Aplomb, sangfroid, nudity… David Niven and The Oscars®… Vickie Lester 11 years ago The streaking incident became Hollywood lore overnight, and even now is widely cited as one of the Oscar’s most memorable moments, thanks in part to Niven’s quick riposte as the audience roared and tittered. But the incident’s notoriety is also due to the unorthodox life and tragic demise of the streaker himself, a conceptual artist, photographer and gay rights activist named Robert Opel. The Oscar streak wasn’t Opel’s first. As a member of the L.A hippy scene, Opel had shown up naked to a few Los Angeles City Council meetings to protest the ban on nudity at area beaches. He was active in the gay liberation movement and in art circles. And he had a gig as a part-time photographer for the gay newspaper The Advocate… Oscars Flashback: The Story Behind the Streaker of 1974 – Hollywood Reporter. Share this: Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
