This 96-Year-Old Actress Made $35 a Day After Divorce — Her Incredible Journey Will Shock You!
This iconic Hollywood actress overcame the challenges of a troubled marriage and fully embraced life as a single mother. She was determined that “nothing” would stand in her way.
This beloved TV star, who turns 96 on October 25, 2024, is most recognized for her memorable role in the classic sitcom Happy Days, where she graced the screen for all 11 seasons. However, she has gone far beyond that iconic chapter in her career, overcoming numerous personal struggles.
Despite her personal difficulties, this star remained strong and soon landed a role that would forever change her life. Playing Marion Cunningham, the warm and loving mother on Happy Days, was easy for her, as the character was similar to her own compassionate nature.
When she got the part, she was going through a tough time. The chance to portray Marion was a turning point for the actress, who had dreamed of acting since childhood.
The role shaped her career and became one she would always cherish. Reflecting on the show’s success, she expressed her gratitude, saying, “It was even beyond my dreams. Who knew that we would become an American legend?”
The actress, born in Watertown, Minnesota, moved many times during her childhood before settling in Albert Lea. At 13, she changed the spelling of her name from “Marian” to “Marion” because she thought it would look better on a marquee.
Feeling overlooked as a child, she explained in a 2018 interview that this feeling of invisibility drove her ambition. “I didn’t get any attention. But inside, there was somebody screaming, ‘Look at me!’ That makes you become an actress,” said the veteran star.
Her desire to be noticed continued into adulthood. At 21, she surprised her parents by eloping with fellow actor Freeman “Effie” Meskimen in 1951. The couple had two children, Jim and Ellen Meskimen, but their marriage was far from ideal.
The actress candidly described her husband as “an unmotivated, moody drinker,” reflecting the hardships she faced during that time.
She discussed her marital struggles in her 2018 memoir My Days: Happy and Otherwise. She opened up about her turbulent relationship with Freeman, revealing how their outwardly stable life masked deeper issues.
Despite Freeman having a steady job and the family seeming settled, the pressure to support her children and take on every role available weighed heavily on her. She admitted, “Our life […] never gave me the feeling that now things would be the way I had always wanted them to be.”
Over time, she realized Freeman was a “functioning alcoholic.” She explained how he drank every evening until he passed out but still managed to wake up early, read the paper, and go to work, appearing to function well.
However, their marriage was full of tension. Arguments and yelling were frequent, and she recalled how his mood swings worsened with time. Despite her attempts to encourage him, their relationship remained strained.
The marriage reached a breaking point when the actress left Freeman after “he began to have an affair with his secretary,” she revealed.
After nearly two decades of marriage, the couple divorced. Reflecting on that difficult period, the actress shared, “When I was 40, I got divorced. Nobody had a job [for me], and I had two small children,” she disclosed in an interview.
To make ends meet, she had to get creative. “I rented out one of the bedrooms in my house to pick up some money. I’d think, ‘I made $35 today.’ It was hard,” the Gilmore Girls star continued.
After overcoming the challenges of her first marriage and single motherhood, Marion Ross found love again at 60 with actor Paul Michael. Their relationship was filled with deep affection and mutual understanding.
They finished each other’s thoughts, held hands while speaking, and shared dreamy gazes—showing all the signs of a couple deeply in love.
Reflecting on their bond in a 2010 interview, Ross said, “People are capable of very hot romances as they get older. We sort of forget that, and sort of give up on that.” Paul echoed her sentiments, saying, “These are the happiest days of my life.”
Tragically, their love story ended when Paul passed away in 2011 at 84 due to heart failure. At that point, he and Marion had spent 23 years together, building a bond that was both heartfelt and enduring.
Several years after Paul’s passing, Marion revealed in 2018 that she had retired two years earlier. She said she had already accomplished everything she wanted in her career and now preferred to focus on enjoying her life with her family.
She mentioned that she often turned down role offers, preferring to reserve her time and energy for herself and her loved ones.
Marion Ross continues to embrace life with joy, and her son Jim often shares glimpses of their moments on TikTok, especially on her 95th birthday.
In September, Jim posted a heartwarming photo of himself and his famous mother, prompting an outpouring of love from followers. One user commented, “Oh my goodness, I’m in tears. This is so incredibly sweet and beautiful!” while another added, “She’s amazing!” Many others shared similar sentiments, saying, “She’s lovely, was a gem!”
Marion Ross’s legacy continues to inspire and bring joy to her fans. Even in retirement, she remains a beloved figure on and off the screen.
