Her rise to fame came unexpectedly, and she considers herself “fortunate” for the twist of fate that launched her career. Despite her success, she has faced significant challenges, including a life-threatening diagnosis.
This actress became a TV icon after starring in an ’80s hit show, for which she received two Emmy nominations. Her successful career brought her into the life of a fellow actor who tragically passed away.
The actress’s path to stardom, shaped by a mix of talent and unexpected twists, took a significant turn in the late 1970s. While committed to a Broadway production of “Cyrano de Bergerac,” a newspaper strike in New York disrupted plans for out-of-town shows.
This fortunate timing allowed her to take on the pilot for “Hart to Hart,” a project that would become a defining chapter in her career. “I will be forever grateful to whichever union caused the strike and allowed me to work on the pilot,” she expressed in an interview once.
From 1979 to 1984, the actress and Robert Wagner charmed audiences as Jennifer and Jonathan Hart, a sophisticated couple solving mysteries against a backdrop of luxury and intrigue.
Their strong working rapport, forged during prior collaborations, brought authenticity to their performances and fueled behind-the-scenes moments of shared laughter that occasionally paused production.
Her time on “Hart to Hart” cemented her status as a beloved figure in Hollywood, but her personal life was equally compelling. At just 19, she met Oscar-winning actor William Holden at a dinner party, though their romance didn’t begin until 1972, after years of chance encounters.
Their relationship was deeply rooted in shared passions. “We both had curiosities about people, places, history, art and wildlife,” she revealed in her memoir “One From the Hart.” Early in their relationship, Holden introduced her to Kenya, a journey that proved transformative.
As the TV star recounted in her book, “Every place we went eventually played some part in my future.” This inaugural trip to Africa reshaped her perspective and priorities, inspiring a lifelong dedication to conservation and exploration.
Her introduction to Kenya with Holden opened a new chapter in her life, blending romance with a shared passion for wildlife and conservation. Kenya became a sanctuary for their most cherished moments.
“One of the sides we shared the most was our love of Africa and just being outdoors and sleeping under the sky,” she recounted, describing their adventures in tracking and relocating animals as a real-life story of exploration.
However, their relationship faced difficult moments. In Los Angeles, the actor experienced a severe health scare after drinking, and her swift intervention likely saved him. Though friends urged her to step away, she chose to remain by his side.
“I opted to stay the course,” the Hollywood native reflected, guided by her unwavering dedication. Their time together, though challenging, brought meaningful milestones. Holden was sober for six years during their nine-year relationship, the longest in his adult life.
For her, those years symbolized the depth of their bond and the perseverance that defined their journey. The challenges and triumphs of their relationship left an indelible mark on her life, but 1981 brought an unbearable loss.
While filming in Hawaii and enjoying the peak of her career with “Hart to Hart,” she learned that Holden had died after a fall during a drinking binge. For the first time, she wasn’t there to save him. “That was a very, very tragic period,” the veteran star reflected
The profound loss of Holden was a reminder of the remarkable life he lived, both on and off the screen. Known for iconic roles like “Stalag 17,” he also nurtured family bonds, supported wildlife conservation, and even assisted the CIA.
“Fame did not interest him,” his daughter, Virginia Holden Gaines, once shared, highlighting his humble nature. Holden’s partner founded the William Holden Wildlife Foundation to honor his legacy by promoting wildlife conservation and sustainable practices in Kenya.
The organization, serving 11,000 students annually, rebuilds schools and provides resources to support biodiversity education. Once-struggling villages now thrive, showcasing the impact of this meaningful work.
Honoring Holden’s memory through her conservation work, she also found room for new beginnings in her personal life. At 21, she married actor Gary Lockwood in 1966, but their relationship faced challenges.
Lockwood’s control over finances led to risky investments in coastal land and Malibu properties, both of which suffered due to development restrictions, leaving them with significant debt.
Reflecting on the aftermath of their divorce in 1972, she said, “I was 28 and I had nowhere to live. Luckily I was young enough to bounce back. Not everybody does.”
After rebuilding her life, she found love again with French businessman Patrick de la Chesnais. Their marriage, marked by time spent apart as he lived primarily in France, lasted six years before ending in divorce in 1999.
Although she has no children, she cherishes her role as a godmother. She also takes pride in her connection to Holden’s family, noting with joy that his niece and granddaughter have joined the board of the wildlife foundation created in his honor.
The five-time Golden Globe nominee’s later years have been shaped by reflection and a commitment to sharing her journey. The TV star shared her life’s most challenging moments in her autobiography, “One from the Hart.”
The memoir explores the profound impact of her mother’s death and her lung cancer diagnosis afterward. “The book was motivated by two life changing events,” she explained, referring to those transformative experiences.
A former smoker, she credited routine doctor visits with catching her illness early, a factor she believes saved her life. “Early detection is everything,” she stated.
While uncertain about smoking’s role in her diagnosis, she noted her stepsister faced the same condition despite never smoking. Writing the book, the star revealed that it offered a therapeutic chance to revisit her past and process the pivotal events that shaped her.
At 82, Stefanie Powers continues to captivate fans, with her ageless beauty earning admiration on social media. In an October 2024 Instagram post, her followers flooded the comments with praise.
“It is so great to see Ms. Powers looking so beautiful these days!” one shared. Another wrote, “You are so marvelous and beautiful.” A longtime admirer added, “You’re still gorgeous. I’m still watching my recorded “Hart to Hart” shows! Will always be one of my all time favorite shows.” One fan even asked, “How is it possible that you do not age? Beautiful as ever!”
Through a life of achievements and challenges, Stefanie Powers remains a timeless icon, cherished for her elegance and celebrated for her legacy. Her story continues to inspire fans across generations.
