Stefanie Powers is a legend in the acting world. She has been in several TV shows and movies, and her career started when she was just 16. The renowned actress has participated in more than 200 TV shows as a guest, including 18 mini-series and two weekly shows.
One of her notable roles was in “The Feather and Father Gang” and the iconic mystery series “Hart to Hart,” where she played Jennifer Hart. She’s had a fantastic career with many memorable appearances. However, since tragedy struck the actress, she has been MIA, making fans curious about her whereabouts. Here’s all we know.
Stefanie Powers’ Failed Marriages
In 1966, Stefanie Powers married her first husband, Gary Lockwood. Unfortunately, their love story ended in 1972. Then, in 1973, she gave marriage another chance with Patrick De La Chenais, but sadly, their relationship didn’t last either and fizzled out in 1974.
After those two marriages didn’t work out, Powers found herself in a relationship with William Holden. Like her, Holden is a famous actor from the 1950s. He was also 24 years older than the talented actress.
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How Stefanie Powers Met Her Late Husband, William Holden
In her memoir “One From the Hart,” Stefanie Powers recalled her time with William Holden. According to an excerpt from the book, the two first crossed paths at a New Year’s Eve bash thrown by Dominick and Lennie Dunne.
Powers attended with her friend Moss Mabry, a costume designer. While Mabry was off looking for drinks, Powers found herself standing all alone, waiting for him to come back. “As I turned, the man behind me also turned, and I was face-to-face with William Holden,” she recounted. “I blushed. He smiled. He said, ‘Hi, Will Holden.’ I somehow made a sound that resembled speaking and said my name.”
Just as Mabry returned, Holden raised his glass and wished them a happy New Year. Powers couldn’t help but be captivated by his smile as he sauntered off. Fortunately, that wasn’t the last time she laid eyes on him.
A few years later, Stefanie Powers was checking out some books on Africa at a shop in Beverly Hills. While she was perusing the shelves, she heard a voice she recognized. William Holden recommended a specific book for her to try.
Powers turned around and saw Holden’s charming smile. She couldn’t help but blurt out, “Hello again! We met at the Dunnes a few years back.” She felt embarrassed because she thought there was no way Holden could remember such a quick meeting.
Holden remembered her and was surprised to see her again. He asked if she was into Africa, and she mentioned she’d been to Egypt but not farther south. Holden told her to look him up if she ever made it to Kenya.
After a while, the two met again at La Costa, a resort co-owned by Merv Adelson. At the time, Holden was a guest at the exact location. Adelson had hosted a cocktail party for those who partook in a tennis tournament while there and invited Holden to the event.
The duo got to know each other better after the event, and since Powers was going through a divorce at the time, it was easier to connect with Holden.
Stefanie Powers Spoke About Her Relationship With Holden
Even though they were both of the same age, the actress said they were both curious about life in the same way. They connected over their love for the wild and exploring new places. Stefanie Powers even called them soulmates.
She said of the nine years they spent together, Holden was sober for six of them. Those were the times they shared the most amazing moments, like their trip to Africa. The actress noted that those days they spent traveling in Africa were the absolute best for them.
Stefanie Powers said they loved being outside, sleeping under the sky, and even tracking animals. Sadly, Holden died in 1981, at the peak of his career. The actor received an Oscar nomination for the film “Network” in 1977. However, his alcohol abuse held him back.
Holden died in his home after he fell and hit his head. Reports stated that Holden was heavily drunk when he fell. However, his death was caused by the amount of blood he lost from his head injury.
Powers Survived Lung Cancer
Powers had her fair share of troubles, too. She used to be a smoker for a long time, but then she had lung cancer. She credits her survival to those regular visits to the doctor. Luckily, they found her cancer early on. And since then, she’s been an advocate for regular checkups.
However, the actress said she was unsure if her years of smoking brought her cancer because her step-sister, who had never smoked, also survived the same diagnosis. Surviving lung cancer was like a fresh start for the actress.
She had to go through a procedure where they removed a part of her lungs two days after her mother passed away. Powers is on a mission to dedicate her life to wildlife animals and expand her foundation.
She has achieved incredible success through her organization and even received multiple awards for her contributions to the field.
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Powers Appears in Public After Life in Kenya
Stefanie Powers kept Holden’s legacy alive by starting a foundation in his name. She founded “The William Holden Wildlife Foundation” in Kenya as a tribute to him and his love for wildlife.
The foundation promotes animal conservation and humane treatment. Its headquarters are in California, and Holden’s Game Ranch is in Kenya. Powers is its president. The actress is also interested in learning about agriculture.
She shared a snap of herself at a local farm in Kenya, standing next to bamboo trees, with an informative caption about bamboo’s benefits. The actress also shared a snap of herself standing next to an elephant, raising awareness about the ivory smuggling issue and urging people to fight for animal conservation.
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