Martha Hyer — Biography

Martha Hyer entered the world on August 10, 1924, in Fort Worth, Texas. After completing her education, she made a minor appearance in the 1946 picture, The Locket. Gradually, Hyer started to secure roles with increasing depth. The peak of her career as a striking actress commenced in 1954, featuring in movies like Down Three Dark Streets in that same year, Showdown at Abilene in 1956, and Battle Hymn in 1957. Arguably her most memorable performance was as Gwen French in 1958's Some Came Running, a role where she shared the screen with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Shirley MacLaine. This impactful portrayal earned Hyer an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, though the award ultimately went to Wendy Hiller for Separate Tables in 1958. Following this period, Hyer's presence in American cinema diminished somewhat. She participated in a few international productions and made occasional appearances back in the United States, but her output did not match the prolific pace of the 1950s. Her final film credit was in The Day of the Wolves, released in 1971, with her last on-screen work in 1973. In 1966, she wed producer Hal B. Wallis, and their union lasted until his passing in 1986.