August 28 is Charles Boyer's birthday. He committed suicide two days before his birthday in 1978, two days after his wife died. He fell in love with his wife Pat Paterson at first sight, their marriage lasted 44 years and Charles was a totally devoted husband - ever so rare in Hollywood, particularly for a native of France! A sad death or ever so romantic? Both, I guess.
Boyer was a unique Hollywood star. Besides English and French, he could speak German, Italian and Spanish. (I wonder what his accent sounded like in Italian!) He earned a degree in Philosophy from the Sorbonne. Balding significantly since his 20's, he did not wear a toupee except as required in his movies. Wikipedia has a rather thorough write-up of his career that is definitely worth a read. A rather interesting gentleman.
And just what is his connection to Bob, you ask? How about MGM bringing Boyer to the states in 1931 to portray Chester Morris's role in The Big House. Besides, I just plain like the guy. No one agrees with me, but I think he looks like Mr. Montgomery. I just dug up a photo which supports my argument better. Not exactly a doppelganger, but ...
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