Charles Shyer, Iconic Screenwriter and Director, Passes Away at 83

Charles Shyer, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter, director, and producer celebrated for his contributions to iconic comedies, has passed away at the age of 83. His family confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement shared with Deadline.

The Meyers-Shyer family expressed their grief, stating, "It's with an indescribably heavy heart that we share the news of our beloved father, Charles Shyer's passing. His loss leaves an unfillable hole in our lives, but his legacy lives on through his children and the five decades of wonderful work he's left behind. We honour the extraordinary life he led and know there will never be another quite like him."

Shyer's career spanned over five decades, solidifying his place in Hollywood as a master of heartwarming comedies. He earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay in 1981 for Private Benjamin, a hit comedy starring Goldie Hawn. The screenplay, co-written with Nancy Meyers and Harvey Miller, not only garnered critical acclaim but also marked the beginning of a highly successful collaboration between Shyer and Meyers.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Shyer and Meyers teamed up to create some of Hollywood’s most cherished films, including Irreconcilable Differences (1984), Baby Boom (1987), and the beloved Father of the Bride franchise. The 1991 remake of Father of the Bride, featuring Steve Martin and Diane Keaton, became a massive hit and was followed by the equally successful sequel, Father of the Bride II (1995).

The duo’s professional and personal partnership—cemented by their marriage in 1990—made them one of the most successful creative teams in the industry. After their divorce in 1999, Shyer ventured into solo projects, directing films like The Affair of the Necklace (2001) and the 2004 remake of Alfie, starring Jude Law.

In recent years, Shyer continued to showcase his storytelling prowess, writing and directing Netflix’s 2022 holiday film The Noel Diary and co-writing and producing the 2023 Christmas movie Best Christmas Ever!

Shyer is survived by his four children, including filmmaker Hallie Meyers-Shyer. His loss leaves a profound void in the film industry, but his enduring body of work ensures his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.