Evie Wynn Johnson: Marriage, Family & Hollywood Life | Uncovered
Was the life of Evie Wynn Johnson a captivating blend of Hollywood glamour, personal turmoil, and enduring love? Evie Wynn Johnson, born Eve Lynn Abbott, navigated the complexities of fame and relationships, leaving behind a legacy marked by her marriages to two prominent actors and a life lived in the spotlight.
Born on May 8, 1914, in Buffalo, New York, Evie Wynn Johnson's journey through the world of entertainment was far from ordinary. Beginning her career as a stage actress under her birth name, Eve Abbott, she later transitioned to the silver screen, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood's golden age. Her life, a tapestry woven with threads of public scrutiny, professional pursuits, and personal connections, offers a compelling narrative of a woman who defied convention and embraced the unpredictable nature of life in the public eye.
Evie's path through Hollywood's elite circles was paved with both triumphs and tribulations. From her early days touring with the renowned actress Katherine Cornell to her marriages to Keenan Wynn and later, Van Johnson, Evie's life was a constant source of fascination for the public. These relationships, particularly her marriage to Van Johnson so soon after her divorce from Keenan Wynn, sparked intense media interest and public debate.
| Full Name | Eve Lynn Abbott (later Evie Wynn Johnson) |
| Birth Date | May 8, 1914 |
| Birth Place | Buffalo, New York, USA |
| Death Date | July 19, 2004 (aged 90) |
| Death Place | Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA |
| Marriages | Keenan Wynn (1939-1947), Van Johnson (1947-1968) |
| Children | Schuyler Johnson (daughter with Van Johnson) |
| Known For | Being the former wife of actors Keenan Wynn and Van Johnson. Actress in "Private Secretary" (1953), and "Motion Picture Stars Attend Premiere of 'Call Northside 777'" (1948). |
| Career | Actress. She toured with Katherine Cornell early in her career. |
| Notable Relationships | Close friend of Van Johnson before their marriage. |
Evies journey began in Buffalo, New York, where she entered the world on May 8, 1914. This was the first chapter of a life that would span nearly a century and encompass some of the most dramatic changes in American culture and entertainment. Her early experiences laid the foundation for a career that would see her traversing the stages and screens of Hollywood's most glamorous era.
Before her name became synonymous with Hollywood royalty, Evie, under her birth name Eve Abbott, was a young actress honing her craft. She toured with Katherine Cornell, a respected name in the world of theatre, gaining valuable experience and exposure that would serve her well in the years to come. It was during this period that she built a foundation for the career that was soon to follow.
The year 1939 marked a significant turning point in Evie's life when she married Keenan Wynn. While the marriage would ultimately end in divorce, it introduced her to the world of Hollywood and the close-knit community of actors and industry professionals. The couples social circle included some of the biggest names in the business. This exposure would lead to her later marriage to Van Johnson.
Evie and Keenans circle of friends included Van Johnson, a rising star in Hollywood. Johnson reportedly spent a significant amount of time at the Wynns home, a testament to the deep friendship between the three. This close bond would evolve in a way that would surprise many and become the subject of intense public interest.
The divorce from Keenan Wynn in 1947 set the stage for another chapter in Evie's life. It was in the same year that she married Van Johnson, a decision that sent shockwaves through Hollywood. The speed with which the marriage followed the divorce, reportedly only hours after the divorce in Juarez, Mexico, raised eyebrows and fueled speculation. The public was captivated by the drama of a marriage that was born out of friendship and within the complexities of Hollywood's social scene.
The marriage to Van Johnson brought Evie into a new phase of her life. It gave her a daughter named Schuyler, who was born in 1948. While Van Johnsons career was reaching its peak, the couples personal life was marked by the same intensity of the public eye. The paparazzi followed their every move, documenting their appearances and scrutinizing their relationship.
Evies connection with Van Johnson brought with it the added responsibility of step-motherhood. Through this marriage, she became stepmother to Edmond Keenan (Ned) and Tracy Keenan Wynn, Keenan Wynns sons. These family dynamics presented their own set of challenges and formed a complex family dynamic within the Hollywood spotlight.
Evie's presence in the public eye, along with her marriage to Van Johnson, solidified her place within the narratives of Hollywood history. Her image was captured in numerous photographs, chronicling her time. The public fascination with the couple's life extended from their arrival in New York on the liner Queen Elizabeth to their public appearances at film premieres and social events.
In a statement published after her death, Evie reflected on her life, offering a glimpse into her perspective. This perspective offers insight into her relationships and the decisions she made. The statement provided a personal testament to the woman behind the headlines and the movie star facade.
Despite the public scrutiny, Evie and Van Johnson enjoyed more than two decades of marriage. While the marriage ended in divorce in 1968, it reflected her resilience and ability to navigate the intricate landscape of relationships within the context of the entertainment industry. During those years, they shared experiences and created memories. Their relationship was a testament to their ability to weather the storms of fame and maintain their bond.
Evie Wynn Johnson's life offers us a complex story of love, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Her story, enriched by her personal relationships and her place in Hollywood history, continues to fascinate those interested in the golden age of cinema.
Evie Wynn Johnsons legacy is preserved not only through her own life but also through the experiences of those closest to her. Her daughters memoir, published in 2001, provided an intimate portrait, offering a rare look at Evie the woman. The memoir, titled "Lana Turner's Daughter's Memoir" and "A Daughter's Memoir," provides a deeply personal account of Evies life and the lasting impression she made on those she loved.
Evie Wynn Johnsons story, therefore, is a compelling narrative that underscores the power of personal connections. Her story offers a glimpse into a life lived in the spotlight, marked by both triumph and tribulation. From her humble beginnings in Buffalo, New York, to her position as a prominent figure in Hollywood's golden age, her journey is one of constant reinvention.
The story of Evie Wynn Johnson, as it unfolds, captures the essence of a life lived fully in the glare of the public eye. It is a tale of an actress, a wife, a mother, and a woman who left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who knew her, as well as those who only knew her through the silver screen and the headlines.
