John Derek's Wives: A Look At His Spouses & Marriages

Liza Dickinson 27 May 2025

Was John Derek a hopeless romantic or a man who simply struggled to find lasting love? The truth probably lies somewhere in between, but one thing is certain: his life was interwoven with the lives of several remarkable women, each leaving an indelible mark on his journey. John Derek, a figure as captivating behind the camera as he was in front of it, navigated the complexities of Hollywood with a penchant for dramatic flair, and his marriages were no exception.

Derek's romantic life, characterized by a quartet of marriages, provides a glimpse into the actor's evolving personal landscape. From burgeoning Hollywood starlets to international icons, the women who became John Derek's spouse each brought a unique dynamic to his life. His unions, often splashed across the headlines, were a testament to both his allure and the challenges of maintaining relationships under the intense glare of fame.

Name	Birth Date	Birth Place	Occupation	Reference Link
John Derek	August 12, 1926	Hollywood, California	Actor, director, producer, screenwriter, and photographer	IMDB

John Derek was an American actor, director, producer, screenwriter, and photographer. He carved a niche for himself in the tapestry of Hollywood, stepping into the limelight during the 1950s and 1960s. His performances in films such as "Knock on Any Door" (1949), "All the Young Men" (1950), and "Exodus" (1960) showcased his on-screen charisma. Beyond acting, Derek ventured into directing, leaving his directorial stamp on projects like "A Summer Place" (1959) and the controversial "Tarzan, the Ape Man" (1981).

Derek's life off-screen was as eventful as his career, marked by four marriages that spanned several decades. These relationships offer insights into the man behind the camera and the actor's evolving values and desires.

Patti Behrs (1951-1953)
Ursula Andress (1957-1965)
Linda Evans (1968-1974)
Mary Collins (1976-1998)

Patti Behrs (1951-1953): Behrs, an American actress in her own right, shared a brief chapter with Derek. She graced the screen in productions such as "The Flying Missile" (1950) and an episode of the iconic "I Love Lucy" (1953). Their relatively short-lived marriage suggests a youthful romance that perhaps succumbed to the pressures of burgeoning careers and personal growth.
Ursula Andress (1957-1965): Andress, a Swiss actress, catapulted to international stardom with her unforgettable portrayal of Honey Ryder in the James Bond film "Dr. No" (1962). Her marriage to Derek was a meeting of two charismatic forces, a union that undoubtedly amplified both their profiles but also brought its own set of challenges.
Linda Evans (1968-1974): Evans, an American actress, cemented her place in television history with her role as Audra Barkley in "The Big Valley" before achieving even greater fame as Krystle Carrington in the primetime soap opera "Dynasty" (1981-1989). Her marriage to Derek occurred during a pivotal period in both their careers, adding another layer of intrigue to their public personas.
Mary Collins (1976-1998): Often known as Bo Derek, Collins, an American actress, entered Derek's life later in his career. She is known for "10" (1979) and "Tarzan, the Ape Man" (1981). Their marriage was John's most enduring relationship, lasting until his death in 1998, suggesting a deep bond and a shared understanding that transcended the fleeting nature of Hollywood relationships.

John Derek's marriages, particularly his union with Ursula Andress, frequently found themselves under the media's microscope. Andress, an undeniable sex symbol of her time, brought an added layer of scrutiny to their relationship. Conversely, his marriage to Mary Collins proved to be his most enduring, a testament to the possibility of finding lasting companionship amidst the transient nature of Hollywood romances, lasting over 20 years.

However, the path to enduring love was not without its obstacles for Derek. His marriage to Patti Behrs dissolved after a mere two years, while his union with Ursula Andress concluded after eight years. The marriage to Linda Evans was annulled after six years. These early relationships underscore the difficulties of navigating personal relationships alongside the demands of a high-profile career.

Despite these challenges, Derek and Mary Collins remained committed to each other until his passing in 1998. Their union bore fruit in the form of two children: a son named Sean and a daughter named Etta. This enduring bond suggests a level of compatibility and commitment that perhaps eluded Derek in his earlier relationships.

John Derek's first marriage was to Patti Behrs in 1951, a union that dissolved in 1953. This brief chapter in Derek's life offers a glimpse into his early romantic ideals and the potential pitfalls of young love in the fast-paced world of Hollywood.

Short-lived Marriage: The fleeting nature of Derek's first marriage raises questions about the compatibility of the couple and the pressures they faced as young actors carving their paths in Hollywood. Did the demands of their burgeoning careers overshadow their personal connection?
Early Career: At the time of his marriage to Behrs, Derek was still in the nascent stages of his career. The demands of establishing himself in the industry may have placed a strain on the relationship, leading to its eventual dissolution.
Lack of Compatibility: It is plausible that Derek and Behrs, despite their initial attraction, ultimately discovered fundamental differences that made a long-term commitment unsustainable. Divergent interests or conflicting aspirations may have contributed to the breakdown of their marriage.

Derek's first marriage, though brief, likely served as a valuable learning experience. It may have instilled in him a deeper understanding of the importance of compatibility, communication, and shared values in a successful partnership. The experience may also have highlighted the necessity of balancing personal aspirations with the demands of a thriving career.

John Derek's second marriage to Ursula Andress in 1957 marked a turning point in both his personal and professional life. The couple divorced in 1965, concluding a relationship that was as captivating as it was complex.

High-Profile Marriage: Derek's marriage to Andress, an international sex symbol, was a media sensation. Their every move was scrutinized, and their relationship became fodder for gossip columns and celebrity magazines. The constant attention likely placed immense pressure on the couple, testing the strength of their bond.
Career Impact: The marriage to Andress undeniably elevated Derek's profile, opening doors to more prominent roles and opportunities in the film industry. He benefitted from the reflected glow of her stardom, but this also came with the challenge of maintaining his own identity and artistic integrity.
Personal Challenges: Behind the glitz and glamour, Derek and Andress faced personal challenges that ultimately led to their separation. Conflicting schedules, differing priorities, and the inherent difficulties of maintaining intimacy in the spotlight likely contributed to the breakdown of their marriage.
Divorce: The dissolution of Derek and Andress' marriage in 1965 was a highly publicized and acrimonious affair. The couple engaged in heated exchanges through the media, revealing the deep-seated resentments and unresolved issues that had plagued their relationship.

Derek's second marriage can be viewed as a period of intense highs and lows. He reaped the benefits of being associated with a global icon but also grappled with the challenges of maintaining a stable relationship under the constant glare of the media. While the marriage ultimately failed, it undoubtedly shaped Derek's perspective on love, fame, and the complexities of personal relationships.

John Derek's third marriage to Linda Evans in 1968, which ended in divorce in 1974, adds another layer to the actor's intricate romantic history. This relationship, like his previous unions, was characterized by both public attention and personal challenges.

Derek and Evans' paths crossed on the set of "The Love Machine" in 1969, a fateful encounter that sparked a romance and led to their marriage in 1968. Their union produced one child, a son named John Derek Jr., adding another dimension to their lives as a couple.

As two successful actors navigating the competitive landscape of Hollywood, Derek and Evans found their relationship frequently under the microscope. The media closely followed their careers and personal lives, amplifying both the joys and the strains of their marriage. Differing aspirations and the demands of their respective careers eventually took their toll, contributing to the dissolution of their union.

After six years of marriage, Derek and Evans parted ways in 1974, marking the end of another chapter in their individual journeys. Despite the challenges they faced, the couple reportedly maintained an amicable relationship following their divorce, suggesting a level of maturity and understanding that transcended the complexities of their past.

Derek's third marriage stands as a testament to the complexities of balancing personal relationships with professional ambitions in the demanding world of entertainment. While the union ultimately dissolved, it left an enduring legacy in the form of their son, John Derek Jr., and contributed to the evolving tapestry of both Derek's and Evans' lives.

John Derek's fourth and final marriage to Mary Collins in 1976 marked a significant turning point in his personal life. This enduring union, which lasted until Derek's death in 1998, stands in stark contrast to his previous, shorter-lived relationships, offering a glimpse into the actor's capacity for lasting love and commitment.

Long-lasting Marriage: The longevity of Derek's marriage to Collins, spanning over two decades, suggests a deep and enduring connection between the couple. Their ability to navigate the challenges of life together, both within and outside the spotlight, speaks volumes about the strength of their bond.
Stable and Supportive: Collins served as a pillar of strength and stability for Derek, providing unwavering support throughout his personal and professional endeavors. Her presence likely contributed to a sense of groundedness in Derek's life, fostering a sense of security and belonging.
Shared Interests: The shared passions and interests between Derek and Collins, including photography and art, provided a foundation for their relationship, fostering a sense of companionship and shared purpose. Their mutual appreciation for creative pursuits likely enriched their lives and strengthened their connection.
Family Life: Together, Derek and Collins built a family, raising two children: a son named Sean and a daughter named Etta. Their commitment to creating a loving and supportive home environment reflects their shared values and their dedication to nurturing the next generation.

Derek's fourth marriage represents a culmination of his personal growth and a testament to the power of enduring love. His relationship with Collins provided him with a sense of stability, companionship, and purpose that perhaps eluded him in his earlier years. Their enduring union stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder that lasting love is possible, even in the often-turbulent world of Hollywood.

Here are some frequently asked questions about John Derek's spouses, shedding light on the relationships that shaped his life:

Question 1: Who was John Derek's first wife, and how long did their marriage last?

Answer: John Derek's first wife was Patti Behrs. Their marriage spanned from 1951 to 1953, lasting a brief two years.

Question 2: In total, how many times did John Derek exchange vows and enter into matrimony?

Answer: John Derek walked down the aisle four times, marrying Patti Behrs, Ursula Andress, Linda Evans, and Mary Collins.

Question 3: Which of John Derek's marriages proved to be the most enduring, standing the test of time?

Answer: John Derek's longest and most enduring marriage was to Mary Collins, lasting from 1976 until his death in 1998.

Question 4: Did John Derek's journey through life include the joys of fatherhood, and if so, how many children did he have?

Answer: Yes, John Derek experienced the joys of fatherhood, having three children in total. He had one son with Linda Evans and two children with Mary Collins.

These are just a few of the many questions that arise when exploring the romantic life of John Derek. His marriages, though varied in length and circumstance, offer valuable insights into the complexities of love, fame, and personal growth.

John Derek's life was a mosaic of professional achievements and personal relationships, with his marriages serving as prominent threads in the tapestry of his journey. He was married four times, each union bringing its own unique dynamic and challenges. His longest marriage was to Mary Collins, lasting over two decades and resulting in two children, Sean and Etta.

Derek's romantic life was often played out on the public stage, with his relationships garnering considerable media attention. His marriages to iconic figures such as Ursula Andress only amplified the scrutiny, placing his personal life under the spotlight.

Despite the glamour and allure that often surrounded his relationships, Derek's marriages were not without their share of difficulties. He experienced multiple divorces, and his union with Ursula Andress was particularly tumultuous. Yet, through it all, Derek remained a firm believer in the power of love and commitment.

Ultimately, John Derek's marriages offer a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of his personality and the complexities of navigating love and relationships in the high-stakes world of Hollywood. His experiences, both joyous and challenging, shaped him as an individual and contributed to the rich and compelling narrative of his life.

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John Derek's Wives: A Look At His Spouses & Marriages

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