Robert Opel
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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 sneaked 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, "Just think: the only laugh that man will probably ever get is for stripping and showing off 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.
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