Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy had one of Hollywood greatest and most tragic love stories. They met in 1934 when MGM paired the two stars in the musical Naughty Marietta. The movie was a hit and audiences instantly fell in love with the singing duo. Off screen Nelson and Jeanette began a passionate affair. They continued to make hit movies together but kept their real life romance a secret at the insistence of MGM president Louis B. Mayer. Sadly the couple would not end up living happily ever after.
By 1938 they had broken up and both were married to other people. Jeanette's husband Gene Raymond was rumored to be gay while Nelson's wife Ann suffered from mental problems. Eventually Nelson and Jeanette resumed their passionate love affair. Jeanette became pregnant several times but tragically she lost the babies. Although they still loved each other neither was ever willing to get a divorce. When Jeanette died in 1965 Nelson was heartbroken. He passed away just two years later.
A video of Nelson at Jeanette's funeral ...
To learn more about Jeanette and Nelson's love story please visit MacEddy.com