THEY LIVED HERE – ROBERT WAGNER

With today's celebrity youth movement, Robert Wagner is one of the few remaining actors from the classic era in Hollywood. Over a career spanning six decades, Wagner made a name for himself on both television and movie screens. Famous for his dashing good looks, this charming leading man actually once lived on 211th Street in Bayside.
Born on February 10, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan, Wagner was the son of a Detroit steel executive. Wanting to follow in his father's footsteps, Wagner planned to become a businessman. However, when the family moved to Los Angeles in 1937, Wagner fostered a growing interest in the film industry. Once he dedicated himself to becoming an actor, Wagner had to take various jobs to support himself, the most prominent being a caddy for Clark Gable.
While the family was dining in a Beverly Hills restaurant one day, a talent scout took notice of Wagner's striking physique and boyish good looks. Soon after, he made his film debut in the 1950 film, &#8220The Happy Years.” Wagner would continue to take minor roles in various military films until his performance in the 1952 film, &#8220With a Song in My Heart,” which stared Susan Hayward. After that movie, 20th Century Fox offered him a contract.
The studio immediately began to promote Wagner as their new young star. He was put under the tutelage of veteran actors such as Spencer Tracy and Clifton Webb. Wagner's performance in the 1952 film, &#8220Stars and Stripes Forever” with Clifton Webb would earn him a Golden Globe nomination for most promising newcomer in motion pictures. Wagner soon received a slew of leading roles in films such as &#8220Prince Valiant” (1954), &#8220A Kiss Before Dying” (1955) and &#8220The True Story of Jesse James” (1956).
After his divorce from actress Natalie Wood in April 1962, Wagner began to receive fierce competition from actors such as Marlon Brando and Paul Newman. He shifted his focus to television. Wagner made his television debut alongside Fred Astaire, starring as the playboy secret agent Alexander Mundy in the 1960's adventure series, &#8220It Takes a Thief” (1968-1970).
Wagner's television career hit its peak in the mid 1970's. He played Detective Pete T. Ryan in the crime drama, &#8220Switch” (1975-1978) and later, wealthy private eye Jonathan Hart in the popular 1980's crime drama, &#8220Hart to Hart” (1979-1984).
Wagner received an Emmy nomination for Best TV Actor for his performance in &#8220It Takes a Thief” and won for four Golden Globe awards for his role in &#8220Hart to Hart.”
Wagner recently revived his film career with his role as Dr. Evil's assistant Number 2 in the Austin Powers series. He is also the host of Fox Movie Channel's &#8220Hour of Stars.”