James Garner was a beloved actor famous for his roles in movies and TV shows such as "The Great Escape," "The Notebook," and "The Rockford Files." Unfortunately, he passed away on July 19, 2014.
Garner shared a special connection with his wife, Lois Fleishman Clarke. Their partnership and the support they provided each other were evident throughout their time together.
Married At The Time Of His Death
James Garner was a married man at the time of his passing. He shared his life with his wife, Lois Fleishman Clark. They married on August 17, 1956, at the Beverly Hills courthouse. Their union lasted until his death on July 19, 2014.
James Garner and his wife, Lois Clark SOURCE: Pinterest
Garner, who was 86 years old, was found dead at his home in Brentwood due to natural causes. The couple's enduring marriage of several decades reflected a strong bond and commitment to each other.
A 14-Day Journey To Marriage
Garner's love story with Lois Clarke was like a fairy tale that unfolded in just 14 days. It was love at first sight for the late actor. They met at a friend's barbecue, casually hanging out by the pool. He was instantly captivated, describing her as "gorgeous," and without hesitating, he invited her to dinner that very night.
From that moment on, the two were inseparable, going out every night for the next two weeks. Garner didn't believe in wasting time when it came to matters of the heart. The romance culminated in their marriage that lasted till his last breath.
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Going Against The Family Wishes
Despite the deep connection between James and Lois, their path to marriage faced opposition from the actor's family. The hesitation stemmed from perceived differences between the two, particularly their religious backgrounds. Garner, a Methodist, and his wife, who was Jewish.
James Garner and Lois Clark with their daughter Kimberly SOURCE: Pinterest
However, Garner emphasized in his 2012 memoir, "The Garner Files," that their personal beliefs were not a significant point of contention. Both he and Lois were not particularly religious, which helped bridge the gap.
Had Gone Through Few Separations
James and Lois' marital journey included a few challenging periods marked by separations. In 1970, after 14 years of marriage, the couple decided to take a break, separating for three months.
Another significant separation occurred in 1979, lasting for 18 months. During this time, Garner was immersed in his role on TV's "The Rockford Files." Rumors circulated about him dating Lauren Bacall, a guest star on the show. But the "Space Cowboys" actor consistently denied such speculation.
Garner's Wife Is No Longer Alive
Sadly, Garner's wife, Lois Clarke, is no longer with us. She passed away on October 21, 2021, as per her obituary on Legacy. Born on July 6, 1923, she had a significant and rich life.
James Garner and Lois Clark at an event SOURCE: Pinterest
Before her marriage to James, Lois was previously married to Keith Clarke. Although details about her first marriage are relatively private, she eventually found enduring love and companionship with "The Notebook" actor.
Past Relationships And Rumors
Gloria Pall
Garner's romantic history included a brief but intriguing chapter with Gloria Pall during the summer of 1955. Despite the passage of time, not much is known about the details of their relationship.
Pall is a late model, showgirl, and actress. She has appeared in movies and TV shows such as "All Ashore," "The Crimson Kimono," and "Commando Cody: Sky Marshal of the Universe."
Lauren Bacall
Rumors swirled about a romantic connection between James Garner and Lauren Bacall during a period of separation from his wife, Lois Clarke. Despite the speculations, he consistently denied any involvement with her.
The rumors gained traction, particularly when Bacall guest-starred in "The Rockford Files," the TV show in which Garner was the star. They also collaborated on the 1981 film "The Fan," where she portrayed Sally Ross, and he took on the role of Jake Berman.
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