in A Kiss Before Dying, a gripping thriller based on the novel by
02:25 Ira Levin.
02:27 In 1957, Wagner's talent shone brightly once again in The True Story of Jesse James.
02:35 Robert Wagner's transition from the silver screen to television brought him immense success
02:40 and made him a household name.
02:42 One of his most notable television roles came in the popular TV series It Takes a Thief
02:47 (1968-1970), where he portrayed the charismatic and debonair Alexander Mundy.
02:55 The show, created by Roland Kibbe, capitalized on Wagner's undeniable charm and acting
03:00 prowess, catapulting him to new heights of fame and popularity.
03:06 Following the success of It Takes a Thief, Wagner joined the cast of the detective series
03:11 Switch (1975-1978), further solidifying his place in the television landscape.
03:19 In the show, Wagner took on the role of Pete Ryan, a suave ex-convict turned private investigator.
03:26 However, it was Wagner's role as Jonathan Hart in the hit series Heart to Heart (1979-1984)
03:33 that truly cemented his status as a television icon.
03:37 The show, created by Sidney Sheldon, followed the glamorous and adventurous lives of Jonathan
03:43 Hart, a self-made millionaire, and his wife Jennifer, played by Stephanie Powers.
03:49 Wagner's portrayal of Jonathan Hart showcased his impeccable charm, sophistication, and undeniable
03:55 chemistry with Powers.
03:57 The on-screen partnership between Wagner and Powers became the heart of the series, capturing
04:02 the imaginations of viewers worldwide.
04:05 Robert Wagner's talent and versatility extended beyond his television work, as he made notable
04:11 contributions to the world of film.
04:14 One of his standout roles came in the wildly popular Austin Powers film series, where he
04:19 portrayed the enigmatic and cunning Number Two.
04:23 The series, created by Mike Myers, introduced a new wave of comedy and parody, and Wagner's
04:28 involvement added a touch of sophistication and intrigue to the mix.
04:34 In 1997, Wagner made his mark in the first installment of the series Austin Powers International
04:40 Man of Mystery.
04:42 As Number Two, he played the nefarious henchman and right-hand man to the villainous Dr. Evil,
04:47 Wagner's portrayal perfectly captured the essence of the classic Bond villains, combining
04:52 wit, charm, and a hint of malice.
04:55 His chemistry with Mike Myers, who played a titular character, added a layer of comedic
05:00 tension that contributed to the film's success.
05:05 Wagner's role as Number Two continued in the subsequent sequels Austin Powers The Spy Who
05:10 Shagged Me (1999) and Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002).
05:15 In these films, Wagner's performance remained consistently entertaining and engaging.
05:21 He skillfully balanced the characters' slyness and comedic timing, delivering memorable lines
05:26 and memorable scenes alongside a star-studded cast.
05:31 Wagner's presence in the Austin Powers series brought a touch of sophistication and nostalgia,
05:36 further enhancing the film's appeal.
05:39 Beyond the Austin Powers series, Wagner's filmography boasts an impressive range of
05:44 roles that showcase his talent and versatility.
05:47 In 1963, he made his mark in the iconic film The Pink Panther.
05:53 Directed by Blake Edwards, the film introduced the world to the bumbling and beloved Inspector
05:58 Jacquez Clouseau, played by Peter Sellers.
06:02 Wagner's role as George Lytton, a suave jewel thief, added an element of intrigue and rivalry
06:07 to the story.
06:09 His charismatic portrayal of Lytton, filled with charm and a twinkle in his eye, captivated
06:14 audiences and demonstrated his ability to command the screen alongside an ensemble cast.
06:21 Another noteworthy film in Wagner's career is Harper (1966), a neo-noir crime drama directed
06:28 by Jack Smite.
06:30 In the film, Wagner played Alan Taggart, a smooth-talking private investigator who assists
06:35 the titular character, played by Paul Newman, in solving a case.
06:40 Wagner's performance showcased his ability to embody a morally ambiguous character, blurring
06:45 the lines between ally and antagonist.
06:49 His chemistry with Newman and his ability to convey the complexities of his character
06:53 added depth and intrigue to the film.
06:57 He was married to actor Natalie Wood from December 1957 to April 1962.
07:03 He was then married to actress Marion Marshall from July 1963 to October 1971.
07:10 Their daughter, Katie Wagner, was born on May 11, 1964.
07:15 He was engaged to actor, singer, author, and producer Tina Sinatra for a while and then
07:21 remarried Natalie on July 16, 1972.
07:25 The couple welcomed their daughter, Courtney Wagner, on March 9, 1974.
07:30 On November 29, 1981, while on a weekend trip to Santa Catalina Island, Natalie drowned
07:36 near their yacht, Splendor.
07:39 Wagner and actor Christopher Walken were on the yacht at that time, along with the captain,
07:44 Dennis Davern.
07:45 On May 26, 1990, he married actor Jill St. John.
07:51 Breaking News!
07:52 Beloved actor Robert Wagner's health concerns stir worldwide support and hope.
07:58 In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, the
08:03 legendary Robert Wagner has courageously announced his battle with late-stage lung cancer.
08:09 On this fateful Saturday, the 15th of July, Wagner took to social media to candidly share
08:14 the heartbreaking news, igniting an outpouring of love and well-wishes from his adoring fans.
08:22 Determined to regain his vitality and return to his beloved craft, the 93-year-old icon
08:27 is steadfastly pushing forward, vowing to triumph over this formidable adversary within
08:32 a mere month.
08:34 Just four months prior, the world held its breath as reports circulated that Robert Wagner
08:39 had broken his silence, offering poignant insights into his life before the untimely
08:44 passing of Natalie Wood, forever etching his name in the annals of Hollywood history.
08:50 However, now as the venerable actor faces an entirely different battle, his daughter,
08:55 Courtney Wagner, resolutely gazes toward the future, sharing a profound sentiment on her
09:01 Instagram account.
09:03 In an emotionally charged proclamation, she articulates the immense difficulty of uttering
09:08 the words "I have cancer," coupled with the daunting prospect of undergoing major
09:13 surgery at the ripe age of 93.
09:16 Astonishingly, Robert Wagner reveals that despite never being a smoker, he now grapples
09:22 with the possibility of having lung cancer, fervently hoping to avoid the arduous path
09:27 of chemotherapy or radiation post-surgery.
09:31 With an optimistic outlook, he yearns for the restoration of normal breathing, clinging
09:36 to the promise of one or two more precious years to savor life's grand tapestry.
09:42 Assuring his legion of devoted fans, Robert Wagner emanates unwavering strength and resilience.
09:48 Swiftly dispelling any concerns surrounding the COVID-19 vaccination, the actor explicitly
09:53 states that his lung cancer's exacerbation is unrelated to the inoculation, confidently
09:59 asserting that vaccinations will, in fact, save countless lives.
10:04 This revelation brings solace to his supporters, who rally behind him with renewed determination
10:09 and unwavering support.
10:13 This recent health setback is not Wagner's first trist with cancer, as he valiantly battled
10:18 stage 2 lung cancer in 2016.
10:22 Undeterred by the immense challenge before him, the indomitable actor braved numerous
10:26 rounds of radiation, chemotherapy, and a surgical procedure, tenaciously fighting for his life.
10:33 Alas, the relentless tumor eluded complete eradication, spreading its insidious grip
10:39 throughout most of his left lung, as confirmed by sources close to Wagner.
10:44 Nevertheless, a glimmer of hope remains, as Courtney, drawing strength from the medical
10:50 community, divulges plans for an imminent surgery to remove a portion of the affected
10:55 lung, a critical measure aimed at prolonging her father's precious time on Earth.
11:01 The world watches with bated breath as Robert Wagner, an icon whose cinematic legacy has
11:06 captivated generations, embarks on this harrowing journey.
11:11 His unwavering determination, combined with the unwavering support of his loved ones and
11:15 millions of ardent fans, serves as a beacon of inspiration for all those facing life's
11:21 most formidable challenges.
11:23 United in hope, we eagerly await the next chapter in Robert Wagner's extraordinary
11:28 life, fervently wishing for his triumphant return to the silver screen and the indelible
11:34 mark he continues to make on the world.