R.J. Wagner was born in 1930 in Detroit, Michigan, to a family of a steel executive. When he was just six years old, his family relocated to Los Angeles, California, marking the beginning of his journey in the entertainment industry.
Growing up, Wagner was determined to become an actor, and he pursued his dream with relentless passion. To make ends meet, he took on various jobs, including working as a golf caddy for the legendary Clark Gable.
Wagner's big break came when he was discovered by a talent scout while dining with his parents at a Beverly Hills restaurant. This led to his uncredited screen debut in the 1950 film "The Happy Years."
After being signed by 20th Century Fox, Wagner's career began to take off. He played romantic leads with ease, but it was his dramatic role as a shell-shocked war veteran in "With a Song in My Heart" (1952) that truly showcased his acting abilities.
Wagner went on to play iconic roles in films such as "Prince Valiant" (1954),"The True Story of Jesse James" (1957),and "A Kiss Before Dying" (1956). However, his film career hit a roadblock in the mid-1960s, and he faced several years of unemployment.
Wagner made a successful transition to television, starring in the lighthearted espionage series "It Takes a Thief" (1968) and the police series "Switch" (1975). His most notable role, however, was opposite Stefanie Powers in the internationally acclaimed series "Hart to Hart" (1979),which ran for five seasons and has since been revived in TV-movie form.
In addition to his television success, Wagner has also launched a stage career, touring with Stefanie Powers in the readers' theater presentation "Love Letters." He has also found success in film, playing the role of Number Two, a henchman to Dr. Evil, in the "Austin Powers" franchise (1997-2002).
Wagner has continued to pursue a leading man career, and has also found success in television, starring in the CBS sitcom "Two and a Half Men" (2003) as Teddy Leopold. He is married to actress Jill St. John and resides in Aspen, Colorado.
Throughout his long and illustrious career, Wagner has been known for his kind and humble nature, earning him the reputation as one of Hollywood's nicest citizens.
