Mel Ferrer

Melchor Gastón Ferrer (August 25, 1917 – June 2, 2008) was a distinguished American actor and filmmaker. Born in Elberon, New Jersey, he achieved his initial fame on Broadway prior to gaining notable recognition in Hollywood from films such as Scaramouche, Lili, and Knights of the Round Table. His performance opposite his wife and fellow actress, Audrey Hepburn in War and Peace, further catapulted him to stardom. In addition, he engaged in extensive acting in European cinema, including various cult favorites like The Antichrist and Nightmare City. Despite his prominence in acting, Ferrer also wore the hat of a filmmaker, directing and producing several films. Furthermore, he had a significant stint in television, where he directed series such as The Farmer's Daughter and appeared in notable TV shows like Falcon Crest.

Ferrer's early life saw a rich mix of cultural influences, being born to a Spanish father and an Irish mother. His Irish mother was very involved in the fight against Prohibition and held a prominent position as the New York State chairman of the Citizens Committee for Sane Liquor Laws. Raised in a Roman Catholic family, Ferrer had a bright academic career and attended the prestigious Princeton University. However, his calling for acting pulled him away from his university education and he devoted his full energy into building his acting career. In his personal life, he married five times and had six children. His marriages included Frances Pilchard, Barbara C. Tripp, and Audrey Hepburn, among others. His work has been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.