Who Is Martha Hyer? Age, Biography, and Wiki
As of 2025, Martha Hyer would have been 100 years old. She was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and rose to fame in the late 1940s and 1950s. Known for her roles in films such as Some Came Running and The Sons of Katie Elder, Martha was celebrated for her graceful presence and acting prowess. Beyond her film career, she was also an accomplished writer and had significant contributions to literature and art.
| Occupation | Memoirist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 10, 1924 |
| Age | 100 Years |
| Birth Place | Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Mexico |
Popularity
Martha Hyer's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Martha stood at a height of approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm). Throughout her career, she maintained a slim physique that complemented her on-screen elegance. While exact statistics on her weight are not publicly available, she was known for her impeccable style and graceful demeanor.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Martha Hyer was married to actor and producer Lyle Bettger from 1952 until their divorce in 1961. She later married Fritz Feld, a prominent comedian, in 1986, remaining with him until his passing in 2005. Throughout her life, Martha valued her relationships, often expressing her sentiments towards love and companionship in interviews.
She was the middle of three sisters, with Agnes Ann and Jeanne. The Hyers were active in the Methodist church, where her father was a highly respected Sunday school teacher. Hyer graduated from Arlington Heights High School and then from Northwestern University with a degree in drama. She was in the sorority Pi Beta Phi with actress Patricia Neal.
She then moved to California to study at the Pasadena Playhouse, and soon after was signed to a film contract with RKO.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing in 2014, Martha Hyer's estimated net worth was around $5 million. This wealth was accumulated through her successful acting career, various endorsements, and contributions to the arts. Given her long-standing presence in Hollywood, she maintained a comfortable lifestyle throughout her life.
Career, Business, and Investments
Martha Hyer’s career began in the late 1940s, and she gained major recognition during the 1950s. Aside from acting, Martha was also involved in various business endeavors, including writing. She published a novel and a book on screenplays, showcasing her creative talent beyond the screen. Throughout her career, she remained active in charitable organizations, often supporting causes related to the arts and education.
Social Network
While Martha Hyer may not have been active on modern social networks such as Instagram or Twitter, she had a substantial following during her lifetime. Fans remember her through various online forums and tribute pages dedicated to classic Hollywood stars. Her accomplishments and contributions to film continue to resonate with audiences and avid film enthusiasts.
Hyer had a supporting role in the drama So Big (1953), which stars Jane Wyman, and was directed by Robert Wise. She appeared as Janie in Abbott and Costello Go To Mars (also 1953). Hyer followed this with Westerns, Wyoming Renegades (1954) and The Battle of Rogue River (1954), and a musical comedy, Lucky Me (1954), which stars Doris Day.
She then played Elizabeth Tyson, a socialite who almost loses her fiancé (William Holden) to Audrey Hepburn, in the Oscar-winning film Sabrina (1954). She next starred opposite Donald O'Connor in the comedy Francis in the Navy (1955) and in a 1956 televised version of Jezebel for Lux Video Theatre in which she played the lead role of Julie.
She had supporting roles in the war story Battle Hymn (1957) with Rock Hudson and in the drama Mister Cory (1957) with Tony Curtis, directed by Blake Edwards. She was featured in Kelly and Me, a comedy with Van Johnson, and as Cornelia Bullock in the 1957 remake of My Man Godfrey with David Niven.
In 1958, Hyer appeared in a Playhouse 90 televised version of Reunion by Merle Miller, along with Frances Farmer. She next appeared in Paris Holiday (1958) with Bob Hope and Houseboat (1958) with Cary Grant. Hyer was the foil for soon-to-be TV icons Dan Rowan and Dick Martin of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In fame in their Once Upon a Horse...
(1958) Western film by Hal Kanter. For the 1958 drama Some Came Running, directed by Vincente Minnelli, Hyer was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Education
Hyer attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she majored in theatre. Her education and passion for performing arts laid the foundation for her successful career in Hollywood. The skills and confidence she honed during her university years played a significant role in her achievements as a celebrated actress.
Hyer was married twice, first to producer C. Ray Stahl and later to producer Hal B. Wallis. She converted to Judaism, Wallis' religion, after their marriage. Wallis and Hyer remained together until his death in 1986. They contributed funds towards the construction of The Hal and Martha Hyer Wallis Theatre, a black box theater, at Northwestern University. She did not have any children.
