Actresses Who Maintained Secret Girlfriends While Married to Famous Men

Hollywood and the lives of the rich and famous have always been full of secrets. Throughout history, many actresses have struggled to balance the demands of being married to powerful men with their own personal desires and identities. Their stories reveal how society’s expectations have changed over time and the compromises these women made between their careers and living authentically. From the early days of filmmaking to today, these actresses have left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.

Anne Heche

Anne Heche’s life included a marriage to Coleman Laffoon after her well-known relationship with Ellen DeGeneres. Throughout her relationships, she openly explored her identity and personal connections. Her roles in shows like ‘Gracie’s Choice’ and ‘Men in Trees’ highlighted her acting talent during times of change. Later in life, she discussed the difficulties of staying true to herself in an industry that often pressured people to fit in.

Portia de Rossi

When Portia de Rossi’s acting career was taking off, she was married to filmmaker Mel Metcalfe. However, she later revealed she kept her relationships with women secret, fearing it would harm her career. While her role on ‘Ally McBeal’ made her famous worldwide, she kept her personal life private. Ultimately, she found happiness by publicly coming out and marrying Ellen DeGeneres, her longtime partner.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon was with Danny Mozes for many years before she started dating women. Despite her fame from ‘Sex and the City,’ she kept her personal life private as she explored her identity. She later married Christine Marinoni and became a strong voice for LGBTQ+ rights. Her journey from a more conventional life to embracing her queer identity was a notable part of her public story.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello was in a long-term relationship with Dan McDermott, and they have a son together. She later shared, in a heartfelt essay, that she had also fallen in love with a close female friend. This came as a surprise to many, as she had previously been seen as straight. Bello wrote about this experience and her understanding of love’s complexities in her book, ‘Whatever Love Is Love,’ which highlights how attraction can change and evolve.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie has had several high-profile marriages, including to Jonny Lee Miller and Billy Bob Thornton. She’s also been open about her relationships with women, like Jenny Shimizu. These personal connections often happened while she was married and maintaining her public image as a major celebrity. Many believe her roles in films like ‘Girl, Interrupted’ and ‘Gia’ were influenced by her own complicated life experiences.

Amber Heard

Amber Heard’s relationship with Johnny Depp drew a lot of attention from the media worldwide. Before and during her time in the spotlight, she openly discussed being attracted to people of all genders. She was in a long-term relationship with Tasya van Ree prior to marrying Depp. Despite intense public scrutiny of her personal life, she continued to work as an actress, appearing in films like ‘Aquaman’.

Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich and her husband, Rudolf Sieber, stayed married for many years, even though they lived largely independent lives. She was famous for having many romantic relationships with both men and women throughout her successful career. She had a close circle of female friends and companions, and their identities were often kept private from the public. Films like ‘Morocco’ and ‘Shanghai Express’ made her a style icon, known for her sophisticated and gender-bending image.

Tallulah Bankhead

Tallulah Bankhead, a popular actress at the peak of her career, was briefly married to actor John Emery. Known for her outspoken nature and lack of inhibition, she openly discussed her many relationships, including those with women. Her distinctive gravelly voice and daring personality made her memorable in films like ‘Lifeboat’ and on stage. She defied typical Hollywood wife expectations and lived life according to her own rules.

Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford was married four times, including to actor Douglas Fairbanks Jr. While publicly known for her career, rumors suggested she also had close relationships with several women she worked with and befriended. She famously clashed with other actresses, but this often hid a very private and complicated personal life. Crawford’s iconic role in ‘Mildred Pierce’ won her an Academy Award and solidified her place as one of cinema’s biggest stars.

Judy Garland

Judy Garland had a vibrant but often difficult personal life, including five marriages to well-known men like Vincente Minnelli and Sidney Luft. While publicly known for her wholesome image, many accounts reveal she also had significant relationships with women. Throughout her career, she faced intense pressure from studio bosses to maintain this specific public persona. Despite these challenges, Judy Garland remains a hugely popular and iconic movie star, best remembered for her unforgettable performance in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and other classic films.

Salma Hayek Pinault

Salma Hayek Pinault is a well-known actress in Hollywood, and is married to businessman François-Henri Pinault. Throughout her career, there have been stories about her strong relationships with other women in the industry. She frequently emphasizes how important female friendships are to her, both personally and professionally. Her role in the film ‘Frida’ demonstrated her commitment to portraying strong, complex women on screen.

Alla Nazimova

Alla Nazimova was a famous actress in silent films. Although legally married to Sergei Golovin for a long time, she was a prominent and openly queer figure in early Hollywood, known for the lavish parties she threw at her estate, the Garden of Allah. She had long-term relationships with several women while continuing her successful acting career. Nazimova is best remembered for her innovative and artistic productions of ‘Salomé’ and her impact on the art of acting.

Claudette Colbert

Claudette Colbert had two husbands: actor and director Norman Foster, and Dr. Joel Pressman. However, she was also known for a long-term romantic relationship with a woman, which she kept private to maintain her public image as a star in romantic comedies. Her role in the film ‘It Happened One Night’ helped make her a major success in the 1930s.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel broke barriers as the first African American to win an Oscar, and she had four marriages during her life. She was close to a group of Black actresses who offered each other support and friendship. Despite facing limitations in the roles she could play due to the studio system’s control over her public image, McDaniel persevered and is remembered for her iconic performance in ‘Gone with the Wind’ and her resilience in a segregated Hollywood.

Agnes Moorehead

Agnes Moorehead, married to actor Jack G. Lee, was known for keeping her private life guarded, leading to much gossip among those who knew her. There were whispers that she had intimate relationships with women, despite presenting a serious and professional demeanor to the public. She became incredibly famous as Endora in the TV show ‘Bewitched,’ captivating a new audience. Throughout her extensive career, she proved her talent in iconic films like ‘Citizen Kane’ and ‘Dark Passage.’

Barbara Stanwyck

Barbara Stanwyck was married twice to well-known figures – first to Frank Fay, and later to the actor Robert Taylor. While she was a Hollywood star, rumors circulated about a close-knit group of women she belonged to, all of whom preferred to keep their personal lives private. Stanwyck became famous for playing strong, self-reliant characters in classic films like ‘Double Indemnity’ and ‘The Lady Eve’. She’s remembered both for her impressive work and for carefully protecting her privacy.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was a world-renowned actress and icon, celebrated for her talent, her activism, and, famously, her eight marriages to seven different husbands, including Richard Burton. Beyond her public life and romantic relationships, she also formed close, often private, friendships with other women. Throughout her decades-long career, she gave memorable performances in films like ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ and ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.’

Vivien Leigh

Vivien Leigh, famous for her beauty and talent, shared a celebrated marriage with fellow actor Laurence Olivier. However, she privately battled mental health issues and found solace in relationships with various people. Despite personal struggles and intense public attention, she continued to dedicate herself to her craft, earning two Academy Awards for her iconic roles in ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘A Streetcar Named Desire.’

Katharine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn had a short marriage to Ludlow Ogden Smith, but she’s most remembered for her decades-long relationship with Spencer Tracy. Known for her strong personality and refusal to follow typical norms, rumors often circulated about her romantic interests in women. She famously challenged Hollywood’s fashion standards by frequently wearing pants. With an impressive four Academy Awards for films such as ‘The Lion in Winter’ and ‘On Golden Pond,’ Hepburn cemented her status as one of the greatest actresses of all time.

Louise Brooks

Louise Brooks, though married to director Edward Sutherland, felt trapped by both her marriage and the demands of Hollywood. She confided in friends about her attraction to women and her longing for independence. Known for her signature bob and her role in the classic film ‘Pandora’s Box,’ she became a defining figure of the Jazz Age. Ultimately, she left filmmaking to pursue a more private life and later wrote a well-regarded memoir detailing her experiences.

Paulette Goddard

Paulette Goddard was a glamorous actress and socialite who famously married stars like Charlie Chaplin and Burgess Meredith. During her career, she appeared in popular films such as ‘Modern Times’ and ‘The Women,’ and became known for her lively personality. There were also rumors of romantic relationships with women within high society in both Europe and America, and she effortlessly moved among the most elite circles internationally.

Janet Gaynor

I’ve always been fascinated by Janet Gaynor! She was a huge star back in the silent movie days, and it’s interesting to learn more about her life. She and the brilliant costume designer Adrian were married for a long time, but from what I’ve read, it seemed like they both valued their independence and privacy. There were even whispers about her having long-term relationships with women, all while keeping up this perfect image for the public. Of course, she’s famous for being the very first actress to win an Academy Award, for ‘Sunrise’ and a bunch of other amazing films!

Mary Martin

Mary Martin was a famous and well-loved Broadway performer. She was married to Richard Halliday for many years, but rumors circulated about a secret, intimate relationship she had with another actress. Martin became a legend of American theater thanks to her iconic roles in shows like ‘South Pacific’ and ‘The Sound of Music.’ She carefully maintained a respectable public image, even though her personal life was quite complicated.

Elsa Lanchester

Elsa Lanchester and Charles Laughton were married for a long time, until his passing. Their marriage was unique, and it later came to light that they both had relationships with people of the same sex. Lanchester is widely remembered for playing two roles in the classic horror film ‘Bride of Frankenstein.’ She enjoyed a long and successful career, appearing in many films and TV shows with memorable character parts.

Lizabeth Scott

Lizabeth Scott was a popular actress in classic film noir, and the media often focused on her relationships with famous men. Later, rumors surfaced in the tabloids suggesting a private life with women, which caused a scandal. This controversy seriously damaged her career and reputation in Hollywood during the 1950s. Before this, she starred in well-known films like ‘The Strange Love of Martha Ivers’ and ‘Dead Reckoning,’ but her career declined afterward.

Patricia Neal

Patricia Neal, married to renowned author Roald Dahl, overcame significant hardships in her personal life. Throughout these challenges, she formed close bonds with women who provided crucial support. Despite everything, she delivered a remarkable, Oscar-winning performance in the film ‘Hud’ with Paul Newman, and continued to be admired for her strength and commitment to acting.

Simone Signoret

Simone Signoret, a celebrated actress, was married to Yves Montand, a well-known singer and actor, for many years. While married, rumors circulated about her close relationships with other women, which were largely kept private. In the 1950s, she made history as the first French actress to win an Academy Award, receiving the honor for her performance in ‘Room at the Top’. Throughout her career, she was known for her intelligence and her skill at portraying nuanced and sophisticated characters.

Catherine Deneuve

Catherine Deneuve, known for her roles in classic films like ‘The Umbrellas of Cherbourg’ and ‘Belle de Jour,’ is a symbol of French elegance and a prominent figure in international cinema. Her personal life, including marriages like the one to photographer David Bailey and relationships with directors such as Roger Vadim, has often been the subject of public interest. She remains an important cultural icon, representing French culture on the world stage.

Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Bardot, a famous actress and sex symbol, was married four times – including to Roger Vadim and Gunter Sachs. While at the height of her career, there were whispers of relationships with women, but she was also known for her deep love of animals. Her role in the film ‘And God Created Woman’ was groundbreaking for how it depicted female sexuality. Later in life, she left acting behind to dedicate herself to animal rights activism.

Jeanne Moreau

Jeanne Moreau, a leading actress of the French New Wave, was married twice – to Jean Louis Richard and William Friedkin. Throughout her celebrated career, she was known for playing strong, independent women and for her distinctive voice. She’s especially remembered for her iconic performance in the film ‘Jules and Jim,’ and while her professional life was well-documented, she was also known for having a private life full of interesting relationships.

Saffron Burrows

Saffron Burrows previously had a long-term relationship with director Mike Figgis and later married Alison Balian. She’s spoken openly about being attracted to people of all genders and having loved both men and women. Known for her roles in films like ‘Deep Blue Sea’ and the TV series ‘Mozart in the Jungle,’ she’s proven herself a versatile actress while also prioritizing a genuine and private personal life.

Anna Paquin

Anna Paquin, known for her role in ‘True Blood,’ is married to her co-star Stephen Moyer, and they have two children. She publicly came out as bisexual and has since been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance. Paquin began her acting career as a child, famously winning an Academy Award for her performance in ‘The Piano’ in the 1990s, and continues to star in prominent film and television roles.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood is an actress known for her roles in ‘Westworld’ and ‘Thirteen,’ which have brought her critical praise and awards. She was previously married to Jamie Bell and has been publicly connected to other well-known actors. Wood identifies as bisexual and openly discusses the significance of living authentically. She is also a dedicated advocate for both LGBTQ+ rights and those who have experienced domestic abuse.

Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho is a comedian and actress who openly shares her experiences as a queer person with fluid relationships, including her long marriage to Al Ridenour. She frequently draws on her personal life, and relationships with both men and women, for her stand-up routines. Known for her roles in shows like ‘All American Girl’ and ‘Drop Dead Diva’, Cho uses her visibility to advocate for diversity, inclusion, and challenge traditional expectations in the entertainment industry.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza and director Jeff Baena have been together for a long time and recently got married in a private ceremony. She’s shared that she’s attracted to people based on who they are as individuals, not their gender. Plaza first gained recognition for her hilarious and dry wit on ‘Parks and Recreation,’ and has since proven her acting range with more serious roles in films like ‘Black Bear’ and ‘Emily the Criminal.’

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne is an actress who first gained fame on the Disney Channel and has since appeared in a variety of films. She’s been engaged to Benjamin Mascolo and has been publicly linked to several other well-known figures. Thorne is open about her pansexuality and often shares details about her relationships, including those with women, with her large social media following. She’s known for being honest and open about her personal life online.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore is a well-known actress and entertainer who has been married three times, including to Tom Green and Will Kopelman. Throughout her life in the public eye, she’s openly discussed past relationships with both men and women, and how she views her own identity as evolving. From her early role in ‘E.T.’ to her current work as a producer and talk show host, she’s enjoyed a long and successful career, remaining a popular and cherished figure in American entertainment.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is known for keeping her personal life private, even while being connected to several well-known men. She later publicly identified as non-binary and pansexual, expressing her experiences through her art, including her music and acting. Her roles in films like ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’ highlighted her impressive acting skills. She continues to be a groundbreaking force in both music and film, known for her distinctive style and creative vision.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson is a well-known actress who has dated both men and women, and openly discusses her flexible approach to sexuality. She’s passionate about portraying a wide range of characters and believes in the importance of diverse stories. Thanks to her work in popular franchises like Marvel and Creed, she’s become a leading figure advocating for greater inclusivity and representation in Hollywood.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes was previously married to Dave Hall before publicly identifying as a lesbian. She is now married to Alex Niedbalski and is a well-known advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly within the comedy scene. Through her roles in shows like ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘The Upshaws,’ she’s become a highly regarded comedian. She often incorporates stories about her family and identity into her popular stand-up performances.

Meredith Baxter

Meredith Baxter, known for her role on ‘Family Ties’ and her appearances in many 1980s television shows, was married to three men, including her co-star David Birney. Later in life, she publicly came out as a lesbian, revealing a long-held secret. She wrote about her experiences and newfound happiness in her autobiography, ‘Untied’.

Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis, known for her memorable roles in 1980s films like ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Witness’, was married twice and had two children. She later came out as a lesbian and chose to prioritize her personal life and theater work, leading to a step back from mainstream Hollywood. Her path to self-acceptance and living openly has been discussed in interviews and biographical pieces.

Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson’s career blossomed internationally while she was married to Clyde Klotz and Julian Ozanne. She’s openly discussed past relationships with women and her view that attraction isn’t limited by gender. Anderson became a worldwide star for her role as Dana Scully in ‘The X Files,’ and continues to be praised for her work in shows like ‘The Fall’ and ‘Sex Education,’ all while keeping her personal life largely private.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin has been in a relationship with Jane Wagner for many years. Early in her career, though, the media often connected her with male coworkers. Despite never marrying a man, she faced significant pressure to keep her personal life private while working in the demanding entertainment industry. Her memorable roles in shows like ‘9 to 5’ and ‘Grace and Frankie’ have established her as an iconic actress and comedian. She’s also admired for her dedication to her beliefs and her long-standing commitment to her values, both personally and professionally.

Please share your thoughts on these fascinating stories of Hollywood history in the comments.

2026-03-25 09:50