In the early 1950s, Bettie Page made waves in Hollywood as one of the most celebrated pin-up models of her time. Her striking beauty and magnetic charm captured the hearts of millions. But behind the glitz and glamour, Bettie had a personal life filled with love, heartbreak, and transformation. She married three times during her illustrious career, only to step away from the spotlight altogether. Let’s take a closer look at the lives of the men who shared her journey and the legacy she left behind.
Meet Bettie Page's Ex-Husbands
It all started in 1943 when Bettie tied the knot with her high school sweetheart, William E. "Billy" Neal. Back then, Billy was just a regular guy before being drafted into the Army during World War II. While they were married, Bettie graduated from Peabody College and embarked on a teaching career. But after their split in 1947, everything changed for her. That's when she decided to pack her bags and head to New York City to chase her dreams of becoming a model.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. It wasn’t long before Bettie caught the attention of a photographer on Coney Island beach. He asked if he could snap some photos of her, and boy, did it pay off! From there, her career skyrocketed. She landed roles in dozens of short films and even graced the small screen with multiple TV appearances. But let’s not forget, her first marriage wasn’t exactly a match made in heaven. According to biographer Karen Essex, Bettie and Billy “had nothing in common.”
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Fast forward to 1958, and Bettie found love again with her second husband, Armond Walterson. Their marriage was brief, lasting only until 1963, and not much is known about their time together. Around this period, Bettie started pulling back from the modeling world after an unsettling anti-pornography investigation. It was a tough time for her, but it didn’t stop her from finding love once more.
Bettie’s Third Marriage and Later Years
In 1967, Bettie walked down the aisle for the third time with Harry Lear. This union lasted until 1972, and during their marriage, Bettie embraced her role as a stepmom to Harry’s three children. But after their divorce, Bettie’s life took a spiritual turn. She found solace in Christianity, which she credited with helping her through some challenging times.
Did Bettie Page Have Children?
Despite her three marriages, Bettie never had biological children of her own. However, she did step into the role of a loving stepmom to Harry’s kids during their marriage. After her third divorce, Bettie chose not to remarry. Instead, she focused on her newfound faith and inner peace.
When Bettie passed away at the age of 85 on December 11, 2008, she left behind a legacy that continues to inspire. Stars like Dita Von Teese and Katy Perry have cited Bettie as a major influence on their own styles and personas. In her own words, Bettie once said, “I want to be remembered as a woman who changed people’s perspectives concerning nudity in its natural form. I don’t even believe God disapproves of nudity. After all, he put Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden naked as jaybirds.”
