Written by: Liam O'Sullivan

Martha Hyer: The Iconic Actress Who Lit Up the Silver Screen

Martha Hyer, a talented American actress, is best known for her captivating performance as Gwen French in the 1958 film "Some Came Running," which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. With a career spanning over two decades, Hyer left an indelible mark on Hollywood, showcasing her versatility in a wide range of genres and mediums.

Early Life and Education

• Martha Hyer was born on August 10, 1924, in Fort Worth, Texas, to a wealthy family.
• Her father, Julien Capers Hyer, was an attorney and judge, and her mother, Agnes Rebecca Barnhart, was a homemaker.
• Hyer was the middle of three sisters and grew up in a family actively involved in the Methodist church, where her father was a respected Sunday school teacher.
• She graduated from Arlington Heights High School and later from Northwestern University with a degree in drama.
• During her time at Northwestern, Hyer was part of the sorority Pi Beta Phi, alongside actress Patricia Neal.

Rise to Fame

Hyer's journey to stardom began when she moved to California to study at the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse. She was soon signed to a film contract with RKO, marking the start of her successful career in Hollywood.

• Her early film appearances were uncredited speaking parts in films like "The Locket" (1946), followed by bit roles in B-movies and television shows.
• In 1954, Hyer began receiving more substantial roles, eventually becoming a popular actress in Hollywood for the next decade.
• Some of her notable films during this period include "So Big" (1953), "Abbott and Costello Go to Mars" (1953), "Wyoming Renegades" (1954), and "The Battle of Rogue River" (1954).

Awards and Recognition

Hyer's outstanding performance in "Some Came Running" (1958) earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, catapulting her to national recognition.

Personal Life

• Hyer was married twice, first to producer C. Ray Stahl and later to producer Hal B. Wallis, to whom she remained devoted until his death in 1986.
• During her marriage to Wallis, Hyer converted to Judaism, his religion.
• The couple contributed funds towards the construction of The Hal and Martha Hyer Wallis Theatre, a black box theater, at Northwestern University.

Legacy

Martha Hyer's remarkable career, spanning over 20 years, left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Her autobiographical memoir, "Finding My Way: A Hollywood Memoir," was published in 1990, offering a glimpse into her fascinating life and experiences.

Hyer's legacy extends beyond her acting career, as she and her husband, Hal B. Wallis, contributed significantly to the construction of a black box theater at Northwestern University, her alma mater.

Today, Martha Hyer remains an iconic figure in Hollywood history, remembered for her talent, versatility, and captivating performances that continue to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers.