This Girl Became a Star – The ‘Product of 13 Divorces,’ Her Dad Left Her Mom for 17-Year-Old Actress

Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh were one of the biggest celebrity couples of the ’60s. However, their marriage is often remembered for the bitterness and hatred that plagued their final years together.

Hollywood is a community of glamor and style. A huge part of the flamboyant culture of the movie industry is the romance between some of its top stars.

However, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh were the true Jack and Rose of the ’60s. The couple defied all odds to be together, including staking their careers, but the end was far from perfect, and they soon got a divorce.

Tony Curtis at the Dorchester Hotel, in London, England, circa 1957 | Source: Getty Images

GIVING BIRTH TO JAMIE LEE CURTIS WAS A FINAL ATTEMPT AT PEACE

Tony Curtis was famous for his flamboyance as much as his talent. Tony was among the celebrities who characterized what it meant to be a superstar actor in a stylish and charming manner.

Tony, like other A-listers, has been associated with a number of women during his life and has had multiple marriages, but each was a failure. However, his romance with Leigh was one of the most remarkable things in his life.

The attractive couple was the center of attention throughout their time together, and their relationship even flowed over into their professional lives, as they appeared in five movies together.

Promotional portrait of American actors Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis for the movie Strictly for Pleasure directed by Blake Edwards | Source: Getty Images

Leigh’s fame was already established when she met her future husband, Tony, at a publicity party in the 1950s. It was a few years after her breakthrough role in the late ’40s. She was beautiful and had a reputation for her pitch in movies.

The actress was more popular than Tony by the time they met. She had appeared in successful movies such as “The Romance of Rosy Ridge” and “Little Women.” but Tony was yet to have his big break.

Things progressed quickly for the couple, and they fell in love. Despite the many obstacles they faced, the couple tied the knot, and many expected things to last forever, but things went sour as quickly as they began.

American actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh smile at their daughter, Kelly Lee | Source: Getty Images

After welcoming their first child, Kelly, the couple realized their love had lost its spark. Later on, they welcomed their daughter Jamie in a bid to save what was left of their union. Jamie later described herself as a “save-the-marriage baby.” However, her parents still went on to divorce despite her arrival.

Speaking of her experience with her embattled parents, Jamie said, “By the time I came along… my parents’ bond had deteriorated precipitously as their stardom grew. And like any other save-the-marriage baby, I failed.” Tony filed for divorce in 1962. Leaving his family divided.

TONY AND LEIGH’S STORY

Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis posing with child in publicity portrait for the film 'The Perfect Furlough', circa 1958 | Source: Getty Images

Leigh had always had the affection of both fans and co-stars. By the time she met Tony, she was already in league with the high powers of Hollywood. Hollywood tycoon Howard Huges was one of the names backing her career. Hughes was romantically interested in Leigh, but she did not seem to share in his interest.

Her heart was already given to Tony. Both stars were seriously in love with each other and enjoyed an intense physical relationship. The duo was willing to cross any hurdle that would fight their love, even if it meant despising the people who backed their career.

Married American actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh on a carousel, circa 1955 | Source: Getty Images

Like Leigh, Tony’s love for the actress was equally tested by Universal’s huge offer of ten thousand dollars to wed co-star Piper Laurie. The union was seen as a much-needed boost for his career. However, money could not take him away from his heartthrob.

Tony became a familiar figure on most of Leigh’s film sets, and their relationship soon became public news. Universal grew more concerned over Tony’s affair with a rival actress and hoped he would side with them by marrying Laurie.

Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh at 25th Annual Academy Awards on March 19, 1953 | Source: Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

A Hidden Room, A Dark Secret: What We Uncovered Forced Us to Leave Our Home

We had no idea that our recently acquired dream home would completely upend our life until we discovered a hidden area. We had to move out as a result of what we discovered inside, but we had no idea that this nightmare would bring about an unforeseen turn of events.

I never imagined that I would wake up in a horror movie, yet that is exactly where I am. For years, Jack and I had been saving money to purchase our first house. I was ecstatic when we eventually received the keys. We immediately got to work on the improvements, with me leading the way while Jack concentrated on his task.

“Liv, you sure you’re okay managing all this?” The night before the renovations started, Jack inquired. Encircled by boxes, we reclined on our air mattress that we had borrowed.

I rolled my eyes. “I can handle this. Mr. Big Shot, you put your work first.”

Jack laughed and drew me in. “All right, all right. Just don’t enjoy yourself excessively without me.”

Everything was normal on Tuesday morning, until it changed. As I was enjoying my coffee and browsing through my phone, Carlos, the leader of our renovation team, contacted me.

He exclaimed, “Olivia, you gotta see this.”

Curious about what they’d discovered, I strolled over. Carlos gestured to a piece of the wall they had recently demolished. There was a door there, concealed by years of paint and drywall.

I said, “What do you think it is?”

Carlos gave a shrug. “I have no idea. Would you like to open it?”

I reached for the doorknob and nodded. I opened the creaking door and looked inside. My enthusiasm soon gave way to fear. Shuddering, I slammed the door shut.

“What’s wrong?” Carlos enquired, his expression filled with worry.

I was unable to talk. Reaching for my phone, I punched in Jack’s number. He detected the third ring.

“Hi Liv. What’s going on?”

“Jack, you must return home. Right now.”

“What? Why? Is everything in order?

Taking a deep breath, I tried to control my voice. Something was discovered inside the home. You must view it.

Jack didn’t dispute, so he must have heard the panic in my voice. “I’m on my way.”

I paced back and forth in front of the secret entrance while I waited for Jack. Although Carlos and his team continued to work, I could sense their wondering looks.

“You okay, Olivia?” Carlos paused his efforts to ask.

I nodded, not believing I could talk. My mind was buzzing with ideas. And what if it was a haunted house? What if we had discovered a sinister secret?

Jack was panting heavily when he got there. “Olivia, what’s going on?”

Taking his hand, I guided him towards the entrance. I remarked, “Look,” and carefully opened it.

Jack gasped in shock at what he saw. There were ancient garments in the concealed area that had originally been a closet. The worst part, though, wasn’t that. Insects crawled all over, and mold covered the garments. There was an overpowering smell, and spiders had taken up residence in the corners.

Jack mumbled, “Holy —,” and slammed the door. “How long has that been there?”

I gave a headshake. “I’m not sure. It was never brought up by the realtor.”

For a few while, we stood there in quiet, taking in what we had just witnessed. At last, Jack said something.

Related Posts

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*