Mel Ferrer: A Biography of the Actor
Mel Ferrer was an American actor, director, and producer known for his work in Hollywood during the 1950s and 1960s. Born in Elberon, New Jersey, on August 25, 1917, Ferrer began his career on Broadway before transitioning to film. He appeared in over 50 films throughout his career, including some of Hollywood’s most iconic productions.
Ferrer was a talented actor who was known for his dramatic performances. He was also a skilled director and producer, and he worked on a number of successful films throughout his career. Despite his success, Ferrer is often remembered for his marriage to Audrey Hepburn, which lasted from 1954 to 1968.
His Marriage to Audrey Hepburn
Ferrer and Hepburn met in 1953, while working on the film “War and Peace.” They were married the following year, and their marriage was one of the most high-profile relationships in Hollywood at the time. The couple had one child together, a son named Sean Hepburn Ferrer.
Despite their initial happiness, Ferrer and Hepburn’s marriage was not without its challenges. The couple’s busy schedules often kept them apart, and they struggled to balance their careers with their personal lives. In 1960, Ferrer directed Hepburn in the film “Green Mansions,” which was a critical and commercial failure. The experience was difficult for both of them, and it put a strain on their relationship.
His Iconic Films
Ferrer appeared in a number of iconic films throughout his career, including “Lili” (1953), “The Sun Also Rises” (1957), and “The Great War” (1959). He also worked as a director and producer, and he was involved in the production of several successful films, including “The Fourposter” (1952) and “The Longest Day” (1962).
One of Ferrer’s most memorable roles was in the film “War and Peace” (1956), in which he played the character of Andrei Bolkonsky. The film was a massive production, and it was one of the most expensive films ever made at the time. Ferrer’s performance was praised by critics, and it helped to establish him as one of Hollywood’s most talented actors.
When Did Mel Ferrer Die?
Mel Ferrer passed away on June 2, 2008, at the age of 90. He had been suffering from a long illness at the time of his death.
Ferrer’s legacy lives on through his work in Hollywood, and he is remembered as a talented actor, director, and producer. He was a major figure in the film industry during the 1950s and 1960s, and his contributions to cinema will not be forgotten.
Mel Ferrer and Jose Ferrer
Mel Ferrer was the brother of actor and director Jose Ferrer. The two brothers were both successful in Hollywood, and they worked together on several projects throughout their careers.
Despite their shared success, the brothers had a complicated relationship. They were often competitive with each other, and they had a strained relationship for many years. However, they eventually reconciled, and they remained close until Jose’s death in 1992.
Mel Ferrer’s Children
Mel Ferrer had four children throughout his life. His first child, Mark, was born in 1938 to his first wife, Frances Pilchard. He had two children, Mela and Christopher, with his second wife, Barbara Tripp. His fourth child, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, was born to his third wife, Audrey Hepburn.
Sean Hepburn Ferrer has gone on to become a successful film producer and philanthropist. He is the founder of the Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund, which works to improve the lives of children around the world.
Audrey Hepburn Marriages and Divorces
Audrey Hepburn was married and divorced twice during her lifetime. Her first marriage was to actor Mel Ferrer, and the couple was married from 1954 to 1968. Her second marriage was to Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti, and the couple was married from 1969 to 1982.
Despite her marriages, Hepburn was known for her independent spirit and her commitment to humanitarian causes. She was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children around the world.
