Lois Clarke is best known as the wife of Hollywood actor James Garner. Their love story was simple and quick and lasted nearly 60 years. While James was famous on the big screen, Lois preferred a quiet life, focusing on her family and supporting her husband’s career.
In this article, we will share the story of Lois Clarke’s life, her family, and her love for James Garner.
When Was Lois Clarke Born?
Lois Josephine Fleischman Clarke was born in 1927 in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in a Jewish family with her parents, Samuel Hillis Fleischman and Sarah Doltz. Not much is known about her childhood, but she spent her early years in Los Angeles.
Lois chose to stay out of the spotlight and focused on her family instead of building a career. This decision showed her down-to-earth nature and her love for a simple, private life.
How Did Lois Clarke and James Garner Meet?
Lois met James Garner in August 1956 at a barbecue hosted by a mutual friend. They had briefly seen each other before at a political rally but didn’t talk much then. At the barbecue, they spent time together and felt an instant connection. Garner later said it was “love at first sight.”
After dating for only two weeks, Lois and James got married on August 17, 1956. Their wedding was a small, private ceremony at a courthouse in Beverly Hills, California. Despite coming from different religious backgrounds—Garner was Methodist, and Lois was Jewish—they didn’t let that stop them. Their honeymoon was modest, costing just $77, but their love was priceless.
Lois and James shared a deep bond that lasted through all of life’s ups and downs. While James focused on his acting career, Lois stayed home to take care of their family. She was a loving and supportive wife, helping to create a stable home life for their children.
James often spoke about how much he admired Lois. He described her as smart, kind, and someone he could always count on. Their marriage is remembered as one of Hollywood’s longest and happiest love stories.
Lois Clarke and James Garner’s Children
Lois Clarke and James Garner have 2 children, Kimberly Garner and Greta “Gigi” Garner.
1. Kimberly Garner
Kimberly was Lois’ daughter from her first marriage. When Lois married James, he adopted Kimberly and raised her as his own. Kimberly had some health issues as a child and has chosen to live a quiet, private life away from the public eye.
2. Greta “Gigi” Garner
Gigi, the daughter of Lois and James, was born on January 4, 1958. Like her father, she pursued a career in entertainment for a while. Gigi was named “Miss Golden Globe” in 1988 and later started her own talent management company. After James passed away, Gigi took over his production company, Cherokee Productions, and worked to keep his memory alive.
Lois Clarke’s Life After James Garner’s Death
James Garner passed away on July 19, 2014, at the age of 86. Lois lost her partner of nearly six decades, but she stayed strong for her family. She continued to live a quiet and private life, focusing on her children and grandchildren.
Lois carried on James’ legacy by supporting their family and keeping his memory alive. She avoided the spotlight, as she always had, and stayed devoted to her family.
Lois Clarke passed away on September 14, 2021,. She died peacefully in Brentwood, Los Angeles, seven years after James’ death. She was laid to rest next to her husband at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills. Her passing marked the end of a life filled with love and family.
Lois Clarke’s Age At Death
Lois Clarke was born in 1927 in Los Angeles, California. She passed away on September 14, 2021, at the age of 93. She was an American with a white ethnicity and grew up in a Jewish family. Details about her zodiac sign are not known.
Lois was 5 feet 1 inches tall and weighed about 64 kg. She had brown hair and brown eyes, which added to her gentle and kind personality. Her small stature matched her quiet and private way of living.
What Was Lois Clarke’s Net Worth?
Lois Clarke had a net worth of about $800,000 when she passed away in 2021. She earned some money from a short-acting career in the 1950s but spent most of her life taking care of her family.
Her husband, James Garner, had a much higher net worth of $20 million thanks to his successful acting career. While Lois lived comfortably, her main focus was being a loving wife and mother, not earning wealth.
Final Thoughts
Lois Clarke will always be remembered as a devoted wife and loving mother. She stood by James Garner during his rise to fame, providing him with the support he needed to succeed. Lois valued family over fame and chose a life of love and kindness.
Her story is an inspiring reminder of what truly matters in life: love, loyalty, and family. Lois and James’ love story continues to touch the hearts of fans around the world.
(FAQs)
Did Lois and James Garner marry quickly?
Yes, they got married just two weeks after meeting at a barbecue in 1956. Their love story was fast and lasted almost 60 years.
Was Lois involved in James Garner’s work?
No, Lois wasn’t involved in his career. She focused on their home and family, giving James the support he needed to succeed.
Did Lois Clarke have her own career?
Lois acted briefly in the 1950s, but her roles were small. She chose to focus on being a wife and mother instead of building a career.
Did Lois’ family approve of her marriage to James?
Not entirely. Some family members didn’t approve because Lois was Jewish and James was Methodist, but they didn’t let this stop their love.
Did Lois Clarke have children from another marriage?
Yes, she had a daughter, Kimberly, from her first marriage. James adopted Kimberly and raised her as his own.
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