Hedy Lamarr was an actress and inventor who starred in movies such as "Samson and Delilah," "The Strange Woman," and "Her Highness and the Bellboy." She paved the way for today's WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth communication systems with her pioneering technology. She passed away on January 19, 2000.
Throughout her life, Lamarr had a total of six spouses. They were Lewis William Boies Jr., W. Howard Lee, Teddy Stauffer, John Loder, Gene Markey, and Fritz Mandl.
Relationship Status At Her Death
Hedy Lamarr was not in a relationship at the time of her passing on January 19, 2000. She had reached the age of 85 and succumbed to complications related to heart disease.
Hedy Lamarr in a Photoshoot SOURCE: Pinterest
Lamarr left a lasting impact as an actress and inventor. Her journey concluded with her legacy living on through the films she starred in and her pioneering work in communication technologies.
Past Marriages
Lewis Boies Jr.
Hedy Lamarr's last marriage was to Lewis Boies Jr., an attorney. It lasted from March 4, 1963, to June 21, 1965. During their time together, she testified that she had spent nearly $500,000 on him.
However, Hedy and Lewis' relationship took a tumultuous turn when she alleged receiving a threat involving a baseball bat from him. Despite facing difficulties, her resilience remained a defining aspect of her legacy.
Willam Howard Lee
Lamarr's connection with her ex-husband, W. Howard Lee began at an annual horse show. This meeting eventually led to their marriage in New York on December 22, 1953. Following their union, the couple decided to make their home in the 3200 block of Del Monte in the prestigious River Oaks neighborhood.
Hedy Lamarr with her ex-husband, Willam Howard Lee SOURCE: Pinterest
Hedy and William's relationship faced its breaking point, leading to their separation in August 1958. The difficulties they encountered ultimately led to the finalization of their divorce on April 22, 1960.
The couple engaged in legal battles in Harris County courts, dealing with issues such as alimony, finances, separation agreements, standards of living, and debts. Lamarr was granted $3,000 a month in temporary support.
The Jewelry Story
Hedy marriage to William was marked by a series of challenges. The troubles came to public attention on May 25, 1955, when she reported to the Houston police that $51,000 worth of jewelry was missing from their home. Among the missing items was a valuable 10.35-carat diamond ring with 32 pear-shaped diamonds.
However, the mystery took a turn when, on June 16, the jewels were discovered on a shelf inside Lamarr and Lee's residence. Interestingly, detectives had previously searched the house without finding the missing gems.
Teddy Stauffer
Hedy Lamarr's marriage to nightclub owner, Teddy Stauffer began on June 11, 1951. In a bold move, she sold all her Hollywood property and personal belongings to join him in Mexico.
Hedy Lamarr and her fourth husband Teddy Stauffer SOURCE: Pinterest
However, the union was short-lived, as Lamarr and Stauffer's marriage ended in divorce on March 18, 1952. The separation was marked by a disturbing incident, with the actress alleging that he had physically assaulted her. This incident reportedly occurred at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
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John Loder
Lamarr's third marriage was to John Loder. These two first met at the Hollywood Canteen. They were married from May 27, 1943, to July 17, 1947. The marriage, unfortunately, faced challenges, leading to their divorce on the grounds of mental suffering.
Lamarr went through a period of being ill and unhappy after the birth of their baby. The situation intensified when John, at a crucial time, went east to pursue a play, leaving her feeling abandoned during a period of great need.
Gene Markey
Lamarr's second marriage was to Gene Markey. He is a screenwriter, who at the time was known for crafting B-movie screenplays during their time together. They got married on March 4, 1939, but unfortunately, their union lasted only 14 months, ending in divorce on October 3, 1940.
Hedy Lamarr and Gene Markey in a Photoshoot in 1939 SOURCE: Pinterest
During the divorce proceedings, Lamarr told the judge that Markey would often stay out late at night, as mentioned in an article in Trove. It added a strain to their relationship.
Fritz Mandl
Hedy's first marriage was to Austrian munitions dealer Fritz Mandl. They were married from August 10, 1933, until 1937. In reflecting on that period, she expressed her profound unhappiness in the relationship.
Lamarr once revealed, "I knew very soon that I could never be an actress while I was his wife … He was the absolute monarch in his marriage … I was like a doll. I was like a thing, some object of art which had to be guarded—and imprisoned—having no mind, no life of its own."
In a bold move, Hedy escaped from Mandl's grasp in 1937 by fleeing to London, as reported in Women's History. It marked the beginning of a journey toward freedom and independence that would define her life in the years to come.
Other Relationships
Hedy Lamarr's relationship history is quite extensive and includes connections with several notable figures. She was romantically involved with Jean-Pierre Aumont from 1948 to 1951, Spencer Tracy from 1941 to 1942, John Howard in 1941, Clark Gable in 1940, Reginald Gardiner in 1938, and Erich Maria Remarque from 1937 to 1938, among others.
Lamarr's romantic liaisons also extended to encounters with Ray Milland in 1950, Herbert W Klotz in 1950, George Sanders in 1949, Mark Stevens in 1948, Robert Capa in 1944, Burgess Meredith in 1943, Robert Walker in 1943, and Paul Henreid in 1942. The list includes prominent names such as Charles Chaplin in 1941, Louis B. Mayer in 1940, and Billy Wilder in 1940.
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