Martha Hyer

Martha Hyer was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Some Came Running, Battle Hymn, and Down Three Dark Streets.

Personal and Family Life

Martha Hyer was born on August 10, 1924, in Fort Worth, Texas. She was raised in a family that appreciated the arts, which may have inspired her acting career. Martha attended Northwestern University, where she studied drama, sharing her time with future stars like Charlton Heston and Cloris Leachman. She was married twice; first to C. Ray Stahl from 1951 to 1954 and then to producer Hal B. Wallis from 1966 until his death in 1986. Martha did not have any children.

Career Highlights

Hyer’s acting career began with a small role in the film The Locket in 1946. She gained significant recognition during the 1950s with notable performances in films like Some Came Running, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Throughout her career, she acted in a number of successful films and TV shows, but her roles in the 1950s are often regarded as her most memorable. Later in her career, she appeared in a few foreign films and returned to U.S. cinema sporadically, with her last film being The Day of the Wolves in 1971.

Death and Legacy

Martha Hyer passed away on May 31, 2014, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her contributions to film and television, especially during the Golden Age of Hollywood, left a lasting impression in the industry. Although she didn’t win an Oscar, her role in Some Came Running is often remembered as one of her finest, showcasing her talent and elegance as an actress. Martha’s work continues to be appreciated by film enthusiasts today.

Filmography