Cornel Wilde

Date of Birth: October 13, 1912

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: October 16, 1989

Biography

Cornel Wilde was a Hungarian-American actor and film director, born on October 13, 1912, in Prievidza, then part of Austria-Hungary. Known for his rugged good looks and versatile acting skills, Wilde enjoyed a successful career in Hollywood that spanned over four decades. He began his career on Broadway before transitioning to film in the 1940s. Wilde gained fame for his role in “A Song to Remember” (1945), where he played the composer Frédéric Chopin, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He continued to star in a variety of genres, including adventure, drama, and historical films. In addition to acting, Wilde was also a talented director. He directed several films, including the critically acclaimed “The Naked Prey” (1965), in which he also starred. This film showcased his ability to handle both action and direction with skill. Throughout his career, Wilde remained a prominent figure in the entertainment industry until his death on October 16, 1989, in Los Angeles, California.

5 Interesting Facts about Cornel Wilde

1. Cornel Wilde was originally named Kornél Lajos Weisz.

2. He was a champion fencer and even qualified for the U.S. Olympic fencing team in 1936, but he chose to pursue acting instead.

3. Wilde spoke several languages fluently, including Hungarian, French, German, Italian, and Russian.

4. He served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.

5. Wilde was married twice, first to actress Patricia Knight and then to actress Jean Wallace, with whom he co-starred in several films.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Cornel Wilde

1. “I’m an actor. I have to be a thousand different people. But we all have a private side.”

2. “The camera is the most extraordinary liar in the world.”

3. “I think every actor has to go through the process of developing an ego, and then eventually getting rid of it.”

4. “I always preferred working on location because you never know what’s going to happen. It keeps you on your toes.”

5. “Directing is a great experience, but it’s also an exhausting one.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Cornel Wilde’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Cornel Wilde had two children: 1. Wendy Wilde, born from his marriage with Patricia Knight. 2. Cornel Wilde Jr., born from his marriage with Jean Wallace.