19 Gay Men Who Were Once Married to Women

16. Jack Wrangler

Wrangler was an openly gay and straight pornographic film actor, theatrical producer, and director and writer. However, when Wrangler met singer Margaret Whiting in 1976, he was impressed by her loud style and charisma. The pair were married from 1994 until his death in 2009, but they were constantly criticized for their relationship. Wrangler once explained, “I’m not bisexual and I’m not straight. I’m gay, but I could never live a gay lifestyle, because I’m much too competitive. When I was with a guy I would always want to be better than him: what we were accomplishing, what we were wearing — anything. With a woman you compete like crazy, but coming from different points of view, and as far as I’m concerned, that was doable.”

17. Mark Herron

Herron was an American actor best remembered as the fourth husband of the late Judy Garland. Herron and Garland were married in November 1965 in Las Vegas, but separated after only 5 months of marriage, apparently due to his homosexuality. Herron had a long-lasting relationship with fellow actor Henry Brandon. The two men remained together until Brandon’s death in 1990. This would have been Garland’s second marriage to a closeted gay man.

18. Rock Hudson

Rock Hudson is best remembered as a leading man in the 1950s and 60s, starring in films like Magnificent Obsession (1954), All That Heaven Allows (1955) and Giant (1956). He also appeared in a number of romantic comedies alongside actress Doris Day. In 1955, Confidential magazine threatened to publish an exposé outing Hudson as gay. According to many, Hudson’s homosexuality was well known in Hollywood throughout his career. However, Hudson married secretary Phyllis Gates in 1955 and many believe the union was arranged to hide the actor’s true sexual orientation. The couple divorced after three years and it was later revealed that Gates was a lesbian who had always been aware of Hudson’s orientation. The Dynasty star died in 1985, becoming the first major celebrity to die from an AIDS-related illness.