Robert Eggers Bio
Robert Houston Eggers (born July 7, 1983) is an American filmmaker recognized for his thought-provoking work in cinema. He has written and directed various acclaimed feature films, including The Witch (2015), The Lighthouse (2019), and The Northman (2022). His unique storytelling blends historical themes with elements of horror and folklore, drawing inspiration from settings prior to the 20th century. Beginning his career in theatre, Eggers transitioned to film, gaining recognition for his meticulous attention to detail and historical authenticity in filmmaking. Currently, he resides in London with his family.
Early Life and Background
Robert Houston Eggers was born in New York City on July 7, 1983. He does not know his biological father. He and his mother, Kelly Houston, moved to Laramie, Wyoming, where she met and married Walter Eggers, an English literature professor at the University of Wyoming. The couple had twin sons named Max and Sam, who also became filmmakers. In 1990, the family relocated to Lee, New Hampshire, after Walter became a provost at the University of New Hampshire. Eggers returned to New York to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in 2001. He gained an interest in designing, directing, and theatre while there, and would additionally show an interest in filmmaking by directing and designing short films. His childhood in New England often inspires his work; while writing his first feature film, he frequently visited the Plimoth Patuxet in Massachusetts.
Path to Hollywood
Eggers began his career as a designer and director of theatre productions in New York, primarily in experimental and street theatre, before transitioning to working in film. He wrote and directed the horror film The Witch (2015) in his feature film directorial debut, which premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival before A24 acquired it. The film was released theatrically on February 19, 2016, and received critical acclaim, earning over $40 million against a budget of $4 million. Eggers’s next film, The Lighthouse (2019), was also a period piece and received critical acclaim. He directed the film from a screenplay he co-wrote with his brother, Max, and it stars Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe. In 2022, the Amleth-inspired Viking epic film The Northman was released, starring Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, Björk, and Willem Dafoe. Critical reception was largely positive, but the film underperformed at the box office and did not make a profit until it was released on VOD.
Robert Eggers Career
Early Career (2007–2015)
Eggers began his career in theatre before making his feature film debut with The Witch in 2015. The film’s success marked a significant milestone in his career, establishing him as a prominent voice in contemporary horror cinema.
Breakthrough (2016–2022)
The Witch was a groundbreaking film that showcased Eggers’s unique vision and ability to blend horror with historical themes. Following this success, he directed The Lighthouse, which further solidified his reputation as a filmmaker. The Northman, released in 2022, showcased Eggers’s ambition and ability to tackle larger-scale projects.
Notable Works and Milestones
Robert Eggers is known for his signature works, including The Witch, The Lighthouse, and The Northman. His films have received critical acclaim and have been recognized for their historical accuracy and unique storytelling.
Robert Eggers Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Robert Eggers has received several nominations for his work in film, particularly for his contributions to the horror genre and period pieces.
Robert Eggers Awards Won
Robert Eggers has won various awards for his filmmaking, particularly for his debut feature film, The Witch, which was recognized for its innovative approach to horror.
Robert Eggers Family
Robert Eggers is married to clinical psychologist Alexandra Shaker, whom he has known since childhood. They have a son and currently reside in London.
Personal Life
Robert Eggers and his family previously lived in Brooklyn until 2023 before relocating to London. He maintains a private life outside of his filmmaking career, focusing on his family and upcoming projects.
