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The Two Lives Of Bo Derek: From Controversial Marriage To Secret Wedding With John Corbett

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Bo Derek’s romantic life has been as captivating and headline-grabbing as her iconic career, spanning two vastly different marriages that define her personal history. As of , the legendary actress is happily married to actor and country music star John Corbett, a relationship that began quietly in the early 2000s and culminated in a surprise wedding. This modern, low-key partnership stands in stark contrast to her intensely scrutinized first marriage to the late director John Derek, a union that began when she was a teenager and lasted for 22 years.

The curiosity surrounding "Bo Derek husband" is a blend of Hollywood nostalgia and current events, focusing on the dramatic shift from a controversial, Svengali-like partnership to a stable, long-term relationship with one of television's most beloved leading men. This deep dive explores the two men who have held the title of Bo Derek's husband, detailing their lives, careers, and the enduring legacy of their relationships with one of Hollywood's most enduring beauties.

Bo Derek's Husbands: A Tale of Two Johns

Bo Derek, born Mary Cathleen Collins, has been married twice, both times to men named John. These two relationships form the pillars of her adult life, each marking a distinct era in her personal and professional journey.

  • Current Husband: John Corbett
    • Full Name: John Joseph Corbett Jr.
    • Born: May 9, 1961 (Age 64 in 2025)
    • Occupation: Actor, Country Music Singer
    • Notable Roles: Chris Stevens in *Northern Exposure*, Aidan Shaw in *Sex and the City* and *And Just Like That...*, Ian Miller in *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* (2002), *My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2* (2016), and *My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3* (2023).
    • Relationship Start: 2002 (Introduced by a mutual friend, agent Norby Walters).
    • Marriage Date: December 2020 (Revealed publicly in August 2021).
  • First Husband: John Derek (Deceased)
    • Full Name: John Harris Derek
    • Born: August 12, 1926
    • Died: May 22, 1998 (Age 71)
    • Occupation: Actor, Film Director, Photographer, Screenwriter
    • Previous Wives: Pati Behrs (1948–1956), Ursula Andress (1957–1966), Linda Evans (1968–1974).
    • Marriage Date: June 10, 1973 (Married in Mexico).
    • End of Marriage: May 22, 1998 (Upon his death).

The Controversial Romance with John Derek (1973–1998)

The relationship between Bo Derek and her first husband, John Derek, is one of Hollywood’s most talked-about and controversial pairings. Bo, then known as Mary Collins, met the director in 1973 when she was just 16 and he was 46, still married to actress Linda Evans.

This significant age gap and the circumstances of their meeting led to intense media scrutiny. Following the initial controversy, the couple moved to Germany and then to Mexico to avoid legal issues related to her age in the United States.

They married in 1973 after she turned 18. John Derek became the driving force behind Bo's career, famously transforming her into the international sex symbol seen in the 1979 blockbuster *10*.

He directed her in several films, including *Fantasies* (1981), *Tarzan, the Ape Man* (1981), *Bolero* (1984), and *Ghosts Can't Do It* (1989). While these films often emphasized her striking beauty, they were frequently panned by critics, leading to a unique, often tumultuous, career trajectory.

Despite the criticism and the unconventional start, their marriage lasted 22 years until John Derek's death from heart failure in 1998. Bo often speaks of their deep, enduring bond, describing him as her mentor and the great love of her life.

John Corbett: The Quiet, Enduring Love Story (2002–Present)

After being widowed for four years, Bo Derek began the second major chapter of her romantic life. In 2002, she was introduced to actor John Corbett by a mutual friend, agent Norby Walters.

Their first date was a casual backyard barbecue, a low-key beginning that set the tone for their famously private and grounded relationship.

Corbett, known for his roles as the charming, sensitive love interest in major franchises, brought a new sense of stability to Bo’s life. His television credits include the philosophical DJ Chris Stevens on the hit show *Northern Exposure* and the fan-favorite furniture designer Aidan Shaw in *Sex and the City* and its sequel series, *And Just Like That...*

The couple dated for an impressive 18 years before finally tying the knot. Corbett publicly revealed in August 2021 that he and Bo had gotten married in a secret ceremony in December 2020.

The decision to marry after nearly two decades together was a quiet, personal one, reflecting their preference for privacy over a Hollywood spectacle. They live a relaxed life on a ranch in California, focusing on their shared passion for animals, particularly horses.

Beyond the Limelight: Bo Derek’s Career and Activism

While her relationships often dominate the narrative, Bo Derek has maintained a consistent career and dedicated herself to significant charitable work, adding depth to her public persona.

Her filmography, beyond the John Derek-directed movies, includes the highly successful comedy *Tommy Boy* (1995), where she played a memorable supporting role. She has also appeared in various television roles and made numerous public appearances, including a recent one with John Corbett at a major industry event in early 2025.

A lifelong Republican and passionate advocate, Bo Derek is perhaps most respected today for her tireless work as an animal rights activist.

She has served on the California Horse Racing Board, written a memoir titled *Riding Lessons: Everything That Matters in Life I Learned from Horses*, and actively campaigns against horse slaughter. Her commitment to animal welfare is a central part of her life, often overshadowing her past acting roles.

The journey of Bo Derek—from the controversial ingenue of the 1970s to the respected animal rights figure and happily married partner of John Corbett in 2025—is a testament to her resilience and ability to reinvent herself. Her two marriages, though worlds apart, have shaped a life that continues to fascinate and inspire curiosity.

bo derek husband
bo derek husband

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