Hollywood couples often find themselves under intense scrutiny, with many people questioning the longevity of their marriages even as they exchange vows at the altar. This isn’t because they’re fundamentally different from other couples, but rather because the pressures of fame and public attention can take a toll. This phenomenon isn’t new—it’s been a recurring theme for as long as Hollywood celebrities have existed.
One such couple from the 1960s, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, tried their best to make their marriage work despite facing numerous challenges. Unfortunately, their story ended in divorce, a common outcome for many high-profile relationships.
Tony Curtis was a charismatic and talented actor, known for his flamboyant personality and undeniable charm. His career brought him into contact with many women, leading to multiple marriages, most of which ended in failure. However, his relationship with Janet Leigh stood out as something special.
Not only were they married, but they also shared the screen in five films together. Leigh was already a well-established actress when she met Curtis in the 1950s. Known for her beauty and acting prowess, she was more famous than Curtis at the time, having starred in films like *The Romance of Rosy Ridge* and *Little Women*. Curtis, on the other hand, had yet to land his breakthrough role.
Their love story began quickly, and they soon married, hoping for a lifelong partnership. However, their relationship began to deteriorate rapidly. By the time their first child, Kelly, was born, their marriage was already in trouble. In an attempt to save their relationship, they had a second child, Jamie Lee Curtis, who later described herself as a "save-the-marriage baby.” Jamie reflected on her parents’ relationship, saying, "By the time I came along… my parents’ bond had deteriorated precipitously as their stardom grew. And like any other save-the-marriage baby, I failed.” Tony filed for divorce in 1962, and the family was split apart.
Janet Leigh was a beloved figure in Hollywood, admired by her co-stars and friends alike. She was a major star even before marrying Curtis. Notably, Howard Hughes, the famous billionaire, was infatuated with her, though the feelings weren’t mutual. Curtis, deeply in love with Leigh, often followed her to film sets, and their relationship seemed destined for success. In 1951, he proposed, and they had a small, heartfelt wedding.
Despite their seemingly perfect union, their marriage was fraught with struggles. Curtis grew jealous of Leigh’s success and her relationships with other men. He also battled substance abuse and was rumored to have had affairs with actresses like Natalie Wood and Gloria DeHaven. Over time, Curtis described their marriage as functional but lacking romance. Before his death in 2010 due to congestive heart failure, he married several other women.
Jamie Lee Curtis, their daughter, has spoken openly about the impact of her parents’ divorce on her life. She refers to herself as a "product of 13 divorces” and admits that their split made it difficult for her to believe in true love. Growing up in a household filled with tension, Jamie and her sister faced many challenges. Yet, she has managed to rise above her difficult upbringing, becoming a successful actress and an inspiration to others who have faced similar struggles.
Reflecting on her childhood, Jamie once shared a photo of herself with her parents, writing, "I was born to famous parents. My birth and subsequent growing up was documented for public consumption. My parents’ fame and beauty preceded me. The comparing. The measuring up. Everywhere I went. Everything I did.”
Despite the hardships, Jamie Lee Curtis has built a remarkable life and career. Her story serves as a testament to resilience, offering hope to anyone who has faced adversity.
