Let me tell you about the legendary composer Burt Bacharach, who gave us some of the most iconic hits from the '50s and beyond. This Grammy-winning musician was no stranger to love, having been married four times throughout his life. His last marriage, to Jane Hansen, lasted until his passing at the age of 94 on February 8, 2023. His publicist, Tina Brausam, confirmed the news to The Associated Press. Stick around as we dive into the fascinating story of Burt's romantic life.
Meet Burt's First Love: Paula Stewart
Burt's journey in love began in 1953 when he tied the knot with Paula Stewart, an aspiring actress who had already made her mark on Broadway as an understudy in Seventeen. Paula's career blossomed with roles in shows like Hogan's Heroes, The Big Valley, and Love, American Style. As fate would have it, Burt and Paula's marriage brought them closer together professionally too, with Burt crafting musical arrangements for Paula's nightclub performances, according to IMDb.
Paula's breakout role came when she played the sister of Lucille Ball's character in the 1960 Broadway musical Wildcat. This collaboration sparked a friendship between Paula and Lucille that lasted nearly three decades. In a 2020 interview with Closer, Paula reminisced about her first encounter with Lucille: "When a break came during rehearsals, I saw Lucy standing in a corner, nervously pulling on a cigarette, so I went over and asked if I could help her with her songs. She just threw her arms around me. She was so grateful that somebody was going to help her."
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However, not all love stories last forever. Burt and Paula's marriage ended in 1958 after five years. Paula later remarried to Jack Carter in 1961, and they had a son named Michael before parting ways in 1970.
Burt's Second Chapter: Angie Dickinson
Burt's second marriage was to the beautiful and talented Angie Dickinson in 1965. Angie's career started in the world of beauty pageants before she transitioned into acting with guest roles on NBC shows. She quickly became a household name with roles in western films and dramas like Cry Terror and China Gate. By the mid-60s, Angie was a leading lady, starring alongside Dick Van Dyke in The Art of Love and Kirk Douglas in Cast a Giant Shadow.
Burt and Angie's union brought them a daughter, Nikki Bacharach, who tragically took her own life at the age of 40 in 2007. Their marriage, however, couldn't withstand the test of time, and they divorced in 1981. Despite the heartbreak, Angie remained a beloved figure in Hollywood, best known for her role as a police woman.
Lyricist Carole Bayer Sager: Burt's Third Love
After Angie, Burt found love again with lyricist Carole Bayer Sager in 1982. Carole, a graduate of New York University, made a name for herself at a young age with her hit "A Groovy Kind of Love," which was later recorded by Sonny and Cher, Phil Collins, and Petula Clark. Carole's musical journey took off with her self-titled debut album in 1977, followed by another album a year later. Burt played a pivotal role in her career, producing her third album, Sometimes Late at Night.
In 1982, Carole achieved a major milestone by winning an Academy Award for "Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)" from the film Arthur. During their marriage, Burt and Carole adopted a son, Christopher Elton Bacharach. Their union, however, came to an end in 1991. Carole later found love again with businessman Robert Daly, whom she married in 1996.
