Peter Lawford, the suave British actor, is often remembered as a key member of Hollywood’s legendary Rat Pack. While his acting career and connections to Frank Sinatra and the Kennedy family kept him in the spotlight, a less explored facet of his life involves his marriages. So, Who Did Peter Lawford Marry? This article delves into the marital history of this intriguing figure, revealing the women who shared his life amidst the glitz and turmoil of Hollywood and political circles.
Lawford’s most famous marriage was undoubtedly to Patricia Kennedy, the younger sister of John F. Kennedy. They tied the knot in 1954, a union that propelled Lawford even further into the echelons of American power and celebrity. Prior to marrying into the Kennedy dynasty, Lawford had already established himself as a rising star in Hollywood. His early career at Elstree Studios in Britain transitioned seamlessly to MGM in Hollywood, where his talent and debonair charm made him a sought-after leading man. Roles in films like “A Yank At Eton” (1942) and “Good News” (1947) solidified his status and appeal.
His marriage to Patricia Kennedy produced four children and initially appeared to be a strong partnership. However, the pressures of fame, political connections, and Lawford’s personal demons eventually took their toll. The Kennedy connection, while initially advantageous, became a double-edged sword. Lawford’s role as a bridge between Hollywood and the political world, particularly during JFK’s presidential campaign, placed him in a precarious position. The Rat Pack, including Sinatra, actively campaigned for Kennedy, leveraging Lawford’s familial ties.
The infamous fallout with Sinatra occurred when JFK decided to stay with Bing Crosby instead of Sinatra during a Palm Springs visit, due to concerns about Sinatra’s alleged Mob connections. Sinatra, enraged and feeling betrayed by Lawford, ostracized him from the Rat Pack. This professional and personal blow coincided with increasing strain in Lawford’s marriage to Patricia. They divorced in 1966 after years of dealing with Lawford’s infidelities, alcohol abuse, and drug use. The glamorous façade of their marriage crumbled under the weight of these issues and the intense scrutiny of public life.
Following his divorce from Patricia Kennedy, Peter Lawford entered a period of personal instability marked by further marriages. His second marriage was to Mary Rowan in 1967. This union was short-lived, lasting only two years before they divorced in 1969. Just as fleeting was his third marriage to Deborah McGuire in 1971, which ended in divorce after a mere two months. These brief marriages highlight a turbulent period in Lawford’s life as he grappled with personal struggles and career decline.
In 1984, Lawford married for a fourth and final time to Patricia Seaton. However, this marriage was also tragically short due to Lawford’s declining health. His fast-paced lifestyle and years of substance abuse had taken a severe toll. Peter Lawford passed away shortly after this fourth marriage due to kidney and liver failure. His ashes were eventually scattered in the Pacific Ocean, a poignant end for a man who had experienced both the heights of Hollywood glamour and the depths of personal despair.
In conclusion, Peter Lawford married four times throughout his life. His most prominent marriage was to Patricia Kennedy, which linked him to one of America’s most influential families. While this marriage ultimately ended in divorce, his subsequent marriages to Mary Rowan, Deborah McGuire, and Patricia Seaton further illustrate the complexities of his personal life amidst his public persona as a Rat Pack icon and Hollywood star. Lawford’s story serves as a cautionary tale of a life lived in the fast lane, where personal relationships often suffered under the pressures of fame and self-destructive tendencies.
