Robert Opel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Robert Opel (23 October 1939 – 8 July 1979) was a photographer and art gallery owner most famous as the man who streaked during the 46th Academy Awards in 1974. He snuck backstage posing as a journalist and ran naked past David Niven flashing a peace sign while Niven was introducing Elizabeth Taylor. In response, Niven remarked to the audience, "Isn't it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings?" Later, some evidence arose suggesting that Opel's appearance was facilitated by the show's producer Jack Haley, Jr. as a stunt.
The episode made Opel something of a celebrity. Producer Allan Carr even asked him to streak at a party for Rudolph Nureyev.
In 1979, Opel was murdered during a robbery of his gallery and sex shop in San Francisco.
[edit] References
- Biography from Matt & Andrej Koymasky
- David Niven at the Internet Movie Database (contains Niven's quote)
