Let me tell you about the legendary composer Burt Bacharach, the man behind some of the most iconic hits of the '50s and beyond. Burt, a Grammy-winning maestro, had quite the personal life outside of music. Over the years, he experienced love, heartbreak, and lasting happiness. He was married and divorced three times before finding true love with his fourth wife, Jane Hansen. Burt spent the rest of his life with Jane until his passing at the age of 94 on February 8, 2023. His publicist, Tina Brausam, confirmed the news to The Associated Press. Let’s dive into Burt’s fascinating marriage history and the women who played significant roles in his life.
Meet Burt’s First Love: The Talented Paula Stewart
Back in 1953, Burt tied the knot with his first wife, Paula Stewart. Paula was already making waves in the entertainment world as an actress, having started her career a few years earlier as an understudy in the Broadway production of Seventeen. Her acting credits spanned a variety of roles, including appearances in popular TV shows like Hogan’s Heroes, The Big Valley, and Love, American Style. Paula and Burt’s union was a match made in showbiz heaven—she was an actress, and he was a pianist composing arrangements for her nightclub performances, according to IMDb.
Paula’s career highlight came when she played the sister of Lucille Ball’s character in the 1960 Broadway musical Wildcat. This role not only showcased her talent but also sparked a lifelong friendship with Lucille Ball. In a November 2020 interview with Closer, Paula reminisced about her time with Lucy. "When a break came during rehearsals, I saw Lucy standing in a corner, nervously pulling on a cigarette, so I went over and asked if I could help her with her songs,” Paula recalled. “She just threw her arms around me. She was so grateful that somebody was going to help her."
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However, Burt and Paula’s marriage came to an end in 1958 after five years together. Paula went on to marry her second husband, Jack Carter, in 1961. They had a son named Michael before parting ways in 1970.
Burt’s Second Chapter: Angie Dickinson, the Hollywood Starlet
In 1965, Burt entered his second marriage with the enchanting Angie Dickinson. Angie started her career in beauty pageants before landing guest roles on NBC shows. Her acting journey took off with roles in western films and dramas such as Cry Terror and China Gate. By the mid-60s, Angie was headlining in films like The Art of Love alongside Dick Van Dyke and Cast a Giant Shadow with Kirk Douglas. She became a household name as the star of the TV series Police Woman.
Burt and Angie’s marriage produced one child, daughter Nikki Bacharach. Tragically, Nikki passed away at the age of 40 in 2007. Angie and Burt eventually parted ways in 1981, ending their 16-year marriage. Despite the heartbreak, Angie continued to shine in her acting career.
Burt’s Third Union: The Creative Partnership with Carole Bayer Sager
In 1982, Burt found love again with the talented lyricist Carole Bayer Sager. Carole, a New York University graduate, made a name for herself as a teenager with the hit song "A Groovy Kind of Love," which was later recorded by artists like Sonny and Cher, Phil Collins, and Petula Clark. Her self-titled debut album was released in 1977, followed by a second album a year later. Their collaboration began when Burt produced Carole’s third album, Sometimes Late at Night.
In 1982, Carole achieved one of her biggest career milestones by winning an Academy Award for the song "Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)" from the film Arthur. During their marriage, Burt and Carole adopted a son named Christopher Elton Bacharach. However, their union ended in 1991. Carole later married businessman Robert Daly in 1996, continuing her journey in life.
