Sandra Dee, the late actress, is known for her films like "Gidget," "If a Man Answers," "Come September," and "Imitation of Life." Sadly, she passed away on February 20, 2005.
Dee also faced personal difficulties, especially in her marriage to her ex-husband Bobby Darin. Their love was considered tragic, because of the complications they encountered.
Relationship Status At The Time Of Her Passing
Dee was not dating anyone at the time of her passing. She found comfort in her family. The actress left behind her son, Dodd as well as two grandchildren, Alexa and Olivia.
Sandra Dee in a Photoshoot SOURCE: Pinterest
Sandra died on February 20, 2005, in Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, California. Her departure was attributed to complications arising from kidney disease and pneumonia. She was 62.
The Tragic Marriage to Bobby Darin
Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin got married on December 1, 1960. Their wedding was held at the residence of Donny and Sheila Kirshner in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She was just 19 years old then.
Although their union was initially joyful, there arose various challenges for the couple that culminated in their decision to separate. Dee and Darin were officially divorced on March 7, 1967.
Sandra's Mother's Disapproval
Sandra and Bobby’s road to marriage was not rosy. Notably, when they got engaged. Her mother Mary Cymboliak reacted with anger and decided to cut her off, thus, ending the financial and emotional support.
Sandra Dee's mother, Mary Cymboliak SOURCE: Pinterest
Dee found this sudden separation from her family difficult. She had never lived independently, and she felt sad as though something was gone from her life. She loved Bobby all through the trouble. In a moment of vulnerability, she begged him to marry her.
Sandra's relationship with her mother, Mary, was marked by a controlling and demanding dynamic. Her influence was evident in the way she spoon-fed her kid until she was six. Unfortunately, these pressures took a toll on her well-being, leading to struggles with body image and, by the age of nine, anorexia.
How Did Dee Meet Her Husband?
Dee and Darin first crossed paths in the enchanting setting of Portofino, Italy. It happened while working together on the set of the 1961 movie "Come September." She took on the role of Sandy Stevens, and he portrayed the character Tony in this romantic comedy.
At the time, Sandra was just 18 years old, while Bobby was 24. And, it wasn't a love at first sight for the "Gidget" actress. He, known for his confidence, initially left her feeling a bit put off, as reported in Daily Mail. As Bobby once remarked, "She hated me and I loved her."
Sandra, on the other hand, had not ventured into the world of dating before. Her lack of experience played a role in her initial hesitation. It was her mother, Mary, who encouraged her to warm up to the musician. After some urging, she decided to give it a try and agreed to go on a date. Surprisingly, the date was enjoyable and the rest is history.
The Problems In The Marriage
Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin faced several challenges that ultimately led to the end of their marriage. Their relationship took a toll on her film career, as she had to put it on hold. Meanwhile, he pursued his singing career in the nightclubs of Las Vegas.
Sandra Dee and her ex-husband, Bobby Darin SOURCE: Pinterest
The physical distance and Bobby's demanding schedule left Sandra feeling lonely for a significant part of their marriage. In an attempt to cope with her loneliness, the actress turned to heavy drinking and gambling, leading to scenes with Darin that were aimed at stirring up some attention.
Despite a brief reconciliation after Bobby accused her of an affair with Jane Fonda's brother and actor Peter Fonda, the couple's relationship continued to deteriorate. The final split occurred in 1966 when he witnessed her conversing with Warren Beatty at a party. Although the interaction seemed harmless, it marked a turning point for him, who felt uneasy seeing all of it.
The Troubled Past Reunited Sandra And Bobby
Raising a child together became a pivotal moment in Sandra and Bobby's relationship. It brought them closer. At a turning point, she finally found the strength to confide in her ex-husband about the painful experiences she had endured at the hands of her stepfather, Eugene Douvan, as reported in Yahoo! Entertainment.
Eugene inflicted deep emotional wounds upon Dee during her formative years. It began when she was just five years old as he began to fondle her. And, she was the victim of rape when she was only eight. The impact of his actions caused trauma to her that would resonate throughout her life. She also disclosed that her ex-husband cried when she shared this story with him.
Rumored To Have Dated Paul Newman
Rumors of Sandra Dee dating Paul Newman have circulated in the past. It stemmed from their collaboration in the 1957 film "Until They Sail," which marked her debut in the movie industry.
In the film, Newman portrayed Capt. Jack Harding, while Dee took on the role of Evelyn Leslie. However, it's important to note that the late actress did not start dating until she was 18 years old, dispelling any speculation about a romantic involvement between these two.
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