Gene Tierney

Gene Tierney (November 19, 1920 – November 6, 1991) was an American actress. Acclaimed as one of the great beauties of her day, she is probably best-remembered for her performance in the title role of Laura in the 1940s.

Marriages, children & affair

Tierney had two husbands, costume and fashion designer Oleg Cassini (married July 11, 1941-divorced February 28, 1952); and Texas oilman W. Howard Lee (married July 11, 1960-his death February 17, 1981).

Related Topics:
Costume - Fashion - Designer - Oleg Cassini - July 11 - 1941 - February 28 - 1952 - Texas - 1960 - February 17 - 1981

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She and Cassini had two daughters, Antoinette Daria Cassini (born October 15, 1943) and Christine "Tina" Cassini (born November 19, 1948).

Related Topics:
October 15 - 1943 - November 19 - 1948

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Her husband, Cassini, became a second lieutenant in the Army in World War II, and Tierney was accorded the honor of pinning the regulation gold bars on his uniform. While she was pregnant, in June 1943, she came down with German measles, probably contracted during a USO tour. Their baby, Daria, was born prematurely in a hospital in Washington, D.C., weighing 3 pounds, 2 ounces. Daria was deaf and partially blind, with cataracts, requiring a total blood transfusion, and was diagnosed as mentally retarded. Tierney's grief over the tragedy eventually led to years of mental illness.

Related Topics:
Army - World War II - 1943 - German measles - USO - Washington, D.C. - Cataract - Blood transfusion - Mentally retarded - Mental illness

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She met John F. Kennedy in the spring of 1946, while making Dragonwyck, and they had an affair. She had domestic arguments with her husband, Cassini, during this time, and a relationship with newly divorced Tyrone Power while making The Razor's Edge led to speculations by the press. The following year, Jack Kennedy told her he could never marry her because of his political ambitions.

Related Topics:
John F. Kennedy - 1946

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Her daughter, Daria, was institutionalized in 1946 to be looked after. Tierney was heartbroken. She fell down some stairs and fractured her anklebone just before filming was to begin on The Ghost and Mrs. Muir and the production was held up while she recovered. She then had a reconciliation with Cassini.

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