Gloria Swanson, one of the most celebrated actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age, was not only known for her illustrious career and iconic roles but also for her fascinating and tumultuous love life. Swanson was married six times throughout her life, with each relationship adding another layer to her complex and captivating story. This post delves into the lives of Gloria Swanson’s six spouses and offers a glimpse into the personal side of this legendary actress.
#1 Wallace Beery (1916-1919)
Gloria Swanson's first marriage was to fellow actor Wallace Beery, whom she met while working at Essanay Studios in Chicago. The couple married in 1916 when Swanson was just 17 years old. However, their union was short-lived, as Beery's alleged abusive behavior and infidelity led to their separation in 1917 and eventual divorce in 1919. Despite the turbulent nature of their relationship, Swanson's time with Beery marked the beginning of her journey to Hollywood stardom.
#2 Herbert K. Somborn (1919-1925)
Swanson's second marriage was to Herbert K. Somborn, a film producer and the president of Equity Pictures Corporation. The couple married in 1919, shortly after Swanson's divorce from Beery. Somborn played a significant role in Swanson's early film career, producing some of her most successful silent films. However, their relationship was fraught with challenges, including Swanson's rumored affair with director Cecil B. DeMille. Swanson and Somborn divorced in 1925 amidst a highly publicized legal battle that captivated the attention of the press and the public.
#3 Henri de la Falaise (1925-1931)
In 1925, Swanson married her third husband, Henri de la Falaise, a French aristocrat and film director. Their marriage was considered a fairy-tale union, as Swanson was now the wife of a Marquis. De la Falaise directed Swanson in the films "Madame Sans-Gêne" (1925) and "The Love of Sunya" (1927), further contributing to her successful career. However, the couple's differences in lifestyle and Swanson's financial difficulties ultimately led to their divorce in 1931.
#4 Michael Farmer (1931-1934)
Following her divorce from de la Falaise, Swanson married Irish sportsman Michael Farmer in 1931. The couple had a daughter, Michelle Bridget Farmer, in 1932. However, their marriage faced obstacles, including Swanson's professional setbacks and Farmer's alleged infidelities. The couple separated in 1933 and officially divorced in 1934.
#5 William Davey (1945-1948)
After a decade-long hiatus from marriage, Swanson married William Davey, a businessman, in 1945. Their union was relatively low-key compared to Swanson's previous high-profile marriages. Despite their efforts to maintain a stable relationship, the couple eventually divorced in 1948 due to Davey's alcoholism and Swanson's revived career following the success of "Sunset Boulevard."
#6 William Dufty (1976-1983)
Swanson's sixth and final marriage was to writer and journalist William Dufty, whom she married in 1976. The couple shared a passion for healthy living and promoting alternative healing methods. Dufty supported Swanson's later career significantly, helping her write her autobiography, "Swanson on Swanson," published in 1980. Their marriage lasted until Swanson died in 1983, marking the longest and perhaps most harmonious of all her marriages.
