\n\n\n\nThe actress on the set of \u201cHappy Days,\u201d 1975 | Source: Getty Images\n\n\n\n
Despite the personal struggles she faced, this resilient star found her way to a role that would forever change her life. Playing Marion Cunningham, the warm and loving mother on \u201cHappy Days,\u201d wasn\u2019t a stretch for her, as the character closely mirrored her own compassionate nature.\n\n\n\n
At the time she landed the part, she was having a tough time in her life. The opportunity to portray Marion was life-altering for the actress, who had dreamed of becoming an actress since childhood.\n\n\n\n Advertisement\n\n\n\n The actress on the set of \u201cHappy Days,\u201d 1974 | Source: Getty Images\n\n\n\n It was a role that not only defined her career but one she would always cherish. Reflecting on the show\u2019s success, she expressed her gratitude, \u201cIt was even beyond my dreams. Who knew that we would become an American legend?\u201d\n\n\n\n The actress, born in Watertown, Minnesota, moved several times during her childhood before settling in Albert Lea. At just 13, she changed the spelling of her name from \u201cMarian\u201d to \u201cMarion\u201d because she believed it would look better on a marquee.\n\n\n\n The actress on the set of \u201cHappy Days,\u201d 1982 | Source: Getty Images\n\n\n\n Advertisement\n\n\n\n Feeling unnoticed as a child, she explained in a 2018 interview that this sense of invisibility fueled her ambition. \u201cI didn\u2019t get any attention. But inside, there was somebody screaming, \u2018Look at me!\u2019 That makes you become an actress,\u201d said the veteran star.\n\n\n\n Her desire to be seen and heard carried into adulthood, and at 21, she surprised her parents by eloping with fellow actor Freeman \u201cEffie\u201d Meskimen in 1951. The couple had two children, Jim and Ellen Meskimen, but their marriage was far from ideal.\n\n\n\n The actress and Ellen Ross attend Fifth Annual Mother-Daughter Fashion Show on March 27, 1986, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images\n\n\n\n The mother of two candidly described her husband as \u201can unmotivated, moody drinker,\u201d reflecting the difficulties she faced during that time.\n\n\n\n The actress detailed her marital woes in her 2018 memoir, \u201cMy Days: Happy and Otherwise.\u201d She opened up about the turbulent relationship she had with Freeman, describing how their outwardly stable life masked deeper struggles.\n\n\n\n Advertisement\n\n\n\n The actress visits the SiriusXM Studios on April 4, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images\n\n\n\n Despite Effie holding a steady job and the family appearing settled, the pressure to support her children and take on every role available weighed heavily on her. She admitted that the \u201cnever gave me the feeling that now things would be the way I had always wanted them to be.\u201d\n\n\n\n Advertisement\n\n\n\n Over time, she came to realize that Freeman was a \u201cfunctioning alcoholic.\u201d The actress explained how he drank every evening until he passed out, yet still managed to wake up early, read the paper, and go to work, seemingly functioning well.\n\n\n\n The actress speaks at her book signing for \u201cMy Days: Happy and Otherwise\u201d on March 27, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images\n\n\n\n However, the marriage was far from harmonious. Arguments and yelling were frequent, and she recalled how his mood swings intensified as time went on. Despite her attempts to encourage him, their relationship was fraught with ongoing tension.\n\n\n\n Despite her efforts to hold the marriage together, the relationship reached a breaking point. The actress eventually left Freeman when \u201che began to have an affair with his secretary,\u201d she revealed.\n\n\n\n Advertisement\n\n\n\n The actress attends the Los Angeles Press Club\u2019s 61st annual Journalism Awards Dinner on June 30, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images\n\n\n\n After nearly two decades of marriage, the couple divorced. Reflecting on that challenging time, the actress shared, \u201cWhen I was 40, I got divorced. Nobody had a job [for me], and I had two small children,\u201d she disclosed in an interview.\n\n\n\n Marion Ross and Jim Meskiemen at the Los Angeles premiere of \u201cI Know That Voice,\u201d 2016 | Source: Getty Images\n\n\n\n Advertisement\n\n\n\n To make ends meet, she had to get creative with her finances. \u201cI rented out one of the bedrooms in my house to pick up some money. I\u2019d think, \u2018I made $35 today.\u2019 It was hard,\u201d the Gilmore Girls star continued.\n\n\n\n The actress visits Hallmark\u2019s \u201cHome & Family\u201d on January 23, 2019, in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images\n\n\n\n After overcoming the challenges of her first marriage and single motherhood, Marion Ross found love again at 60 with actor Paul Michael. Their romance was one filled with deep affection and mutual understanding.\n\n\n\n They finished each other\u2019s thoughts, held hands while they spoke, and shared dreamy gazes\u2014exhibiting all the signs of a couple deeply in love.\n\n\n\n Paul Michael and Marion Ross attend \u201cAcademy of Television Arts and Sciences Gala Honoring Top College Films\u201d on March 14, 1993, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images\n\n\n\n Advertisement\n\n\n\n Reflecting on their bond in a 2010 interview, Ross once said, \u201cPeople are capable of very hot romances as they get older. We sort of forget that, and sort of give up on that.\u201d In the same interview, Paul echoed her sentiments, saying, \u201cThese are the happiest days of my life.\u201d\n\n\n\n Tragically, their love story came to an end when Paul passed away in 2011 at the age of 84 due to heart failure. At that point, he and Marion had spent 23 years together, building a bond that was as heartfelt as it was enduring. She had lived with Paul, whom she fondly referred to as \u201cthe love of my life.\u201d\n\n\n\n Paul Michael and Marion Ross during Reception for Blake Edwards, Honorary Academy Award Recipient on February 26, 2004, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images\n\n\n\n Several years after Paul\u2019s passing, Marion revealed in 2018 that she had retired two years earlier. She expressed that she had already accomplished what she wanted in her career and now preferred to focus on enjoying her life with her family.\n\n\n\n Advertisement\n\n\n\n She mentioned that she often turned down offers for roles, choosing to reserve her time and energy for herself and her loved ones instead of taking on more projects.\n\n\n\n Advertisement\n\n\n\n Marion Ross at the American Heart Association\u2019s Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection on February 8, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images\n\n\n\n Marion Ross continues to embrace life with joy, and her son Jim often shares glimpses of their moments together on TikTok, particularly on her 95th birthday.\n\n\n\n Advertisement\n\n\n\n In September, Jim posted a heartwarming photo of himself and his famous mother, prompting an outpouring of love from followers. One user commented, \u201cOh my goodness, I\u2019m in tears. This is so incredibly sweet and beautiful!\u201d while another added, \u201cShe\u2019s amazing!\u201d Others shared similar sentiments, with one saying, \u201cShe\u2019s lovely, was a gem!\u201d\n\n\n\n Marion Ross\u2019s legacy continues to inspire and bring joy to her fans. Even in her retirement, she remains a beloved figure, both on and off the screen.\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The actress | Source: Getty Images This iconic Hollywood actress overcame the challenges of a troubled marriage and fully embraced life as a single mother. 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