Cornel Wilde Biography

Fast Facts

• Was nominated for a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation along with Sean Forestal and John Christopher for "No Blade of Grass․"
• Studied at City College and earned a scholarship to Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons
• Became fluent in several languages while accompanying his father on business trips around Europe
• Worked as a Macy's toy salesman and commercial artist
• His first major notice came in 1940 with his performance as Tybalt in the Laurence Olivier-Vivian Leigh Broadway production of "Romeo and Juliet․"
• Quote: "I am very concerned about the environment and psychological health of this beautiful planet․ Throughout my work is the idea, over and over, that we must all learn to respect one another․"
• An expert in fencing and horsemanship, he often appeared in swashbucklers and action melodramas
• Formed a production company called Theodora Productions that focused on modest-budget movies shot overseas
• One of his most celebrated roles was in "A Song to Remember" as tubercular composer Frederic Chopin
• Was a leading member of the 1936 American Olympic fencing team, but quit just before the games to take a theater role