Janet Gaynor was an Oscar-winning well-known actress known for her outstanding performances in movies like "A Star Is Born," "Sunrise," "7th Heaven," and "Born." Sadly, she passed away due to complications from a car accident. She was born on October 6, 1906, and she left this world on September 14, 1984.
Throughout her life, Gaynor had a total of three spouses (Paul Gregory, Adrian, and Jesse Lydell Peck) making her personal life just as eventful as her successful career in Hollywood. Her talent and dedication to her craft continue to be remembered and admired by fans and fellow actors alike, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of cinema.
Who Was Gaynor Married To At The Time Of Her Death?
At the time of her death, Janet Gaynor was married to her third husband, the producer and writer, Paul Gregory. When she passed away on September 14, 1984, she was 77 years old. Her husband, Gregory, and her son from a previous marriage, Robin Adrian, were by her side during her final moments.
Janet Gaynor's last husband, Paul Gregory SOURCE: IMDbGaynor had been facing health challenges since a serious car accident in San Francisco in September 1982. The accident caused severe injuries, including 11 rib fractures and pelvic and abdominal injuries, leading to complications that eventually claimed her life. Despite her struggles, she left a remarkable legacy in the film industry, and her loved ones continue to cherish her memory. She passed away at Desert Hospital in Palm Springs, California.
After Gaynor's passing, her husband Gregory found companionship once again and married art gallerist Kathryn Obergfel on March 6, 1998. Tragically, Obergfel passed away on June 19, 2001. On December 25, 2015, in Desert Hot Springs, California, USA, Gaynor's third husband died by suicide, succumbing to a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. This devastating event shocked those who knew him and added to the sorrowful tale surrounding the lives of these two prominent individuals.
Janet and Paul Gregory's Love Story
Gaynor and Gregory's love story began unexpectedly. They first crossed paths when Janet was still married to her second husband Adrian Greenberg, and he had hired her husband to do some work for him. Sadly, her husband passed away in 1959, leaving the actress with the task of selling a small house she owned in Hawaii.
Gaynor offered Gregory the opportunity to take a look at the house, and he was so taken by it that he bought it on the spot. He spent $40,000 to renovate the house and later invited her to visit. Little did they know that this visit would mark the beginning of their romantic journey. He once mentioned that he never imagined he would end up marrying her, just like he never thought of becoming an astronaut to Mars as mentioned in an article from the Desert Sun.
But fate had its plans, and Gaynor and Gregory fell in love. They tied the knot on December 24, 1964, sealing their love and creating a bond that would endure through time. Their love story serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected encounters can lead to beautiful and lasting relationships.
Who Was The Actress Married To Before Gregory?
Gaynor's second husband was Adrian Adolph Greenburg, whom she married on August 14, 1939, in Yuma, Arizona. They shared their lives until the tragic day of September 13, 1959, when he suffered a fatal heart attack. At the time of his passing, he was 56 years old. He was working diligently on a project in his studio when the heart attack struck, unexpectedly taking him away from his loved ones.
Janet Gaynor's second husband Adrian Adolph Greenberg SOURCE: Kinolibrary YouTube ChannelThe loss of Adrian deeply saddened Janet and left a void in her life. His untimely death was a reminder of how fragile life can be. and how important it is to cherish the time we have with the people we love. Adrian's contributions to the world of fashion and his role in Janet's life continue to be remembered, honoring the memory of a talented artist and a devoted partner.
Greenburg, widely known as Adrian, was a prominent fashion designer who made a significant impact on the film industry. His fame soared as he created iconic costumes for numerous Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films, including the unforgettable designs for "The Wizard of Oz." From 1928 to 1941, his visionary creations transformed actresses into glamorous movie stars, elevating the visual appeal of films to new heights. His innovative and distinctive designs revolutionized the traditional wardrobe departments of movie studios as mentioned in an article from L'Officiel USA.
Controversy Regarding Gaynor's Second Marriage
Janet Gaynor's second marriage to Greenburg has been a subject of controversy and speculation. Some have referred to their relationship as a "lavender marriage" because the late fashion designer was openly bisexual, and there were rumors surrounding the actress's sexual orientation, suggesting that she might be gay or bisexual as well.
Adrian had confided in Janet about his past experimentation, but this information only became public much later. It's believed that they got married partly in response to the prevailing anti-gay sentiments among movie studio executives and the restrictive atmosphere created by the Production Code, which imposed strict guidelines on the portrayal of sexuality in films. Despite the challenges and controversies, they remained married until his death.
Who Was Gaynor's First Husband?
Janet Gaynor's first husband was Jesse Lydell Peck. They got married on September 11, 1929, but unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce on April 7, 1933. After their separation, he went on to marry Ruthmarie Laumeister, who belonged to a prominent family in San Francisco. However, their marriage also came to an end, and they divorced in 1953.
Janet Gaynor and her first husband, Jesse Lydell Peck SOURCE: YouTubeTragically, Peck's life was cut short when he passed away on January 25, 1957, shortly after being admitted to Herrick Memorial Hospital in Berkeley. He was only 57 years old at the time of his death. While his relationship with Gaynor may not have stood the test of time, he played a significant role in her life and journey as an actress.
A Bit About Jesse Lydell Peck
Peck was not only a lawyer and state fire marshal but also a man of many talents and accomplishments. Born on July 7, 1899, in San Francisco, he became a prominent figure in both San Francisco and Oakland legal circles. After graduating from Washington and Lee University in Virginia in 1922, he pursued a career in the entertainment industry, working as a scriptwriter and assistant director for several years.
During his time at Washington and Lee, Peck was actively involved in the Dramatic Club, even serving as its director. Later in his career, he was appointed as the state fire marshal by Governor Culbert Olson, position he held from 1939 to 1943. Additionally, he served as the secretary of the state reclamation board for a period. His diverse talents and roles in public service left a lasting impact on his community and the state of California.
The Actress's Other Relationships
Janet Gaynor, the talented actress, had quite a few relationships in her lifetime. She was in relationships with various prominent figures, including Tyrone Power in 1939, Richard Carlson in 1938, Margaret Lindsay in 1936, Robert Taylor from 1935 to 1936, and Lew Ayres in 1933. Apart from these well-known names, she was also involved with Mary Martin, Cesar Romero, Charles Farrell, and James Stewart.
Additionally, Gaynor had an interesting encounter with another iconic actress, Greta Garbo. It is not clear what the nature of their meeting was, but the fact that these two Hollywood legends crossed paths is fascinating and adds to the intrigue of the late actress's life. Throughout her career and personal life, she made significant impact on the world of cinema, leaving behind lasting legacy that continues to be admired and appreciated by fans and film enthusiasts alike.
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