Merle Oberon & Robert Wolders: The Untold Story, Then & Now
Did the silver screen ever hold a more enigmatic figure than Merle Oberon? Her life, a tapestry woven with glamour, secrets, and an enduring allure, continues to captivate audiences even decades after her passing.
Born Estelle Merle O'Brien Thompson in Mumbai, India, on February 19, 1911, Merle Oberon's journey from the exotic locales of her birth to the glittering world of Hollywood is a testament to her ambition and resilience. Her early life, shrouded in whispers and carefully guarded secrets, laid the foundation for a persona that would become synonymous with mystery and sophistication. She began her film career in British films, landing a prominent role as Anne Boleyn in "The Private Life of Henry VIII." This early success paved the way for her to shine as Cathy Linton in the classic 1939 drama "Wuthering Heights," alongside Laurence Olivier. This role solidified her status as a major star, her performance lauded for its emotional depth and captivating presence. Oberon's career spanned from the 1920s through the 1970s, a testament to her enduring appeal.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Estelle Merle O'Brien Thompson |
| Born | February 19, 1911, Mumbai, India |
| Died | November 23, 1979, Malibu, California, USA (Stroke) |
| Nationality | British (of Welsh and Indian descent) |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Known for | "Wuthering Heights" (1939), "The Private Life of Henry VIII" |
| Spouse(s) | Alexander Korda (m. 19391945), Bruno Pagliai (m. 19571973), Robert Wolders (m. 19751979) |
| Children | 2 adopted with Bruno Pagliai |
| Notable Relationships | Robert Wolders, with whom she remained until her death, the relationship raised some eyebrows at the time. |
| Awards and Nominations | Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for "The Dark Angel" (1935) |
| Later Life | Lived a quiet retirement with Robert Wolders in Malibu, California |
| Reference | IMDB |
Oberon's personal life was as intriguing as her on-screen roles. Her relationships often made headlines, contributing to her aura of mystique. In 1975, at the age of 62, she married Robert Wolders, an actor 25 years her junior. This union, though met with some surprise, was a significant part of the later years of her life. The couple remained together until her death in 1979.
Robert Wolders, born on September 18, was a Dutch actor, his career distinct from Oberon's but intertwined with hers through their marriage and his later relationship with Audrey Hepburn. Wolders was known for his American TV roles in "Daniel Boone," "Laredo," and "Beau Geste". He met Oberon while filming "Interval" in 1973. It's worth noting that Oberon, a woman known for her guarded nature, was intensely private. She shielded her personal life from public scrutiny, adding to the intrigue surrounding her.
Oberon's life was also marked by a certain fragility. She suffered from heart problems in her later years, and the end came swiftly. She died of a stroke on November 23, 1979, in Malibu, California, at the age of 68. Even in death, there was a continued fascination with her life. In 1985, Charles Higham published a biography, Princess Merle, that unveiled some of the secrets of her past. Prior to being with Hepburn, Wolders was married to Merle Oberon for about four years until her death in 1979 at age 68.
The film "Interval," made in 1973, also featured Oberon and Wolders, with Oberon both starring in and producing the film. In the movie, Oberon portrays an aging woman who falls in love with a younger man, played by Robert Wolders. The film received mixed reviews. Wolders' last acting appearance came in the 1975 CBS telefilm "The Legendary Curse of the Hope Diamond." He retired from acting after marrying actress Merle Oberon in 1975.
Audrey Hepburn's relationship with Wolders began in 1980, after Oberon's death, adding another layer to Wolders' legacy. Hepburn, known for her grace and iconic style, found a companion in Wolders, who was the widower of the actress, continuing to captivate the public with her own legacy. The intersection of these lives Oberon, Wolders, and Hepburn continues to be a source of interest, highlighting the complex and often intertwined nature of Hollywood relationships.
Merle Oberon's career was filled with memorable roles and her personal life was shrouded in the mystery she cultivated. She lived a life worthy of the silver screen, filled with glamour, heartache, and a legacy that continues to fascinate. Her name will forever be etched in the annals of Hollywood history.
