The arts world is mourning the loss of Judith ‘Judy’ Wyler Sheldon, daughter of legendary Hollywood director William Wyler, who has died aged 84 alongside her husband, Wylie Sheldon, 86.
The pair were tragically discovered unresponsive in a car parked alongside a Californian interstate on Monday, while the cause of death is still unknown.
© Getty ImagesAccording to the California Highway Patrol, the discovery was made at approximately 5:46pm on June 15. Despite authorities attempts’ at life-saving measures, Judith, who was in the driver’s seat of the Jeep, and her husband Wylie, were both pronounced dead at the scene.
While investigators have not publicly disclosed any indication of foul play, medical emergency, or other factors that may have contributed to the tragedy - the deaths have stunned members of California's arts and film communities, where Judith had long been an adored figure.
© Getty ImagesThe daughter of actress Margaret Tallichet and three-time Academy Award-winning director William Wyler, whose credits include Roman Holiday, Ben-Hur and The Best Years of Our Lives, Judith spent decades carving out her own legacy as a passionate advocate for protecting silent film history and a beloved figure within San Francisco's cultural community.
While briefly appearing on screen as a young actress in the 50s, earning credits in productions such as The Errol Flynn Theatre and BBC Sunday-Night Theatre, Judith spent most of her life dedicating her work towards the preservation of silent film, and played a major role in promoting awareness of early cinema.
© FacebookJudith and her husband Wylie, with whom she shared nearly 60 years of marriage and two sons, Christopher and Samuel, was every bit the devoted wife and mother alongside her philanthropy. The couple’s shared love of the arts kept them close for decades, as the patrons chaired on many boards, The San Francisco Silent Film Festival being Judith’s longest standing.
In a 2007 interview, the mother-of-two reflected on her evolving appreciation for her father William Wyler's work, explaining that she only came to fully recognize his contributions to filmmaking in adulthood.
© Getty ImagesShe stated: "growing up, I never thought that much about the fact that I was the daughter of this well-known film director. It's only in my adulthood that I've begun to appreciate what he brought to the craft."
Artistic director of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival, Anita Monga, told the San Francisco Chronicle, "We are reeling from this news. Judy and Wylie were very dear to us, supportive and a positive presence at all our events."
