In 1974, the 46th Academy Awards were forever etched into pop culture history when a naked man named Robert Opel dashed past presenter David Niven, flashing a peace sign and changing the trajectory of his life. This infamous streaker was an American photographer and art gallery owner, whose life was as colorful and controversial as his Oscar moment and whose untimely demise was as mysterious as it was tragic.
Born Robert Oppel in 1939 in East Orange, New Jersey, Opel led a life marked by boldness and activism. Dropping the second ‘p’ from his name to shield his family from potential embarrassment, Opel’s journey led him from being a speechwriter for then-California Governor Ronald Reagan to running his own photography business. His clients included notable LGBT publications like The Advocate and Finger magazine, where he also assumed the role of editor.
Opel’s streak at the Oscars catapulted him to a level of fame that saw producer Allan Carr inviting him to streak at a party for Rudolf Nureyev. But his ambitions stretched far beyond such stunts. In 1976, he announced a run for the U.S. Presidency with the brazen slogans “Nothing to Hide” and “Not Just Another Crooked Dick,”—a clear jab at the disgraced former President Richard Nixon.
Perhaps one of Opel’s most enduring legacies is his establishment of Fey-Way Studios, a San Francisco gallery showcasing gay male art, which played a pivotal role in highlighting the works of artists like Tom of Finland and Robert Mapplethorpe.
Opel’s untimely end came on the night of July 7, 1979, when his life was cut short by a brutal and still-debated murder at his studio. He was hosting friends when Robert E. Kelly and Maurice Keenan stormed in, demanding drugs and money. Opel denied having drugs and attempted to eject the intruders. In a sudden and violent act, Opel was shot at close range and pronounced dead later that night. Kelly was sentenced to 25 years to life, while Keenan, originally sentenced to death, had his sentence commuted to life imprisonment.
In the wake of his death, Opel’s life story continued to fascinate and inspire. His nephew, Robert Oppel, directed a biographical documentary, “Uncle Bob,” weaving together narrations, reenactments, and interviews with figures like John Waters and Divine. Robert Oppel and curator Rick Castro also paid homage to Opel’s contribution to the art world with “Robert Opel: The Res-erection of Fey-Way Studios,” an exhibit showcasing his works.
His streak across the Oscars stage may be what many remember him for, but Robert Opel was much more than a one-time novelty act. His art, his activism, and his untamed spirit left an indelible mark on the worlds of politics, LGBT rights, and art, ensuring his story resonates beyond that unexpected, audacious jog in front of a global audience. His life was a tapestry of bold moves, his death a grim reminder of the era’s volatility, and his legacy a testament to the courage of being one’s unabashed self.