When it comes to tying the knot, most people hope to do it once and call it a day. But for some, walking down the aisle is more like a revolving door than a one-way street. Whether driven by love, lust, or just plain restlessness, these individuals have racked up matrimonial tallies that’ll make your jaw drop. From a small-town minister to Tinseltown royalty, let’s dive into the wild world of serial spouses and explore seven people who took “til death do us part” as more of a suggestion than a vow.
1. Glynn Wolfe: The Minister of Matrimony
Hold onto your wedding rings, folks, because Glynn Wolfe takes the cake when it comes to saying “I do.” This Baptist minister from Indiana holds the world record for the most monogamous marriages, clocking in at a whopping 31 trips down the aisle. Born in 1908, Wolfe started his marital marathon in 1926 and kept the ball rolling until 1997. Talk about commitment to the institution of marriage!
Wolfe’s matrimonial adventures weren’t just numerous; they were also diverse. Most of his brides were teenagers, proving that age was just a number in his book. His shortest marriage lasted a mere 19 days, while his longest stretched to 11 years. Apparently, Wolfe believed in the “try, try again” philosophy when it came to love. For those looking to dive into the world of relationship advice, you might want to check out relationship self-help books for a less extreme approach to finding “the one.”
But wait, there’s more! Wolfe wasn’t just about quantity; he had a flair for the dramatic too. Three of his marriages were to women he had previously divorced. Talk about giving love a second (or third) chance! And in a twist that could rival any soap opera, he managed to outlive four of his wives, including his 1st, 8th, 9th, and 23rd. It seems that “till death do us part” had a different meaning in Wolfe’s dictionary.
Wolfe’s final marriage in 1996 was the cherry on top of his marital sundae. He tied the knot with Linda Taylor, who at the time held the record for the most-married woman with 28 marriages under her belt. It was a publicity stunt that brought together two titans of the altar. Sadly, their union was short-lived, with Taylor heading back to Indiana just a week after the wedding. Wolfe passed away in 1997 in a nursing home, leaving behind a legacy that included approximately 19 children and a string of ex-wives that could probably populate a small town.
2. Zsa Zsa Gabor: Hollywood’s Queen of “I Do”
When it comes to Tinseltown’s most prolific bride, Zsa Zsa Gabor takes the crown with a dazzling nine marriages. This Hungarian-American actress and socialite turned walking down the aisle into an art form. Born in 1917, Gabor’s first marriage was at the tender age of 20, and she kept the wedding bells ringing well into her golden years.
Gabor’s list of husbands reads like a who’s who of mid-20th century high society. From a Turkish diplomat to a hotel magnate, she certainly had a type – wealthy and influential. But it wasn’t all champagne and caviar. Her marriages were often short-lived, with her briefest union lasting just a day before being annulled. Talk about a whirlwind romance!
What made Gabor’s marital adventures so captivating was her unapologetic approach to love and marriage. She famously quipped, “I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man, I keep his house.” This wit and charm kept the public fascinated with her personal life, even as her acting career waned. Gabor turned her multiple marriages into a brand, becoming as famous for her husbands as for her roles on screen.
Interestingly, Gabor’s final marriage in 1986 to Frédéric Prinz von Anhalt lasted until her death in 2016. It seems that the ninth time was the charm for this serial bride. Throughout her life, Gabor maintained that she was a romantic at heart, always searching for true love. Her journey through matrimony serves as a glittering, if somewhat cautionary, tale of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of happily ever after in the spotlight of Hollywood.
3. Elizabeth Taylor: The Diamond Collection
Elizabeth Taylor, the violet-eyed queen of Hollywood, was as famous for her marriages as she was for her stellar acting career. With eight trips down the aisle, Taylor turned matrimony into a spectator sport for the American public. Her first marriage was at the tender age of 18 to hotel heir Conrad Hilton Jr., setting the stage for a lifetime of high-profile unions.
Taylor’s most famous marriage was undoubtedly to Richard Burton – twice! Their tumultuous relationship was the stuff of Hollywood legend, filled with passionate fights, extravagant gifts, and two separate marriages. Burton once famously gifted Taylor the 69-carat Taylor-Burton Diamond, proving that diamonds really can be a girl’s best friend. For those looking to add a bit of sparkle to their own love life (though perhaps on a smaller scale), you might want to browse some diamond jewelry options.
What set Taylor apart wasn’t just the number of her marriages, but the way she approached each one with unbridled optimism. She once said, “I’ve always admitted that I’m ruled by my passions,” and her marital history certainly reflected that. From film producers to politicians, Taylor’s husbands came from all walks of life, each seemingly offering something new and exciting.
Despite the jokes and tabloid headlines, Taylor’s approach to marriage was refreshingly honest. She never shied away from admitting her mistakes or her hopes for each new relationship. In fact, her final marriage to Larry Fortensky, a construction worker 20 years her junior, was seen by many as a testament to her belief in love above all else. Taylor’s romantic journey, with all its ups and downs, serves as a glittering example of living life on one’s own terms, societal expectations be damned.
4. Larry King: The Broadcasting Bridegroom
Larry King, the legendary broadcaster with the signature suspenders, wasn’t just known for his hard-hitting interviews. With eight marriages under his belt, King proved that his personal life was just as eventful as his professional one. Born in 1933, King’s marital journey began in 1952 and spanned over six decades, making him one of the most prolific grooms in Hollywood.
What makes King’s marital history particularly interesting is that he married one of his wives twice. Alene Akins, a Playboy bunny, caught King’s eye not once, but twice, leading to marriages in 1961 and 1967. It seems that for King, some loves were worth a second shot. This pattern of returning to familiar territory was a recurring theme in his romantic life.
Despite the multiple marriages, King maintained a sense of humor about his romantic escapades. He once joked, “I’m the only guy I know who’s been divorced more times than he’s been married.” This self-deprecating wit endeared him to audiences and softened the public’s view of his numerous trips down the aisle. King’s ability to laugh at himself showed a refreshing self-awareness in an industry often criticized for its lack thereof.
King’s final marriage in 1997 to Shawn Southwick lasted over 20 years, making it his longest union by far. However, true to form, even this marriage had its ups and downs, with divorce papers filed and retracted multiple times. King’s marital roller coaster ride serves as a testament to his unwavering belief in love and partnership, even in the face of repeated disappointments. His story reminds us that when it comes to matters of the heart, persistence sometimes pays off – even if it takes eight tries to get it right.
5. Mickey Rooney: The Energizer Bunny of Matrimony
Mickey Rooney, the pint-sized powerhouse of Hollywood’s Golden Age, was as prolific in marriage as he was on screen. With a staggering eight marriages to his name, Rooney turned holy matrimony into a revolving door of romance. Born in 1920, Rooney’s first walk down the aisle was in 1942 with Hollywood bombshell Ava Gardner, setting the stage for a lifetime of high-profile unions.
What’s truly remarkable about Rooney’s marital marathon is the sheer variety of his brides. From actresses to beauty queens, models to secretaries, Rooney’s taste in women was as diverse as his acting roles. For those intrigued by the art of courtship, you might want to explore some dating advice books – though perhaps take Rooney’s approach with a grain of salt!
Rooney’s marriages weren’t just numerous; they were also swift. His shortest union lasted a mere 100 days, while his longest (and final) marriage to Jan Chamberlin lasted an impressive 35 years until his death in 2014. This stark contrast in marital longevity showcases Rooney’s evolution from a young, impulsive star to a man who finally found lasting companionship in his later years.
Despite the jokes and raised eyebrows, Rooney remained unapologetic about his numerous marriages. He once quipped, “When I say ‘I do,’ the Justice of the Peace replies, ‘I know, I know.’ I’m the only man in the world whose marriage license reads, ‘To Whom It May Concern.'” This self-deprecating humor endeared him to fans and softened the public’s view of his marital merry-go-round. Rooney’s romantic journey serves as a testament to his unwavering belief in love and his willingness to take chances, even when the odds (and previous experience) were stacked against him.
6. Billy Bob Thornton: Hollywood’s Serial Spouse
Billy Bob Thornton, the Arkansas-born actor with a penchant for quirky roles, has also made quite a name for himself in the marriage department. With six marriages under his belt, Thornton has proven that when it comes to love, he’s not afraid to take the plunge… again and again. Born in 1955, Thornton’s marital journey began in 1978 and has been a rollercoaster ride ever since.
What sets Thornton apart in the world of serial spouses is the high-profile nature of some of his unions. His most famous marriage was undoubtedly to Hollywood A-lister Angelina Jolie. Their relationship was a media frenzy, complete with matching blood vial necklaces and very public displays of affection. It was a union that seemed to embody the wild, unpredictable spirit of both parties involved.
Thornton’s approach to marriage has been refreshingly honest. He’s been open about his struggles with commitment and his fear of certain things (like antique furniture and silverware). This candidness has helped humanize his multiple marriages, turning what could be seen as a character flaw into a relatable journey of self-discovery. Thornton once said, “I’ve never been good at relationships. I don’t know why. I get in over my head.”
Interestingly, Thornton’s sixth and current marriage to Connie Angland has been his longest, lasting since 2014. This suggests that perhaps, like a fine wine, Thornton’s ability to maintain a relationship has improved with age. His marital history serves as a reminder that when it comes to love, some people need to kiss a few frogs (or in this case, marry a few) before finding their perfect match. Thornton’s journey through matrimony is a testament to the complex nature of love and the human heart’s capacity for hope, even in the face of repeated disappointments.
7. Jennifer O’Neill: The Nine-Time Bride
Jennifer O’Neill, the Brazilian-American actress and model, has taken the concept of “try, try again” to new heights when it comes to marriage. With nine walks down the aisle, O’Neill ties with Zsa Zsa Gabor for the title of Hollywood’s most-married actress. Born in 1948, O’Neill’s marital journey began in her teens and has spanned over five decades, making her a true veteran of the wedding industry.
What makes O’Neill’s story particularly intriguing is that she married some of her husbands multiple times. In fact, her ninth marriage in 1996 was to her third husband, Mervin Louque. Talk about giving love a second (or third) chance! This pattern of returning to familiar territory suggests a complex relationship with the institution of marriage and a never-ending quest for lasting love.
Despite the numerous marriages, O’Neill has maintained a sense of optimism about love. She once said, “I’m a work in progress. But I know God’s not finished with me yet.” This spiritual perspective has helped her navigate the ups and downs of her romantic life, providing a framework for personal growth and forgiveness. For those interested in exploring the intersection of spirituality and relationships, you might find some insights in spiritual relationship books.
O’Neill’s journey through matrimony hasn’t been without its challenges. She’s been open about her struggles with depression and self-esteem, which have undoubtedly played a role in her romantic choices. Her willingness to share these personal battles has added depth to her public persona, transforming her from a simple statistic of multiple marriages to a relatable figure grappling with universal human experiences. O’Neill’s story serves as a reminder that behind every wedding veil is a complex individual with hopes, fears, and an unwavering belief in the power of love.
As we wrap up our whirlwind tour of matrimonial mavericks, it’s clear that when it comes to love and marriage, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. From Glynn Wolfe’s astonishing 31 marriages to Jennifer O’Neill’s nine trips down the aisle, these individuals have shown us that the heart wants what it wants – even if it wants it multiple times. Their stories, filled with hope, heartbreak, and more than a few wedding cakes, remind us that love is a complex, often messy affair. Whether you view these serial spouses as hopeless romantics or gluttons for punishment, one thing’s for certain: they’ve given us a fascinating glimpse into the human capacity for love, resilience, and the eternal hope that maybe, just maybe, the next one will be “the one.” So here’s to love in all its forms – may we find it, cherish it, and hey, if it doesn’t work out the first (or eighth) time, there’s always another wedding on the horizon!
