The actress | Source: Getty Images
The actress, widely known for starring in the drama series “Hawaiian Eye,” is 86 years old. Even after a decades-long career in show business, she continues to captivate audiences with her timeless beauty.
Born Concetta Rosalie Ann Ingoglia, the celebrity grew up in a lively Italian household. With a heritage she believes includes Iroquois roots, she adopted her father’s stage name and pursued singing before landing extra roles in films.
The actress pictured on January 1, 1958 | Source: Getty Images
Her breakthrough came when Jerry Lewis cast her in “Rock-a-Bye Baby” (1958), propelling her to stardom with roles in “77 Sunset Strip” and “Hawaiian Eye.”
Marilyn Maxwell, Jerry Lewis, and the actress on the set of "Rock-a-Bye Baby," in 1958 | Source: Getty Images
Despite her success, the actress found Hollywood challenging. “This is a tough industry. I’ve never run with the pack so to speak. I’ve always been my own person. Everybody knows that,” she once revealed.
The actress pictured during a portrait session on December 1, 1961, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
The Hollywood star resisted the pressures of showbiz, “The business process here is very tricky… You have to go to the right parties, play the game. Which I refused to do.”
The singer photographed on January 1, 1962 | Source: Getty Images
Unfortunately, her professional triumphs were often shadowed by personal heartbreak. In 1963, she married actor James Stacy, but the relationship ended in 1966 after years of abuse.
The actress and James Stacy after their wedding on October 12, 1963, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Seeking love once more, she wed singer Eddie Fisher in 1967, becoming the third of his five wives. However, their union was short-lived due to Fisher’s struggles with substance abuse and infidelity, leading to their divorce in 1969.
The actress and Eddie Fisher pictured in a car on February 4, 1967, in the United Kingdom. | Source: Getty Images
Though their marriage lasted just two years, it brought two daughters into the world — Joely and Tricia Leigh Fisher — both of whom followed in their mother’s footsteps to become actresses. After these tumultuous relationships, the mother of two chose not to marry again.
Tricia and Joely Fisher photographed with the singer at an event on January 1, 1970 | Source: Getty Images
After her second marriage ended, the “Susan Slade” star embraced life as a single mother. She and her kids’ unconventional lifestyle brought them closer together.
A close-up of the celebrity on January 1, 1970, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
“We were like carni-folk,” Joely once recalled in her memoir, “Growing Up Fisher: Musings, Memories and Misadventures.” When they traveled with their mom, she would ask if they felt like coming on stage, and they eventually became part of her act.
The movie star on the set of "The Sex Symbol," 1974 | Source: Getty Images
Throughout the siblings’ childhood, their parent was a steadfast source of love and guidance. “She has reiterated to me over the years what an incredible human being I am and how proud she is of me and what a great mother I am,” Joely further divulged. “She is an affectionate, generous, incandescent spirit of a woman.”
The actress on the set of "Harry's Battles," 1981 | Source: Getty Images
That deep bond remains unbroken today. As Joely fondly put it, “It was always the three of us against the world. She lights up when we all show up. And, you know, we surround her with love.”
The actress on the set of "The Love Boat" 1987 | Source: Getty Images
Yet even the closest families face moments of heartache. Sadly, the family experienced a devastating loss in 1996 when her mother’s older brother, Charles Thomas Ingolia, died of a heart attack in Las Vegas at 63.
The singer at the Los Angeles premiere of "Love Is All There Is," 1997 | Source: Getty Images
A gifted drummer, he spent seven years as a studio musician for Warner Bros., lending his talent to recordings and television productions. During his career, he also took on acting roles, appearing in several TV movies, including “Hawaiian Eye,” where he shared the screen with his younger sister.
The actress at the 49th Emmy Award nominations on September 10, 1997 | Source: Getty Images
Two years after his death, challenges continued to arise for his sibling. In 1998, actress-singer Connie Stevens faced another significant hurdle when a Los Angeles Superior Court jury ruled that she owed her former manager, Norton Styne, $4.3 million.
Connie Stevens during 50th Annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards on August 28, 1998, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
The case centered around Forever Spring I, her cosmetics line sold on the Home Shopping Network. The jury determined that Styne was instrumental in helping develop the line and was entitled to 10 percent of the profits based on a verbal agreement.
Connie Stevens during John Wayne Cancer Institute Odyssey Ball on April 10, 1999, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Connie maintained that she created the concept with a friend and that Styne’s role was limited to arranging meetings with HSN executives. Though she admitted to sending him checks, she described them as “part business and part gifts.”
Connie Stevens at the Hollywood Christmas Parade on November 28, 1999, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Styne’s lawyer, Barry Langberg, noted, “When there’s an oral agreement, it’s a little harder to prove… But I knew that Mr. Styne was telling the truth. And I think the jury saw that.”
Connie Stevens during A Family Celebration Second Annual Gala on April 1, 2001, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Connie’s attorney, Steve Schiffres, anticipated an appeal, maintaining there was no arrangement or contract. He characterized his client as disappointed and stunned by the decision.
Connie Stevens attends the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 28, 2007, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Seeking new opportunities, the Hollywood star had turned to the cosmetics business after Styne failed to secure acting roles or personal appearances for her.
Connie Stevens attends "Loukoumi's Celebrity Cookbook" Los Angeles premiere party on December 4, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite these obstacles, her determination remained unshaken. In 2012, the film she conceived, co-wrote, produced, and directed — “Saving Grace B. Jones” — debuted in select cities.
Connie Stevens attends the Follow The Stars/Adopt A Pet 2013 Rose Parade Float Unveiling on December 6, 2012, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Of her achievement, Connie said, “I started this film at 70, so I’m very proud of my accomplishment. I have asked, but I don’t think there is another female [movie director] that has ever done that. I’m the first one.”
Connie Stevens attends the Cops 4 Causes 2nd annual "Heroes Helping Heroes" benefit concert on September 11, 2013, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Yet even with her remarkable accomplishments, life presented another devastating setback. In 2016, she suffered a massive stroke and later recalled the ordeal, “I was in the hospital about 16 days, and I couldn’t walk, couldn’t move my whole left side.”
Connie Stevens attends The Disabled Veteran Business Alliance's Annual Salute To Veterans Day Breakfast on November 11, 2016, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Connie’s recovery has since been steady, and while she now resides in assisted living, her spirit remains unbreakable. “[…] She’s strong and a fighter,” her daughter Joely shared.
Connie Stevens attends The Lettermen honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 24, 2020, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Connie’s strength and resilience continue to shine through. In May 2023, Joely shared heartfelt family photos of herself, her mother, and her sister. The trio happily posed together, with the veteran actress beaming between her daughters. Her child captioned the post, “Scenes from a day that included mothers.”
Over the years, fans have continued to express their admiration for Connie on social media. One fan wrote, “I love her! She’s great.” Another added, “Wow, Connie Stevens is still such a babe!” Someone else shared, “Always wanted to be Connie Stevens!” while another noted, “Connie Stevens still has that beautiful smile!”
Connie Stevens’ enduring charm and talent continue to captivate fans across generations, as their heartfelt words reflect the lasting impact she’s made. Through triumphs and challenges, she remains an icon of grace, resilience, and timeless beauty.
