Jamie Lee Curtis honored her former boyfriend Robert Carradine shortly after learning about his passing from her close friend Melanie Griffith. Carradine died on Monday, February 23, at the age of 71, with his family publicly confirming the cause of his death. Curtis’s heartfelt tribute offers a glimpse into their connection during the 1970s and the shared moments that left a lasting impact.
Memories of Love and Family in the 1970s
Jamie Lee Curtis recalled dating Robert Carradine in the late 1970s and meeting his young daughter, Ever, at the time. Describing a striking “meet cute” moment, she recounted that their first encounter happened live on television during a Dinah Shore show featuring second-generation actors. Carradine had rearranged seating so he could sit next to Curtis and kissed her on air, marking the beginning of their relationship.
The actress described how she first saw Ever, then a three-year-old, during a difficult time when the child was hospitalized with severe burns. Despite her injuries, Ever’s “biggest smile” and “most beautiful eyes” left a vivid impression on Curtis. This period became a formative experience in Curtis’s life, blending domesticity, early motherhood, and partnership within the simple yet vibrant setting of Laurel Canyon.
Life Together in Laurel Canyon
Curtis painted a picture of their life as a “little family” in a modest home with a dirt floor, where the routines of daily life—walking to a market, visiting the laundromat, and folding clothes—highlighted the beauty and simplicity of the late 1970s lifestyle. This time gave Curtis her first real taste of family life and partnership.
Connections with Melanie Griffith and Shared Memories
The tribute also detailed the intertwining relationships among Carradine, Griffith, and Curtis. Curtis noted that Carradine had worked with Melanie Griffith in a film, and the two men were once lovers. Later, Curtis and Griffith became close friends and ongoing colleagues, with Griffith being the person who informed Curtis of Carradine’s death.
Curtis also recalled Carradine’s adventurous spirit beyond acting, mentioning his hobby as a racecar driver in a Corvette racing along Mulholland Drive. She described the danger of those drives, reflecting on how lucky they were to avoid serious accidents. A vivid memory stood out when Curtis recognized Carradine as “Slim” from the movie The Cowboys, realizing he had been her first movie crush.
Enduring Friendships and Cinematic Ties
Jamie Lee Curtis respected Carradine not only for their shared past but also for his wider connections in the film world. She pointed out his role in the movie The Long Riders alongside her husband, Christopher Guest, where multiple sets of brothers portrayed real-life historical siblings. Even after their romantic relationship ended, Curtis and Carradine maintained their friendship, as did Curtis and Ever.
This tribute sheds light on a meaningful chapter in Jamie Lee Curtis’s life and highlights the enduring legacy of Robert Carradine’s career and relationships. As fans and friends remember Carradine’s contributions to film and the people he touched, Curtis’s reflections emphasize the resilience of bonds formed through shared history and affection.
