Robert Wagner, who is a living legend in every sense of the word, chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos up about “Hart to Hart” and his illustrious career in film, stage, and television.
“The important thing in life is not victory but combat; it is not to have vanquished but to have fought well,” said Pierre de Coubertin, French Educator who was primarily responsible for the revival of the Olympic Games in 1894. Robert Wagner embodies this wise quote.
Wagner starred in over 100 films, and he has guest-starred in more than 150 television shows.
Wagner on being a part of the ‘Golden Age of Hollywood’
Robert Wagner is an American actor who is best known for his work in film and television, which spans more than seven decades.
He was born on February 10, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan, and he rose to prominence in the 1950s with a series of starring roles in Hollywood films before becoming a familiar television presence in subsequent decades. He is affectionately known as “RJ.”
Wagner has appeared in numerous motion pictures throughout his career such as “A Kiss Before Dying,” “The Pink Panther,” and “Harper.”
He is one of the last surviving leading men of the “Golden Age of Hollywood.” On being a part of the “Golden Age of Hollywood,” he said, “It’s an honor, and it’s a fortune and a blessing. I am just very fortunate.”
‘Hart to Hart’
Wagner achieved widespread television success as the star of the popular series “It Takes a Thief,” “Switch,” and “Hart to Hart,” the latter of which earned him enduring recognition as Jonathan Hart opposite actress Stefanie Powers as Jennifer Hart.
Speaking of “Hart to Hart,” he described it as the role or project that has brought him the greatest sense of joy. “I would say ‘Hart to Hart’ has a lot to do with a sense of fulfillment,” he said.
“I loved Jonathan’s attitude, and I like what he did,” Wagner admitted about what he enjoyed most about his iconic character.
Earlier this year, Wagner reunited with his “Hart to Hart” co-star Stephanie Powers. “That was a nice shot,” he said, about the picture of them that he posted on his social media pages. “Stephanie was incredible to work with on ‘Hart to Hart,’ and she does great work with the William Holden Wildlife Foundation.”
Wagner praised the exceptional writing of the mystery TV series “Hart to Hart.” “The writing on the show was excellent,” he exclaimed. “That was all Tom Makiewicz and Mark Crowley. We had a lot of very good writers on the show.”
‘NCIS’
In the police procedural TV series “NCIS,” Wagner portrayed Anthony DiNozzo, Sr., the father of Tony DiNozzo (played by Michael Weatherly).
“I loved ‘NCIS.’ I liked all the cast members, and it was such a wonderful way to kind of wind down my career while being on that show! ‘NCIS’ still has such a dedicated fan following,” he said.
Changes and evolution of the entertainment business
Wagner had worked in Hollywood across many different decades and eras.
Regarding the changes in the entertainment industry that have surprised him the most, he observed, “The whole entertainment business has changed tremendously, you know. That is a tough question to answer. It’s the digital age now with streaming and social media.”
“Streaming in itself is difficult,” he noted. “These days, there is too much content to the point where it’s oversaturated.”
Key to longevity in acting and entertainment
On the key to longevity in the acting and entertainment business, he shared, “Well, the roles have been good, and I’ve had some very lucky moments, you know? Those play a great deal in longevity.”
Advice for young and emerging actors
For young and aspiring actors, he said, “Get set for rejection, especially now because it’s the age of self-tapes. You don’t even go into an audition room anymore. The whole audition process has changed so much!”
“I think I was very fortunate to be in the position that I was, and in the business at the time that I was,” he acknowledged.
‘Austin Powers’ trilogy
In addition to his leading roles, Wagner introduced himself to new generations of audiences through recurring appearances in film and television projects, including the “Austin Powers” film series, in which he portrayed Number Two, who was the nefarious henchman of Dr. Evil, the nemesis of Mike Myers’ titular role.
For Wagner, the “Austin Powers” trilogy was such a remarkable experience. “That was so great,” he admitted. “Should Mike Myers ever decide to do another one, I still have the eyepatch and I’m ready to put the patch on!”
Wagner on turning 96 years young
This past February, he turned 96 years old, which is quite the milestone. “Well, that felt great,” he exclaimed. “I am very happy. My wife, Jill, is so wonderful to me and my kids. I want to tell you that it’s a real pleasure.”
Reflecting on his impressive body of acting work
When asked to reflect on his impressive and lengthy body of acting work, he is proud of the following accomplishments: “Well, I think some of the relationships that I’ve sustained with some of the people that I’ve worked with has been a great deal. Let’s remember… it’s always entertainment.”
Superpower of choice
If Wagner were to have any superpower, he responded, “That’s a wonderful question. I think I would like the power to understand.” “I would like to understand more, you know?” he said.
Wagner on visiting and filming in Greece
Wagner had great words about the country of Greece. In the early ‘80s, he traveled to Athens, Greece, and to the Greek island of Rhodes to film on-location for the “Hart to Hart” episodes titled “Passing Chance” and “Death Dig” respectively.
“I’ve been to Greece, and I love it there so much! We had such a great time there… the food, the people, the mountains and the beaches. It was such a wonderful trip, and Greece is such a beautiful place,” he recalled about his experience in Greece.
Speaking of Greece, he played the role of Greek sponge fisherman in the 1953 classic film “Beneath the 12-Mile Reef,” but ironically enough, that was not filmed in Greece. In reality, that movie was shot on location in Tarpon Springs, Florida, which is known as “Little Greece” in the United States.
Wagner’s message for his fans
For his dedicated fans and supporters, Wagner expressed, “I appreciate everything that the fans have done for me all these years. They have been with me for so long, and I love that the fact that my fans are multigenerational; that’s incredible.”
“The fans have just been so great to me, so passionate, and they are so kind. I am forever indebted to them,” he added.
Stage of his life
Regarding the title of the current chapter of his life, he revealed, “Gratitude.”
Family
Wagner has been happily married to his wife, Jill St. John (the inaugural Bond Girl in “Diamonds are Forever”) for well over 36 years. They reside in Aspen, Colorado.
Family is of utmost importance to Wagner. He has three daughters, Katie, a television and media personality, Natasha, an actress and author, and Courtney, a jewelry designer, as well as his two grandchildren, Riley (Katie’s son) and Clover (Natasha’s daughter), and Josh Donen, his stepson. “7th Heaven” actor Barry Watson is his son-in-law (Natasha’s husband).
“Barry is so great. He is such a wonderful young man, and I am very happy that he is in my life,” Wagner said.
Success
On his definition of success, he said, “Success has brought me a lot of happiness.” “I’ve had some wonderful moments, and I am very thankful for how my career has turned out,” he said.
American track and field running icon Steve Prefontaine once said: “To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.” Robert Wagner best exemplifies this quote by the running legend.
Wagner’s longevity in the entertainment industry has made him one of the most recognizable actors of his era, and rightfully so.
Beyond his acting career, Wagner has authored memoirs reflecting on his experiences in Hollywood, and his relationships with many of the industry’s most notable figures.
His career remains distinguished by versatility, longevity, and his lasting contributions to the entertainment industry. Wagner will go down in history as one of the most significant actors that American cinema and television has ever known.
For more information on iconic actor Robert Wagner, check out his official website, IMDb page, and follow him on Instagram.
