**Robert Wagner Celebrates Stefanie Powers’ 84th Birthday with Heartfelt Message**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Hart-to-Hart-Robert-Wagner-Stefanie-Powers-tout-f420cbe5e153420caf4a10056a13885e.jpg)
Robert Wagner has paid tribute to his former on-screen partner, Stefanie Powers, as she marks her 84th birthday. The pair, who starred together in the beloved crime series “Hart to Hart” for five seasons, have maintained a close friendship since their days on the show. Wagner, now 96, shared a nostalgic photograph of the duo on Instagram on 2 November, expressing his warm wishes for Powers in a heartfelt caption.
Wagner wrote, “Happy Birthday, Mrs. H! ❤️ Wishing my favourite partner in crime-solving a fabulous birthday! Some things never go out of style… especially you!” The affection between the two continues to resonate with fans nostalgic for their iconic roles.
“Hart to Hart” first aired in 1979 and featured Wagner and Powers as Jonathan and Jennifer Hart, a wealthy couple who frequently found themselves delving into a series of thrilling mysteries and murders. Together, they navigated a world filled with blackmailers, thieves, and various criminal enterprises, offering viewers a mix of romance, adventure, and suspense. Joining them was Lionel Stander, who portrayed Max, the couple’s devoted majordomo.
The series ran until 1984, after which the dynamic duo reunited for a number of made-for-television movies in the 1990s, including “Hart to Hart Returns” in 1993 and “Hart to Hart: Till Death Do Us Hart” in 1996. Powers received critical acclaim during her time on the show, earning two Emmy nominations for her performances.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Powers reflected on her enduring connection with Wagner and shared insights on how she landed her role in the series. She recalled a pivotal phone call from Wagner, along with producers Tom Mankiewicz and Aaron Spelling, while she was preparing for a stage production of “Cyrano de Bergerac.” Wagner, having previously worked with Powers on an episode of “It Takes a Thief,” advocated for her casting.
Powers noted the shared background they both had in the old Hollywood studio system, which imbued them with a sense of professionalism on set. “We not only were friends, but… it doesn’t always follow suit that just because you’re friendly with someone that you’re going to have chemistry on the screen. We were just really, really lucky to have that chemistry and continue it throughout the years,” she remarked.
Their friendship remains strong, with Powers mentioning that they are still in regular contact. She affectionately described Wagner as a brother and expressed her deep appreciation for their lasting bond, having visited him recently to celebrate his birthday.
Stefanie Powers has enjoyed a successful career beyond “Hart to Hart,” appearing in several notable television series such as “McCloud,” “The Mod Squad,” and “The Rockford Files.” Additionally, she starred in the acclaimed 1977 miniseries “Washington: Behind Closed Doors” and participated in the 1979 war film “Escape to Athena.” Most recently, Powers appeared in the 2019 film “The Artist’s Wife,” further showcasing her versatility as an actress.
In recognition of her significant contributions to wildlife conservation, Powers will be honoured at The Thalians Holiday Gala this December. She has been a staunch advocate for the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, named after the iconic actor with whom she had a significant relationship until his passing in 1981.
As Powers celebrates her 84th birthday, the enduring connection between her and Robert Wagner remains a heartwarming testament to their time together on screen and their deep-rooted friendship off it. The pair continues to captivate their audience, evoking fond memories of their adventures as the glamorous Hart detectives.