Joanna Moore was a talented actress from America who appeared in many movies and TV shows. Some of her famous films include "Touch of Evil," "Countdown," "Follow That Dream," and "Monster on the Campus." She brought her unique charm and talent to the screen, captivating audiences with her performances.
Moore's life had its share of ups and downs. Unfortunately, she passed away on November 22, 1997, due to lung cancer, which is a terrible disease that affects the lungs and breathing. Throughout her life, she experienced the joy and complexity of love, getting married four times. Her husbands were Gary Lee Reeves, Ryan O'Neal, Don Oreck, and James Willis Moore Jr. Let's take a deeper dive into her crazy love life.
Was Moore In A Relationship At The Time Of Her Death?
When Moore passed away, she wasn't in a romantic relationship. She was in the company of her daughter, Tatum, during her final moments. It's touching to know that her family was with her during such a difficult time. Having her daughter by her side must have provided her with comfort and support.
Joanna Moore in Perry Mason (1957) SOURCE: YouTube
Moore faced a tough battle with her health because she was a long-time smoker. In 1996, she received the devastating news that she had lung cancer. Fighting against this illness for a year, she sadly passed away on November 22, 1997, at the age of 63. Her struggle with lung cancer highlights the serious health risks associated with smoking. After her passing, she was laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery in her hometown of Americus, Georgia.
About Moore's Last Marriage
Moore's last marriage was to Gary Lee Reeves, and they tied the knot on February 13, 1975. However, their marriage didn't last very long, as they divorced in January 1977. Interestingly, there isn't much information available about her time with her last spouse.
Sometimes, people prefer to keep their private lives just that - private. While we might not know the details of Moore and Reeves' relationship, what's important is that the actress experienced different chapters in her life, including her marriages, and these experiences helped shape the person she was.
Ryan O'Neal Was Her Third Husband
Joanna Moore's third marriage to actor and former Farrah Fawcett's fiancé, Ryan O'Neal began on April 3, 1963, but sadly, their married life faced difficulties, and they eventually chose to go separate ways. Their divorce was finalized on February 27, 1967. It's important to note that, despite the challenges in their marriage, the actor didn't harbor any ill intentions toward Joanna.
Joanna Moore and her ex-husband, Ryan O'Neal SOURCE: Pinterest
Sometimes, even when couples realize that staying together isn't the best path, it doesn't mean there's animosity or bitterness involved. People can part ways amicably, and it's a testament to Moore and O'Neal's maturity and respect for each other that they could move forward in a way that was best for both of them.
The Real Reason Joanna And O'Neal Married
The real reason behind Joanna and O'Neal's marriage was that the actress became pregnant, as mentioned in an article from Express. At the time, they were both quite young and like many young couples, they found themselves in a situation they hadn't planned for. Sometimes, life surprises us, and we have to make choices that may not have been part of our initial plans.
In their case, getting married was a decision Moore and Ryan made because of the circumstances they found themselves in. It's a reminder that life can be unpredictable, and we often have to adapt and make the best of the situations we encounter, even when we're still figuring things out.
Shares Two Kids With O'Neal
Joanna Moore and O'Neal had two children together, a daughter named Tatum O'Neal and a son named Griffin O'Neal. Tatum was born on November 5, 1963, and she followed in her parents' footsteps. Griffin, born on October 28, 1964, also ventured into the world of acting at one point in his life but has since left.
Joanna Moore's daughter, Tatum O'Neal SOURCE: Entertainment Tonight YouTube Channel
After their divorce, Ryan and Joanna found themselves in a custody battle over their children. Ryan made multiple attempts to gain custody of their kids, but it was traditionally challenging to take children away from their mother in court. However, there's a poignant twist to their story. The actress deserves immense credit for her actions when she recognized the depth of her addiction.
Moore made a brave and selfless decision, showing up at O'Neal's doorstep in Malibu one day. In a moment of clarity and love for her children, she handed Tatum, who was seven years old at the time, and Griffin, who was six, over to the actor's care. She then sought the help she needed by checking into a hospital. This heartbreaking and courageous act underscores the complexities of addiction and the lengths a parent will go to to ensure their children's well-being.
What Caused The Divorce Between Moore And O'Neal?
The divorce between Moore and O'Neal was a result of some tough challenges they faced. The late actress struggled with addiction throughout her life, and it had a significant impact on their marriage. Ryan shared in his book, "Both of Us," about the troubles her addiction caused in their marriage.
Joanna's battles with addiction and depression took a toll on their family, including their children. Their daughter, Tatum O'Neal, inherited her mother's inclination for addiction. It's a stark reminder of how addiction can affect not only the individual but also those around them, especially loved ones.
Ryan openly shared that marrying Joanna was a decision he considered one of the worst in his life. However, despite the difficulties they faced, he harbored no ill will toward her. Back in those days, not many people understood the complexities of addiction. Their circumstances were challenging, and they had to navigate a tough journey together.
An Affair With Elvis Presley
Joanna Moore's affair with Lisa Marie Presley's father, Elvis Presley added a bit of Hollywood intrigue to her life. When she was around 27 years old, they worked on the film "Follow That Dream." In Peter Guralnick's book, "Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley," there's an account from Joe Esposito, who revealed some fascinating details about their relationship, as mentioned in an article from Verve Times.
Joanna and Elvis got close very early in the film shoot, and she professed her love for him not long after. There's a particularly memorable night when she showed up at his door demanding to see the singer. When Joe denied her entry, she broke down in tears and eventually passed out. After she regained consciousness, she claimed that Elvis had gotten her pregnant and that she had taken a bunch of sleeping pills.
Worried for her well-being, Joe rushed her to the hospital, where doctors pumped her stomach but found no evidence of a pregnancy. This chapter in Moore's life serves as a reminder of the complexities of relationships and the sometimes dramatic twists that can occur in the world of fame and entertainment.
Short Marriage With Don Orek
Joanna Moore's second marriage to Don Oreck was relatively short-lived, spanning from February 29, 1956, to June 26, 1957. Interestingly, there isn't much information available about this particular marriage, which might indicate that it was a relatively private chapter in her life.
Sometimes, people choose to keep certain aspects of their personal lives away from the public eye. While we may not have many details about this marriage, it's important to remember that everyone's life journey is made up of both significant and private moments. What matters most is that Moore's experiences, whether public or private, contributed to shaping the person she was and the legacy she left behind in the world of entertainment.
Other Relationships
Moore had a series of relationships and encounters throughout her life. In 1957, she was romantically involved with Ben Gazzara, Bob Neal, Mac Krim, Ernest Wynder, and David Susskind. In 1958, she had encounters with Robert Evans and Baby Pignatari, and also dated Nick Adams.
Joanna Moore's past lover, Ben Gazarra SOURCE: The Bobbie Wygant Archive YouTube Channel
Moore's relationship with Jimmy Boyd occurred in 1959, followed by George Stevens Jr. in 1960 and Andy Griffith in 1962. These were the significant relationships and encounters in her life.
About Moore's First Husband
Joanna Moore's first husband, James Willis Moore Jr., holds a special place in her life story. They married during their teenage years, (she was 16) on June 6, 1953, which is quite young to enter into a lifelong commitment. Unfortunately, the exact date of their divorce remains unclear, but it is known they divorced within a year.
Sometimes, young love stories take unexpected turns, and it's not uncommon for marriages that begin at such a young age to face challenges. Joanna's experiences with her first husband were just the beginning of her life's adventure, one that led her through various relationships and accomplishments in the world of film and television.
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