A bit of streaking history that is still talked about is when there was a streaker at the Oscars.

The vid above shows the famous moment at the 1974 Oscars when a streaker ran behind David Niven.

The streaker was Robert Opel, an American photographer. When Niven was about to announce the Best Picture winner, Opel ran out from backstage and flashed a peace sign. The audience were shocked but also laughed.

Niven said: “Well, ladies and gentlemen, that was almost bound to happen… But isn’t it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings?”

Wikipedia suggests the show’s producer may have orchestrated the event as a stunt.

“People shouldn’t be ashamed of being nude in public,” he told reporters after the streak. “Besides — it’s a hell of a way to launch a career.” He was standing in front of a massive nude Oscar statue.

Wikipedia says “His streaking was commemorated 50 years later during the 96th Academy Awards when John Cena presented the award for Best Costume Design naked and covered only by the envelope.”

Robert Opel ran for president in 1976, up against Richard Nixon. His campaign slogans were “Nothing to Hide” and “Not Just Another Crooked Dick”. Alas, he wasn’t elected to office. Robert was bi and active in the gay rights movement.

Sadly, Robert Opel died in 1979 during a robbery of his photography studio.

In 2011 a documentary about Opel was released called “Uncle Bob”, directed by his nephew, also called Robert Opel.

Robert is listed in our Streaker Hall of Fame here at Streakerama.

The New York Post has an article on Robert Opel here.