Robert Wolders (28 September 1936 – 12 July 2018) was a Dutch television actor known for his role in the US television series Laredo and appearing in series such as The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Bewitched and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He was married to Merle Oberon, and was the longtime partner of Audrey Hepburn.

Career

Wolders came to the USA in the early sixties to study psychodrama at Rochester University. At the advice of one of his professors he took up acting. After finishing university, he enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, expecting to return to Rochester University afterwards. Instead, he was offered an acting job by Universal. Typecast as a "Latin Lover" because of his good looks and exotic accent, Wolders started out appearing in TV series like Flipper and The John Forsythe Show. He signed a contract with Universal Pictures that led to several film roles as well as landing the role of Erik Hunter in the second season of the TV series Laredo. He also had guest roles in other shows, including Daniel Boone, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Name of the Game, The F.B.I., Bewitched, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Wolders stopped acting shortly after marrying Merle Oberon in 1975.

Personal life

Wolders met actress Merle Oberon while filming Interval in 1973. Oberon was married at the time, but after filming with Wolders she divorced her husband of sixteen years, Bruno Pagliai, and married Wolders in 1975. Wolders was 25 years younger than Oberon. They remained married until her death in 1979. In 1980, Wolders became the companion of Audrey Hepburn until her death in 1993. From 1994 to 1995, he and actress-dancer Leslie Caron were a couple. In 1995, Wolders began a relationship with Henry Fonda's widow, Shirlee Fonda. Wolders died on 12 July 2018, at the age of 81.

Filmography