*
VP of Paramount Pictures Robert Evans studying his script by the pool at his home-- Beverly Hills, CA 1968.
- *
It was a defining line that stuck with Robert Evans for his lifetime, and became the title to his 1994 autobiographical book (and 2002 movie). During the making of The Sun Also Rises, Darryl F. Zanuck came to the young actor’s defense when other cast members wanted Evans ousted by declaring “The kid stays in the film”. The rest as they say, is history. The guy’s a real Hollywood character– silver spooner, totally affected and completely entertaining. Found these amazing pics of Evans at home in 1968, from where else– the LIFE archive. The style, grooming and decor is a true feast for the eyes.
*
VP of Paramount Pictures Robert Evans in terry robe, sitting on edge of black marble tub talking on phone, in bathroom at home-- Beverly Hills, CA 1968.
*
Robert Evans grew up on New York City’s Upper West Side during the 1930s, where he was better off than most people living during the Great Depression. His father was a dentist in Harlem, and his mother was a housewife who came from a wealthy family. In his early years, Robert Evans did promotional work for Evan Picone, a fashion company founded by his brother, in addition to doing voice work on radio shows.
*
Actor Kirk Douglas, film director Robert Evans, actor Tony Curtis and their wives at Evan's home-- Beverly Hills, CA 1968. Wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall at that dinner party? Is that really Tony Curtis? Where is Tony's signature jet-black dye job (that Elvis inspired)?
*
He was spotted by actress Norma Shearer next to the pool at The Beverly Hills Hotel on election day 1956; she successfully touted him for the role of her late husband, Irving Thalberg in Man of a Thousand Faces. The same year, Evans also caught the eye of Darryl F. Zanuck, who cast him as Pedro Romero in a film adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises, against the wishes of Hemingway himself. In 1959, he appeared in Twentieth Century Fox’s production of The Best of Everything with Hope Lange, Diane Baker, and Joan Crawford.
*
VP of Paramount Pictures Robert Evans leaving home in his Mercedes Benz convertible-- Beverly Hills, CA 1968.
*
In the 1997 movie Wag the Dog, a Washington, D.C. spin doctor distracts the electorate from a U.S. presidential sex scandal, by hiring a Hollywood producer played by Dustin Hoffman. Hoffman’s character was based directly upon Robert Evans; Hoffman emulated Evans’ work habits, mannerisms, quirks, clothing style, hairstyle, and his large square-framed eyeglasses; the real Evans is said to have declared, “I’m magnificent in this film!”
*
Film director Robert Evans having lunch at home with live-in girlfriend Libby Boehmer-- Beverly Hills, CA 1968.
*
Robert Evans has been married seven times, to Sharon Hugueny (1961-1962), Camilla Sparv (1963-1965), Ali MacGraw (1969-1972), Phyllis George (1977-1978), Catherine Oxenberg (1998), Leslie Ann Woodward (2002-2004) and Victoria White (2005-2006). Evans’ marriage to Oxenberg was annulled after nine days. He married White in Mexico on August 2005, shortly after his 75th birthday; she filed for divorce on June 16, 2006, citing irreconcilable differences. Evans has one son, Josh Evans, from his marriage to MacGraw, and a daughter-in-law, Charis Michelsen.
*
- Film director Robert Evans talking on phone while in bed at home– Beverly Hills, CA 1968. Love the pony hair headboard and benches at the foot of the bed.
*
- Film director Robert Evans and girlfriend Libby Boehmer at home– Beverly Hills, CA 1968.
*
- Film director Robert Evans at poolside in backyard of his home– Beverly Hills, CA 1968.
*
- Film director Robert Evans and girlfriend Libby Boehmer being served dinner by butler at his home– Beverly Hills, 1968.
*
- Paramount Vice Pres. Robert Evans on movie set with actor John Wayne.
*
The Selvedge Yard 
this post is fantastic, jp. love the story behind this guy and the pictures here really give you a look into his life. phenomenal stuff, yet again.
-paul
Wasn’t Bob Evans with Ali MacGraw until Steve “the King of Cool” McQueen snagged her away? Awesome post… Classic!
You got it– he’s the guy.
this was truly inspired, jp. i’m inspired! another genius post.
Thank you sir.
He is so batty but I can’t help but love him. That said, all that hair on his legs has put me off dinner for the night.
Ha, I was thinking the same thing. It creeped me out a little too.
Love reading about Hollywood of “yesteryear” — what a stylish time that was.
Thanks for uncovering and sharing this. Fascinating look!
Pingback: Hollywood Hitman: Robert Evans « The Errant Æsthete
Pingback: Vintage Style: Hollywood 1968 « Modern Destiny
Absolutely Brill. The sterling ketchup bottle holder on the “picnic” table put me over the edge. Great post.
Doesn’t everyone have one?
Amazing photos – and story. Thanks for posting this.
These photos were taken by famed photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt, who shot over 90 LIFE covers, and is best known for his “V-J Day in Times Square” shot.
My father, Dick Melvin, said he was a roommate of your brother Charlie’s in New York. I am writing a bio on my father and our relationship. I heard fantastic stories throughout my childhood about his years in New York, Hollywood and his marriage to Jane Dorsey. When he moved to Dallas and became a very well-known bookie, he took me along his road of collections – yes, I was Little Miss Marker, only my goods came in clothes, cameras and “gifts” of furniture. I had a wonderful childhood and loved my father dearly and am hoping you might help fill-in some of the gaps for me< if indeed, you remember him.
Sheila Brenner, 214.402.2916 (c)