Father of the Bride director Charles Shyer dies as family issues heartbreaking statement

The director of hit films Father of the Bride and Baby Boom, Charles Shyer, has died at the age of 83

The film world is mourning the loss of Charles Shyer, the acclaimed director of 'Father of the Bride', who has passed away at 83.

His four children released a heartfelt statement to Variety, expressing their profound grief: "It’s with an indescribably heavy heart that we share the news of our beloved father, Charles Shyer’s passing."

They continued to honour his memory, saying: "His loss leaves an unfillable hole in our lives, but his legacy lives on through his children and the five decades of wonderful work he’s left behind." The family added, "We honour the extraordinary life he led and know there will never be another quite like him."

Shyer's illustrious career included directing hits such as 'Baby Boom' and 'Irreconcilable Differences', as well as co-writing classics like 'Private Benjamin' and 'The Parent Trap'.

Fans of the star also shared tributes to him online after news of his passing broke. One user on Twitter/X wrote: "I’m so sad about the passing of Charles Shyer, responsible for some of my all-time favorite comedies (romantic or not). I spoke to him two years ago, and he was as funny and flinty and forward-thinking as you’d expect the director of BABY BOOM to be."

Another added: "Charles Shyer not only directed some of the best American comedies of the 80s and 90s - he also invented Mr. Napkin Head as seen in Nancy Meyers’ The Holiday."

Nancy, who was married to Charles between 1980 and 1999, shares two children with him, including filmmaker Hallie Meyers-Shyer. Nancy previously described how the now iconic scene came about. Talking on Instagram two months ago, Nancy said of the Mr Napkin Head scene: "Actually, it was originally at our kitchen table. My ex husband used to do this for our kids. Seems he cut it from his movie but I had no idea. Write what you know!"

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