Ava Gardner, known as ‘the world’s most beautiful animal,’ disclosed details of her infamous romantic involvements on her deathbed.
The renowned actress had always been hesitant about sharing her life story, but circumstances led her to allow journalist Peter Evans to pen down the account of her extraordinary experiences due to financial difficulties.
Evans, who passed away in September, was entrusted with Gardner’s secrets, as she expressed, “I either write the book or sell the jewels.
And I’m kinda sentimental about the jewels.”
Her revelations were captured in the book titled “Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations,” completed in 1988 before her demise in London, yet the contents remained undisclosed until 2010.
In one shocking disclosure, Gardner narrated her adventurous initial outing with future husband Frank Sinatra, disregarding his marital status at the time.
They drove through Palm Springs, California, during the night, engaging in shooting out streetlights and store windows with .38s.
Despite marrying Sinatra in 1951 and parting ways six years later after a tumultuous relationship, Gardner held Sinatra dear to her heart, labeling him as the love of her life.
Rumors suggest that Gardner delayed publishing her memoirs due to financial assistance from Sinatra, compensating for the potential earnings, as reported by the New York Post.
Born into poverty in Grabtown, North Carolina, on Christmas Eve 1922, Gardner was discovered as a young talent and ventured into Hollywood under a seven-year contract with MGM Studios.
Her first marriage was to Mickey Rooney, a youthful film star, following persistent pursuit by the actor.
However, Gardner later revealed in her memoirs that Rooney had been unfaithful to her while she was recuperating from surgery.
Gardner’s life took another turn when she engaged in a relationship with Howard Hughes, characterized by conflicts and volatile encounters, including an incident where she threw a marble ashtray at him.
Following her split from Rooney, Gardner married band leader Artie Shaw, who she described as domineering and undermining her self-worth, leading her to adopt harmful habits of heavy smoking and excessive drinking.
Despite facing challenges in her relationships, Gardner’s charisma and allure captivated audiences, overshadowing her modest acting abilities, relying mainly on her physical appearance for success in Hollywood.
In her final years, Gardner’s beauty had faded due to her lifestyle choices, yet her legacy endures through the tales of her passionate romances with Sinatra and Rooney, defining an era of glamour and scandal in the golden age of Hollywood.
