Inger Stevens was a Golden Globe-winning actress with a closet full of skeletons. Haunted by her demons, she would never be able to escape the shadow of death.
1. Her Life Was Full Of Ominous Events
Inger Stevens was the Swedish-born American actress famous for her starring role in the light-hearted TV series, The Farmer’s Daughter. Her personal life, however, was anything but comedic. Full of dark secrets, ill-fated romances, and a lifelong flirtation with the Grim Reaper, Stevens was Hollywood’s star-crossed starlet.
Silver Screen Collection, Getty Images
2. She Had A Nightmarish Childhood
Stevens’ life began a long way from the glare and glamor of Hollywood spotlights. She was the eldest of three children born to Per and Lisbet Stensland in October 1934, in Stockholm, Sweden. But if you were picturing quiet fjords and heavy-knit sweaters, think again. Her childhood quickly turned into the stuff of nightmares.
3. Her Mother Abandoned Her
When she was just six years old, Stevens’ mother did the unthinkable. For reasons that we may never know, she abandoned the family but took Stevens’ youngest brother, Peter, with her. Shortly after that, Stevens’ father left for the United States, leaving her and her other brother, Ola, in the care of their family maid.
Even that didn’t last.
United Artists, Hang 'Em High (1968)
4. She Couldn’t Find A Place To Call Home
With both of her parents effectively MIA, Stevens and her younger brother, Ola, had to rely on their extended family. The young quasi-orphans eventually ended up at their aunt and uncle’s house on the small island of Lidingö, just outside of Stockholm. Fortunately, unlike her mother, Stevens’ father hadn’t totally abandoned the family.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
5. She Reunited With Her Father
After years of separation, Stevens’ father, Per, sent for his children. A nine-year-old Stevens, along with her younger brother, arrived in the United States via steamship in 1944. Their reunion, however, was not a happy one.
Stevens’ father had since remarried to an American woman, Carol Buswell—and Stevens was about to learn that the trope of the evil stepmother was all too real.
United Artists, Hang 'Em High (1968)
6. She Had An Evil Stepmother
Stevens and her family eventually put down roots in Manhattan, Kansas. Much like Dorothy, however, she wasn’t in the “proverbial” Kansas anymore. Her teenage years were filled with turmoil. For one, she didn't get along with her stepmother at all, and the family argued constantly.
However, she eventually found a dramatic way to escape her suffocatingly strict household.
7. She Ran Away From Home
By 16, Stevens had had enough of her evil stepmother. In a brazen act of defiance, she ran away from home and found herself on the cold streets of Kansas City. Without a dollar to her name, she was desperate to find a job. Thankfully, she first found work as a waitress. However, it was her second job that really set her on a new path.
8. She Was A Burlesque Performer
Throughout high school, Stevens had found refuge from her troubled life in her school’s stage productions, singing and performing for her peers. It was only natural, then, that, in her hour of need, she would gravitate towards the stage. In a somewhat scandalous turn of events, Stevens found work as a chorus girl in a burlesque show.
But not everyone appreciated her “talents”.
New York Sunday News., Wikimedia Commons
9. She Reunited With Her Father Once Again
Given her age, the idea of Stevens on a burlesque stage was scandalous. But it was also the wake-up call that her father needed. Shortly after she started performing in burlesque, Stevens’ father found her and brought her back to the family home. Again under strict supervision, Stevens completed her high school diploma but, by that time, she knew what she really wanted.
John Springer Collection, Getty Images
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10. She Took A Bite Out Of The Big Apple
After her graduation, Stevens’ family moved to Texas for her father’s work. But, defiant as ever, she chose to stay behind to pursue a career in acting. She first returned to Kansas City, modeling and performing in fashion shows. Pretty soon, however, she set her sights on the Big Apple—but only found big trouble once she got there.
11. She Was A Working Girl
Once she arrived in New York, Stevens found work as a model, phone operator, and cashier while going out on auditions. When she wasn’t working, however, she was honing her skills as an actress, studying with Lee Strasberg, and performing as a chorus girl in the Latin Quarter. It was her work in the bedroom, however, that landed her her first roles.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
12. She Mixed Work And Play
In 1955, after landing a string of small roles in commercials and television shows, Stevens began a lifelong habit of mixing work with play. After dating her agent, Anthony Soglio, for eight months, she agreed to marry him. While she managed to bury the details of their marriage deep in her closet of skeletons, we still know enough to paint a terrible picture.
13. Her Wedding Was The Worst Day Ever
“[The wedding day] was the worst day of my life,” Stevens later confessed about her marriage to Soglio. “I married him for a lot of the wrong reasons[…]and he was the only person I knew in New York”. It’s no surprise then that the marriage she described as a “nightmare” ended in divorce just six months later. But getting rid of Soglio for good would not be that easy.
14. Her Ex-Husband Took Her Money
Soglio might not have been a good husband to Stevens, but he was an excellent agent. He had been the one to suggest she change her last name from “Stensland” to “Stevens” and landed her several TV roles. But he made her pay for it. For the seven years following their divorce, Stevens had to pay Soglio 5% of her earnings.
And she was about to make bank.
15. She Made Her Big Debut
Following her divorce from Soglio, Stevens moved to Hollywood—and on to bigger and better things. It didn’t take her long to make her big screen debut. She landed her first movie role in the 1957 film Man on Fire, starring alongside Bing Crosby. The film catapulted her into stardom, but no one was talking about her acting chops.
16. She Set Crosby On Fire
Stevens and Crosby lit up the box office with their film Man on Fire. But that wasn’t the only thing going up in flames. During filming, Stevens had set Crosby’s loins ablaze and the two began dating. In fact, their romance was so hot and heavy that Crosby was ready to ask Stevens the big question. There was just one problem.
17. She Would Not Convert
On paper, Stevens and Crosby made for the perfect couple. She was a promising young starlet and he was a well-established Hollywood heartthrob. Unfortunately, there was just one thing the couple couldn’t get over: faith. Their happy relationship ended when Stevens put her foot down: She would not convert to Catholicism. Then her demons came out.
18. She “Cried Terror”
Shortly after breaking up with Stevens, Crosby married the actress Kathryn Grant. Crosby’s quick recovery allegedly left Stevens devastated. Then things got worse. While filming a scene in the 1958 film Cry Terror! Stevens nearly suffered a terrible and tragic demise. It would just be her first of many close brushes with the Grim Reaper.
19. She Nearly Drew Her Last Breath
While filming a scene in a subway tunnel for Cry Terror!, Stevens nearly breathed her last breath—literally. She and her co-star, Rod Steiger, began choking on carbon monoxide fumes, coming within a breath of a grim end. It’s not clear how the fumes filled the subway tunnel, but the more shocking fact was Stevens’ reaction.
20. She Wanted To Go
Years later, Stevens’ Cry Terror! co-star, Steiger, made a terrible revelation about the starlet. According to Steiger, when the film’s crew tried to give Stevens medical help, she refused it. Stevens, possibly still heartbroken over Crosby, explained that she didn't want to live. Fortunately, Steiger and the rest of the crew convinced her otherwise.
But maybe only temporarily.
21. She Was Having A Bonanza
The two or three-year period following her breakup from Crosby and his subsequent marriage to Grant marked a low point (one of many) in Stevens’ life. Nevertheless, despite her personal struggles, her career continued to flourish with more film roles and guest spots on hit shows like Bonanza. But, by New Year’s Day in 1960, something was clearly wrong.
22. She Stepped Out Of The Spotlight
In late 1959, just as her career seemed ready to go into hyperdrive, Stevens took a step back from the glaring spotlight. She left her home in Hollywood and moved back to New York. At first, the move didn’t raise any alarm bells. Then she did something that left all of her fans, friends, and family scratching their heads.
23. She Was Not Having A Good Year
After attending a New Year’s Eve party in 1959, Stevens returned home. Allegedly, perhaps faced with the skeletons in her closet that only she knew about, the actress felt dispirited and took drastic measures. In what many believe to be an apparent attempt to end her own life, Stevens ingested a handful of sleeping pills.
And sleep she did.
Donaldson Collection, Getty Images
24. Her Legs Got Big
It wasn’t until three days later that the authorities found Stevens unconscious in her home. She had, supposedly, taken a combination of sleeping pills and ammonia, causing blood clots to form in her lungs. Another consequence was that her legs were extremely swollen—almost twice their original size.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, she sustained other injuries from the incident.
MGM, The World, the Flesh and the Devil (1959)
25. She Was Blind As A Bat
By the time the authorities found her, swollen legs were the least of Stevens’ concerns. The potentially lethal combination of sleeping pills and ammonia had left her blinded. Against the odds, however, after just a few short weeks, she had made a full recovery. But her explanation for the nearly fatal incident only raised more questions.
MGM, The World, the Flesh and the Devil (1959)
26. She Never Explained Herself
Even years later, Stevens never provided an explanation for her drastic decision to ingest lethal amounts of sleeping pills and ammonia. The best anyone ever got out of her was that she considered it to be one the “stupidest things” she had ever done. Crazy as it seems, this wasn’t even Stevens’ closest brush with the Grim Reaper.
MGM, The World, the Flesh and the Devil (1959)
27. Her Career Went Back To Normal
Following her near-death experience and miraculous recovery, Stevens landed a string of high-profile TV appearances in shows ranging from Moment of Fear to Checkmate and Hong Kong. In an eerie twist to her story, however, one of her on-screen performances ominously mirrored and foreshadowed the dark events of her real life.
28. She Entered The Twilight Zone
In 1960, Stevens had a starring role in one of the most iconic episodes of Twilight Zone. The episode, titled "The Hitchhiker," saw Stevens’ character, Nan Adams, stalked by a shadowy figure. Spoiler alert: the shadowy figure turns out to be none other than the embodiment of death itself. In an eerie instance of life mirroring art, the Dark Angel was stalking Stevens.
29. She Had A Stalker
In 1961, following her appearance on Twilight Zone, Stevens was on a plane destined for Lisbon, Portugal. The details about the plane’s flight aren’t exactly clear, but one thing is: The Grim Reaper wanted Stevens. For reasons that are unclear, the plane had to make an emergency crash landing in Lisbon. It was what happened next that raised the hairs on Stevens’ neck.
30. She Made A Great Escape
Despite a rough landing, the plane that Stevens was on was more or less intact. Nevertheless, authorities had to disembark the jetliner’s passengers one at a time. Inexplicably, Stevens was the last person to exit the plane—and just in time. Mere seconds after she disembarked, the jetliner experienced mechanical issues and exploded.
Funny enough, she nearly blew up her career as well.
31. She Eloped In Mexico
1961 turned out to be an explosive year for Stevens. After only narrowly escaping the jetliner incident with her life, Stevens made a move that could have caused her career to implode. In November of that year, she traveled to Tijuana, Mexico to marry the actor, producer, and businessman, Ike Jones. The scandal? He was a Black man.
Los Angeles County Arboretum, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
32. She Kept Her Marriage A Secret
Given the social and political climate of the time, Jones urged Stevens to do something that broke his heart. Both knew that, if their interracial marriage ever became public knowledge, their careers in show business would come to a quick and unceremonious end. Stevens agreed to keep their marriage a secret—but there wasn’t much room in her closet for another skeleton.
Los Angeles Daily News, Wikimedia Commons
33. Her Career Cost Her Her Marriage
In order to preserve the secrecy of their marriage, Stevens and Jones agreed to lead essentially separate lives. In a cruel twist, their little ploy worked—a little too well, perhaps. With their reputations intact, both Stevens’ and Jones’ careers continued their upward trajectory. But it came at the expense of their love.
34. She Was The Farmer’s Daughter
Between 1961 and 1963, Stevens’ busy schedule kept her away from Jones. But what was bad for her marriage, was good for her career. Based on a string of successful television appearances, she landed what would become her defining role as the star of The Farmer’s Daughter. But the happy show concealed the sad realities of her life.
ABC, The Farmer's Daughter (1963–1966)
35. Her Real Life Was No Joke
The Farmer’s Daughter was a light-hearted show that provided audiences with a reprieve from the troubles of the early 1960s. But, it caused no end of troubles for Stevens and Jones. With their busy schedules, the couple rarely had the opportunity to spend time together. And what time they did spend together often ended in bitter feuds.
36. She Fought With Her Husband
Despite their love for each other, Stevens and Jones bickered often and bitterly. Only their family and closest friends knew what was going on behind closed doors. The couple would spend weeks apart only to reconcile later and repeat the process. It was all getting to be too much for Stevens.
ABC, The Farmer's Daughter (1963–1966)
37. She Was “Uncomfortable” On Set
On the set of the 1968 film Madigan, Stevens reached her breaking point. The film’s director, Don Siegel, wrote in his autobiography that the Swedish-born actress was not at ease. Allegedly, the film’s producer, Frank Rosenberg, pushed her to keep a brutal schedule. But she also demanded too much of herself.
38. She Was A Method Actor
Despite her own troubles, Stevens had always dedicated herself to her work, culminating in a Golden Globe for her role in The Farmer’s Daughter. But she maybe took “method acting” just a little too far at times. Earlier in her career, to prepare for the role of a pregnant woman, she strapped a weight to her waist before filming began.
And that was just her warm-up exercise.
ABC, The Farmer's Daughter (1963–1966)
39. She Worked Odd Jobs
At various times throughout her career, Stevens threw herself into her roles with a feverish level of dedication. To prepare for the role of a nurse, Stevens shadowed the nursing staff at a real LA hospital, even helping them when the opportunity arose. Confronted with the role of a baker, she diligently prepared by putting in time at a real bakery.
The line between reality and fiction wasn’t always clear for Stevens.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
40. She Always Fell For Her Co-Stars
Partly because no one knew that she was married—but mostly because it was true—Stevens developed a sordid reputation. The leading men in the films she acted in often became the leading men in her real life. She once explained, “When the cruise is finished, the romance may linger, but the relationship seems to shift and change. You tell yourself you’ll never fall in love that way again, but it happens…”
And, for her, it happened with some of Hollywood’s hottest hunks.
41. She Found Herself A 5 Card Stud
As her marriage to Jones crumbled under the weight of its secrecy, Stevens sought the solace of other men. For example, when she starred alongside the crooner Dean Martin in 1968’s 5 Card Stud, the two struck up an affair. It’s not clear how or why their relationship ended but it wouldn’t be the last fling she had with a leading man.
42. She Never Heard Of Any Eastwood
Stevens landed a starring role in 1968’s Hang ‘Em High, alongside leading man Clint Eastwood. Funny enough, prior to landing the role, Stevens had never even heard of the western star. However, true to form, as soon as the cameras started rolling, she found that their on-screen chemistry worked even better in real life.
United Artists, Hang 'Em High (1968)
43. She Clung To Clint
While filming Hang ‘Em High, Stevens and Eastwood began a secret affair—as was her wont. But, for Stevens, it was more than just a casual fling. Once filming wrapped, Stevens told the film’s director, “Anytime you do a picture with Clint and there's a part in it, call me”. Of course, she moved on by the time she set foot on a new film set.
United Artists, Hang 'Em High (1968)
44. She Wanted More With Reynolds
When Stevens starred alongside Burt Reynolds in 1970’s Run, Simon, Run, she picked up her old habit. Before the film’s second act had even started, Stevens had sparked up yet another affair with her leading man. This time, however, it seemed that the love was lasting. What Stevens did next came as a shock to all—including her estranged husband.
45. She Needed Time Away From Jones
According to Jones, once Stevens completed filming Run, Simon, Run she returned to their Los Angeles home. But not for long. With her feelings so confused, she only dropped in to leave a note for her husband, explaining that she wanted to be on her own. When she reappeared ten days later, she had some devastating news for Jones. Their marriage would never see the light of day.
46. She Wanted Jones To Move Out
Stevens explained to Jones that she was going to stay at the Woodrow Wilson house and told him that he should move to their other home, located on the beach. Heartbroken, but perhaps not surprised, Jones agreed. But, if he had been hoping that this was just another one of their weeks-long separation, he was wrong. It would be permanent.
Tragically permanent.
47. She Was Playing The Most Deadly Game
Run, Simon, Run producer Aaron Spelling had been so impressed with Stevens that he decided to create a television series just for her. In the weeks following her separation from Jones, Stevens went on a tour, promoting the new series, The Most Deadly Game, often accompanied by Reynold.
In yet another portentous twist to her story, however, Stevens was the one playing a deadly game.
Trans World Airlines, Wikimedia Commons
48. Her Housemate Found Her
On the morning of April 30, 1970, Stevens' housemate and hairstylist, Lola McNally, stumbled upon a heartbreaking scene. She found Stevens sprawled out on the kitchen floor. Despite the grim appearance of the situation, Stevens was still alive. For a moment, she even opened her eyes and attempted to say something—but no words came out.
And no more words ever would.
49. She Ended It All—But Why?
McNally quickly phoned the authorities. But, unlike the first time that she collapsed in her home, there would be no miraculous recovery. Stevens tragically passed in the ambulance. Later, the LA county coroner ruled that Stevens had passed from “acute barbiturate poisoning”—presumably intentionally self-administered.
Once again, however, Stevens left behind little indication as to what could have caused her to take such drastic action. But there was one clue.
Anil1956, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
50. She Seemed Perfectly Normal
When the authorities questioned McNally about the incident, she explained that she had spoken to Stevens the night before and noticed nothing unusual. However, something McNally said contradicted another piece of information from a source close to Stevens. Could the contradiction be the key to Stevens’ closet full of skeletons?
51. Her Final Days Are A Mystery
McNally later said that Stevens had told her that she'd had plans to tie the knot with Reynolds—something that would have been consistent with her final media appearances. However, Reynolds reportedly told something very different to their mutual friend and producer, Aaron Spelling—that Reynolds had called it quits with Stevens long before her untimely end.
In the end, only one person was there for her.
52. Her Secrets Came Out
The only thing that unlocked Stevens’ closet of skeletons was her untimely demise. Because she had passed without a will, Jones had to step forward to serve as the administrator of her estate. However, in one final ironic twist, he didn’t have any proof of their marriage and enduring love. Fortunately, there was one person who could back up his story.
53. She Always Had Ike
Stevens’ brother, Ola (who had changed his name to Carl), came forward to back up Jones’ claim that he had, in fact, been married to the late actress. The court ruled in Jones' favor and he pledged to donate most of the proceeds of her estate to various charitable causes that she cared about. However, he never followed through.
In his own words, “...it was always Inger and Ike”.
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