Who Is Robert Wise? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Robert Wise, born on September 10, 1914, was an influential American film director, producer, and editor known for his exceptional contributions to cinema. As of 2025, he would have celebrated his 111th birthday, earning him a legendary status in the film industry. A creative genius, Wise's filmography includes classics like West Side Story and The Sound of Music, demonstrating his versatility in various genres. His remarkable storytelling capabilities and innovative directing styles have left a lasting imprint on cinema.
For further details about his life and career, visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 10, 1914 |
| Age | 91 Years |
| Birth Place | Winchester, Indiana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 14 September, 2005 |
| Died Place | Westwood, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Robert Wise's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although Robert Wise passed away in September 2005, information regarding his physical attributes was historically recorded. During his lifetime, he stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighed around 160 pounds (73 kg). His charismatic presence helped him to shine on and off the camera, and any references to body measurements today would largely be a tribute to his legacy rather than current statistics.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his distinguished career, Robert Wise was married twice. His first marriage was to actress and producer Jean T. M. Wise, which lasted from 1942 until his death in 2005. Together, they had two daughters, Kendra and Melanie. He married again to Patricia Michon in 1974, which further exemplified his personal journey through partnership and family. There are no records of any notable relationships beyond his marriages.
As Wise gained experience, he became more interested in editing film content, rather than sound, and went to work for RKO film editor William "Billy" Hamilton. Wise's first film as Hamilton's assistant was Alfred Santell's Winterset (1936).
Wise continued to work with Hamilton on other films, including Stage Door (1937), Having Wonderful Time (1938) and The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939). In The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939) and 5th Ave Girl (1939), Hamilton and Wise, as assistant film editor, shared screen credit; it was Wise's first credit on a feature film.
Wise's first solo film editing work was on Bachelor Mother (1939) and My Favorite Wife (1939).
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Robert Wise had a significant net worth, estimated at around $25 million. His wealth was primarily accrued through his successful career in film, boasting numerous acclaimed projects. His innovative approaches to filmmaking not only earned him financial stability but also a prestigious spot in cinematic history. Adjusted for inflation and the passage of time, his contributions to the industry would continue to be profitable through royalties and remastered editions of his films.
Career, Business, and Investments
Robert Wise began his career in the film industry as an editor for RKO Pictures in the 1930s. His ability to transition to directing came with significant milestones, such as winning Academy Awards for both West Side Story and The Sound of Music.
Later in his life, Wise founded his production company, Wise Films, where he continued to produce and direct influential films. His strategic investments in cinema, particularly in preserving the art of film through restorations, helped him maintain relevance and provide platforms for future filmmakers.
(née Longenecker) and Earl W. Wise, a meat packer. He had an elder brother, David. The family moved to Connersville, Fayette County, Indiana, where Wise attended public schools. As a youth Wise's favorite pastime was going to the movies.
As a student at Connersville High School, Wise wrote humor and sports columns for the school's newspaper and was a member of the yearbook staff and poetry club.
Wise initially sought a career in journalism and following graduation from high school attended Franklin College, a small liberal arts college south of Indianapolis, Indiana, on a scholarship.
In 1933, due to the family's poor financial situation during the Great Depression, Wise was unable to return to college for his second year and moved to Hollywood to begin a lifelong career in the film industry.
Wise's older brother, David, who had gone to Hollywood several years earlier and worked at RKO Pictures, found his younger brother a job in the shipping department at RKO. Wise worked odd jobs at the studio before moving into editing.
Social Network
While Robert Wise's presence on social media is non-existent due to the nature of his era, his legacy lives on through the countless tributes from fans, filmmakers, and industry peers. Many contemporary filmmakers often reference his work and approach to filmmaking, highlighting the impact he has made across social and professional platforms.
Robert Earl Wise (September 10, 1914 – September 14, 2005) was an American filmmaker. He won the Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for his musical films West Side Story (1961) and The Sound of Music (1965). He was also nominated for Best Film Editing for Citizen Kane (1941) and directed and produced The Sand Pebbles (1966), which was nominated for Best Picture.
Education
Wise's formal education was rooted in the arts, having attended Los Angeles City College. His time there laid the foundation for his passionate engagement with film and storytelling, although he ultimately learned much through practical experience in the industry. His education and early experiences shaped him into a visionary director who pushed the boundaries of traditional cinema.
Wise, a lifelong liberal, contributed to charitable organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, and established the Robert E. Wise Foundation to provide financial assistance to causes in the Los Angeles area. Wise's private papers are housed at the University of Southern California.
