Ever look at vintage photos and wish those days were still around? We can't be the only ones. The nostalgia is indescribable. Here we have a series of throwback photos to the wedding days of some of the most famous 20th century Hollywood stars.
The stories that lie beneath the smiling faces are beyond our deepest imaginations. Stories that we may only read about or see in movies. From finding their soul mates, running DNA tests to determine paternity, to scandalous affairs. What we have here are untold tales from the lives of these celebs. Let's dig in.
Frank Sinatra & Ava Gardner, 1951
During the golden age, Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner were a power couple in show business. Having had similar interests, the two were fond of each other upon meeting. Their relationship started as an affair while Sinatra was still married to Nancy Barbato.
They both look delighted on the wedding day, not knowing the problems and complexities that awaited. They often fought, and Gardner had to go through with two abortions due to her contract with MGM media company. Clearly, it was anything but a happy marriage. Therefore, the two separated in 1953 and ultimately divorced in 1957.
Henry Fonda & Frances Seymour Brokaw, 1936
We like to think that Henry Fonda knew a thing or two about a happy marriage, but his record says otherwise. Four out of his five marriages were failures. In fact, his second wife, Frances Seymour, could not deal with the emotional troubles of marriage and ended up taking her own life just months after being asked for a divorce.
When Seymour married Fonda in 1936, she was George Brokaw's widow. There was at least one good thing about her and Fonda's marriage. The couple produced two children, who later became Hollywood stars: Jane and Peter Fonda. On her wedding day, Seymour would not have thought even for a second that this marriage would cost her her life.
Grace Kelly & Rainier III, the Prince of Monaco, 1956
These two were the love of each other's lives, which is very sweet and rare if you ask us. Grace Kelly was one humble princess who chose not to wear a tiara on her big day but did opt for a 90-yard veil to add the wow factor.
The actress-turned-princess and the Prince of Monaco went on to have three royal babies. However, their marriage did not have the happy ending they had hoped for. Twenty-six years into their marriage, on September 13, 1982, the Princess of Monaco had a stroke while driving, crashed her car, and died a day later.
Brigitte Bardot & Jacques Charrier, 1959
Out of all four of her marriages, Brigitte Bardot's second marriage would have to be the most significant one. Why? Because her second husband, Jacques Charrier, was the only one who gave her the gift of motherhood. Both Charrier and Bardot were in acting, with the latter having a music career too.
Although they got pregnant out of wedlock, the two would later go on to tie the knot in Louveciennes, France. You can tell it was a romantic wedding because it took place on the outskirts of the city of love. Like that of many couples' in showbiz, it wasn't a long-lasting marriage, spanning only four years.
Joan Crawford & Alfred N. Steele, 1955
Joan Crawford was one of America's most famous actresses from the golden era. Her work in film and television is truly remarkable, and she secured numerous accolades during her career. We guess Crawford's excitement about marriage dwindled after she married Alfred Steele, the CEO of the Pepsi-Cola Company.
We say so because it was her fourth marriage and the last one. The sudden death of her husband just four years into their marriage surely left Crawford traumatized. Maybe it was the unbearable stress of tripling revenue that caused his heart attack, or maybe it's something else. But we can imagine that it left Crawford heartbroken because she did not marry again.
Ingrid Bergman & Peter Lindstrom, 1937
Ingrid Bergman was one beautiful woman who was an actress by profession. Her first marriage with Peter Lindstrom could have been her only one, had she not cheated on him. Linstrom was a Swedish dentist who later specialized in neurology after moving to America.
The couple's 13-year long marriage bore a daughter. However, the marital bliss ended bitterly following a scandalous divorce in 1950. Karma does have a way of coming back because the director, Roberto Rossellini, with whom Bergman had an affair, later left her for someone else. After three failed marriages, Bergman was left loveless at the age of 60 and died of breast cancer seven years later in 1982.
Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward, 1958
Paul Newman had it all. Not only was he an actor, filmmaker, racecar driver, IndyCar owner, and businessman, but also a husband and a father. If there was any void in his life, he surely filled it after marrying the love of his life, Joanne Woodward.
Woodward, who was also a famous Hollywood icon, was in wedded bliss with Newman for 50 long years. It could have been more, but Newman lost his battle with lung cancer at the age of 83. During their time together, both Newman and Woodward brought out the best in each other, with the latter graduating university and receiving a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Marlon Brando & Anna Kashfi, 1957
Marlon Brando and Anna Kashfi were a matching couple which you can see by their stance in the photo above. We also note the cultural aspect, as Kashfi reportedly has Indian roots. While Brando was a successful American actor and director, his marriage was anything but.
Their marriage did not last long enough for anything significant to happen during the time, except for the birth of their son. Brando was someone who couldn't care less about what anyone thought of him. Therefore, as his life passed by, he went through two other divorces and had two long-term relationships. His spirited life made him a father of at least eleven children!
Ginger Rogers & Lew Ayres, 1934
Marriage is not for everyone. Ginger Rogers may have been one such person, but perhaps she only realized it after she went through her fifth divorce. Here we have a throwback photo from her second wedding ceremony. The [not so] lucky man who won her heart was actor, Lew Ayres.
Having tied the knot in 1934, the marriage only went as far as six years. Speculation about infidelities was surely the buzz during the time of their divorce, but Rogers denied them publicly. However, following her death in 1995, letters and diaries revealing her secret love affair with Fred Astair (her dance co-star on Top Hat) came to light.
Natalie Talmadge & Buster Keaton, 1921
As you can see, Natalie Talmadge's husband, Buster Keaton's frown is a little disconcerting. It was due to his career; Keaton was an actor and comedian well known for his dry humor. He was Talmadge's first and only husband and they had two sons together.
The duo from the silent film era started out well but things took a turn for the worse. The actress, during her 11-year long marriage to Keaton, spent absurd amounts of money on shopping sprees and even re-located her husband to a separate bedroom. Surely, Keaton had enough and moved on after the divorce. Not only did Talmadge take a large portion of his wealth, but she also refused him contact with his sons.
Robert Wagner & Natalie Wood, 1957
Natalie Wood was, and Robert Wagner still is a star in Hollywood. Wagner first married Wood on December 28, 1957, in Scottsdale, Arizona. We say first because the two divorced five years later and remarried in 1972. Maybe it was fate, but sadly, the second marriage only ended along with Wood's life in 1981.
The second union between the two brought to the world a daughter, who unfortunately lost her mother when she was only seven years old. Wood drowned while off in a yacht in Catalina Island with Wagner and a small party. Decades following Woods' death, Wagner was named a person of interest in the investigation.
Orson Welles & Rita Hayworth, 1943
Over three decades after his death, Orson Welles made The Daily Telegraph's list of 50 greatest actors of all time. His work, however, was not limited to acting. Directing, writing, and producing were also in his resume. In 1943, he married Rita Hayworth, making them each other's second spouse.
She was also in show business, further proving the point that famous couples seldom last. Hayworth has married a total of five times, while Welles three—and all of them were short-lived. We wonder if the fact that the two of them coming from very different family backgrounds had an adverse effect on their marital life.
Angela Lansbury & Peter Shaw, 1949
The rareness of true love in the modern era makes this union so much more praise-worthy. Here, we'll look at the fairy tale love story of Angela Lansbury and her second husband, Peter Shaw. How they made it work while both of them being actors with busy schedules, fame, and wealth is beyond us.
However, we have to admit that what they had (a 54-year long marriage) is only a far-fetched dream for many. Lansbury once stated that the couple had the perfect relationship. It was one that saw the true meaning of "death do us part" as it continued until his death in 2003.
Debbie Reynolds & Eddie Fisher, 1955
Extramarital affairs are very common in showbiz. When one has to spend days or even weeks away from their family, feelings can be triggered. Something similar happened to this couple who ended up in a love triangle, which ultimately led to their divorce.
Both Debbie Reynolds and her first husband, Eddie Fisher, were in Hollywood. So was their homewrecker, Elizabeth Taylor. During the four years that Reynolds and Fisher were married, they had two children, who, even after their divorce, kept them together in co-existence as friends. Both Reynolds and Fisher went on to get married multiple times following their split in 1959.
Raquel Welch & Patrick Curtis, 1967
The world would barely know the name Patrick Curtis if it wasn't for Raquel Welch. Welch was an international feminine symbol, particularly known for her steaming hot appearances. While Curtis was producing movies starring Welch, he was also busy falling in love with her.
The two married in 1967 at City Hall of Paris 8th Street. As you can see, Welch wore a unique crochet dress—one that only she could pull off so perfectly. While the marriage only lasted five years, it gave Curtis widespread recognition as the beauty's husband, thus rocketing his career.
Bette Davis & William Grant Sherry, 1945
When it comes to love, Bette Davis chose a rather peculiar reason to fall in love. She fell in love with and married William Sherry because she was intrigued by the fact that he did not know who she was or anything about her fame.
Well, people sure do fall in love in mysterious ways. Sherry was a masseur and a painter. His work was never in media, unlike that of his wife's. However, only five years into their marriage, to Sherry's surprise, Davis divorced him. This marriage was however special to Davis because it gave her her only biological child.
Humphrey Bogart & Lauren Bacall, 1945
According to the American Film Institute, Humphrey Bogart is the greatest male star of classic American cinema. While still married to his third wife, Bogart fell in love with Lauren Bacall, who was 25 years his junior. We have to say that it appeared to be a blissful marriage.
As they were both well-known celebrities in their day, many of their fans would have loved to see where their love took them. But like many good things, their marriage came to a sudden end as a consequence of Bogart's death in 1957.
John Wayne & Josephine Alicia Saenz, 1933
Marion Mitchell Morrison, better known as John Wayne, is an American actor and filmmaker from Winterset, Iowa. Long before he achieved stardom, Wayne married Josephine Saenz, with whom he had four children. Unlike today, not many wedding photos of celebrities are out there.
However, judging by the photo above, they had a lovely celebration, welcoming what would later become their 12-year long marriage. As Wayne became a star, his priorities changed. While he must have spent most of his time on sets, his wife and family drifted apart. Following their divorce in 1945, Wayne married another two women.
Doris Day & Martin Melcher, 1951
Martin Melcher was only an ordinary film producer trying to make his living. It was not until Doris Day came into his life did Melcher become popular. The couple tied the knot in 1951 and formed a joint production company, which starred Day in almost all of its projects.
They were each other's third spouse. Unfortunately, Melcher passed away in 1968 due to an enlarged heart. They had kept their marital vows up until this moment, but Day went on to marry another man following Melcher's passing. The couple had a son named Terry Melcher, who took a career path down the music industry path.
Audrey Hepburn & Mel Ferrer, 1954
One of the prettiest stars of the '50s and '60s, Audrey Hepburn, was any man's weakness. She picked three different men to become her husbands. Although her first engagement did not quite work out, Hepburn's first journey down the aisle was with the fellow actor, Mel Ferrer, in Burgenstock, Switzerland.
During their time together, Hepburn had multiple miscarriages, which we think did a number on her marriage. Nevertheless, the couple had a son together. While many tabloids predicted a divorce, with Hepburn herself admitting to Ferrer's bad temper, they lasted 14 years before parting ways.
Mickey Rooney & Ava Gardener, 1942
We referred to Ava Gardner's marriage with Frank Sinatra before. While Sinatra was her last husband, we're going to look at her first. Mickey Rooney, an American actor, comedian, and producer, was the first man to whom Gardner said: "I do."
Hopefully, Rooney had a special place in his heart for Gardner, even after their divorce a year later. Why you ask? First off, Gardner was a wonderful woman who was nothing less of a perfect wife. Secondly, she was Rooney's first out of eight marriages. Yes, you read that right. He married EIGHT times!
Cary Grant & Betsy Drake, 1949
Betsy Drake is a woman who lived a life of glittering highs and shivering lows. Did you know that she survived a sinking ship? Betsy was aboard the Andrea Doria ocean liner and managed to survive its unfortunate disaster. Carry and Betsy first locked eyes back in 1947 on the Queen Mary, both returning to the U.S.
Betsy made a run for it because she wasn’t interested in Cary but he sought her out. Within a few months, he persuaded her to move to Los Angeles Where she found screen stardom and later fell in love. The duo made headlines when they took a trip on Christmas day to Arizona, where they got married. However, the two were divorced in 1962, but Betsy was Cary’s longest marriage.
Laurence Olivier & Vivien Leigh, 1940
Laurence Olivier and Vivian Leigh's relationship was off to a scandalous start around the mid-'30s. During this time, both of them were still married to their first spouses. Later in his life, Olivier stated that his affair with Leigh wasn't the first. Not a heroic act to admit if you ask us.
His wedding with Leigh took place in 1940, and the two were in wedded bliss for two long decades. Although he thought Leigh was the love of his life, the two divorced in 1960, and Olivier went on to marry his last wife, Joan Plowright in 1961.
Charlie Chaplin & Oona O’Neill, 1943
It took Charlie Chaplin three divorces before he found his right half—the one he stuck with until death. Although his professional life made him the king of all comic actors in the silent era, his life outside of work was full of bumps and hits.
Despite the age gap of 36 years, Chaplin tied the knot to Oona O'Neill in 1943, right after one of his flames from the past, Joan Barry filed a paternity suit against him. O'Neill was Chaplin's "perfect love," according to his autobiography. The two had eight children together, making Chaplin a father of eleven.
Prince Aly Khan & Rita Hayworth, 1949
Remember Rita Hayworth? We will now look at the next person she married after Orson Welles. Prince Aly Khan, a descendant of Prophet Muhammad, was the third person to marry Hayworth (in 1949), and it happened after meeting at a nightclub!
We have to believe that Hayworth gave up the most during this courtship because she left her entire acting career behind. Of course, she didn't need the money as she basically married a walking ATM! However, not wealth, royalty, or even their daughter could keep Hayworth from divorcing Prince Aly Khan just four years later due to his alleged cruelty.
Mia Farrow & Frank Sinatra, 1966
We have established who Frank Sinatra is, multiple times. His third wife, Mia Farrow, is an award-winning Hollywood actress who rose to fame in the '60s. Even though Sinatra had done the whole marriage thing twice by then, in 1966, it was the first time Farrow ever walked down the aisle.
They exchanged vows at business exec, Jack Entratter's house in Las Vegas. Maybe at first, they believed the three-decade age gap would not be an issue, but years after their divorce, Farrow blamed the huge age difference. The marriage barely held on for two years.
Burt Reynolds & Judy Carne, 1963
With her big eyes and wide smile, we can see why Burt Reynolds chose Judy Carne as his wife. They had only dated for six months before deciding to become a legally committed couple. Their marriage, unfortunately, did not last longer than two years.
While some famous couples agree to respect each other's lives and part ways, Reynolds and Carne were the complete opposite. It was a horrendous separation, with both parties bashing the other with accusations, which were all the more fun for tabloids. Following the scandalous ending of their marital life, both Carne and Reynolds married one more time (to other people, of course).
Vivien Leigh & Herbert Holman, 1932
Let us now take a look at the Oscar-winning actress, Vivien Leigh's first husband, Herbert Holman. He was an English barrister, who Leigh met when she was only 18 years old. It won't come as a surprise if, at that age, Leigh found the British accent and charm irresistible. It's mesmerizing for anyone!
Knowing that Holman disapproved of theatre and acting, Leigh still ended up marrying him. You can imagine how much she was willing to sacrifice for him. Luckily, Leigh opted for her career, divorced Holman, and flourished in her profession as an actress.
Judy Garland & Vincente Minnelli, 1945
Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli were the parents of Academy Award-winning Liza Minnelli. Minnelli was a wealthy director, and Garland was an actress and performer, who appeared in many of his productions. They tied the knot in 1945 but divorced a few years later.
Rotating rumors about Garland's affair with Sidney Luft (her following husband) and Minnelli's intimate orientation may have played a part in the separation. However, one of the major reasons was Garland's troubled self. She was, like her daughter later became, a drug addict with ghosts like anxiety and depression haunting her.
Jane Fonda & Roger Vadim, 1965
After she portrayed the titular role in Barbarella, Jane Fonda's name was associated with that of a feminine symbol. During this time, she was the wife of Roger Vadim, a French filmmaker, and screenwriter. Their charming union took place at the Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas in 1965.
As a power couple, many would have looked up to their perfect fairy tale. However, only Fonda knew the nightmare of a life she was living, being with an unfaithful man like Vadim. Not even after the birth of their daughter did Vadim change. Fonda finally decided she had enough and divorced him in 1973.
Peter Allen & Liza Minnelli, 1967
Depending on your age, you may remember the singer and musician, Peter Allen. You'd recall him for his extravagantly-designed costumes and lively performances, if not for his talents. This is a beautiful capture from his wedding day, establishing his bond with Liza Minnelli.
Sure, the couple looks perfect together. But no one can even begin to imagine the struggles behind their seven-year-long marriage. Let's just say that only after marrying Minnelli did Allen discover his true intimate orientation. Simply, his interest was in men and not women. Poor Minnelli!
John Wayne & Pilar Pallete, 1954
John Wayne's second wife was an insecure and unstable woman, who at one point, attempted to shoot him. Clearly, getting a divorce and as far away as humanly possible from her was a relief. It wasn't long after that Wayne met his final wife, Pilar Pallete while visiting Peru.
Although she was 21 years younger, the two immediately hit it off and got married in 1954. Palette became a mother to three children, born bearing Wayne's surname. Wayne was legally married to Pallete until he died in 1979, but she did move out of their house around 1973.
Shirley Temple & John Agar, 1945
After John Agar accompanied Shirley Temple to a party once, the two fell madly in love. There were no social rules back then about how long a couple should date before getting married. Therefore, the couple, so passionately in love, tied the knot a year later.
Temple inherited raw beauty—something that she definitely passed on to her daughter, Linda Susan Agar. Usually, it is commonly believed that a child makes the husband-wife bond stronger. Yet, in this case, their marriage began to shatter shortly after the birth of Linda. Their hectic under-the-limelight lives and Agar's alcohol addiction was ultimately to blame for the divorce.
Don Knotts & Loralee Czuchna, 1974
Don Knotts shot to fame after giving life to Sherriff Barney Fife's character on The Andy Griffith Show. It was during the '60s through the '80s when his career was at its peak, generating good money. Described as "the most beloved person in show business," it's hard to judge what went wrong in his personal life.
Knotts was a thrice-married man. Pictured above is his gorgeous second wife, Loralee Czuchna, who he married ten years after his first divorce. Although an on-screen 'ladies man,' Knotts waited eight years before he found Czuchna, proving he is not a particularly playful type.
Elizabeth Taylor & Conrad “Nicky” Hilton, 1950
Elizabeth Taylor's professional track record is spotless. However, nothing of the same caliber can be said about her personal life. With accusations of infidelities, homewrecking, and ultimately her seven matrimonies, her family life was on a slippery slope downhill.
Her first unsuccessful marriage to Conrad Hilton (heir to the Hilton Hotels chain) is understandable because she was barely an adolescent. Having had a religious ceremony and a lavish party in Beverly Hills, Taylor was too late to realize Hilton's faults (he was an alcoholic and had abusive tendencies). Regardless of her rocky personal life, we have to appreciate her for getting out of an abusive marriage as quickly as she did.