The Five Husbands Of Jane Powell: Inside The Tumultuous Love Life Of MGM’s Sweetheart

Jane Powell, the effervescent star of MGM’s Golden Age, lived a life as dramatic and captivating as her on-screen musicals, particularly when it came to her romantic journey. As of the current date, December 18, 2025, the most compelling and updated information about her personal life centers on her five marriages, each relationship offering a unique chapter in the life of the actress born Suzanne Lorraine Burce. Her quest for lasting love spanned decades, culminating in a final, enduring partnership that provided the stability she sought after four divorces. The narrative of the *Seven Brides for Seven Brothers* star is a fascinating study in Hollywood romance, moving from early, rushed marriages to a final, profound connection with a fellow former child actor. This deep dive explores the complete history of Jane Powell's spouses, detailing the men who shared her life, from her first husband, a figure skater, to her fifth, the man she called her greatest love.

Jane Powell: A Complete Biographical Profile

Jane Powell, known for her powerful soprano voice and girl-next-door charm, was a celebrated figure in Hollywood and on Broadway. Her life was defined by a prolific career and a complex, highly scrutinized personal life.

• Full Name: Suzanne Lorraine Burce
• Born: April 1, 1929, in Portland, Oregon
• Died: September 16, 2021, in Wilton, Connecticut (Age 92)
• Occupation: Actress, Singer, Dancer
• Years Active: 1941–2007 (Film, Television, Broadway)
• Key Films: *Royal Wedding* (1951), *Seven Brides for Seven Brothers* (1954), *A Date with Judy* (1948), *Hit the Deck* (1955)
• Children: Three (Geary Anthony Steffen III, Suzanne Steffen, and Lindsay Nerney)
• Number of Spouses: Five

The Full List: Jane Powell's Five Husbands and Marriage Timeline

Jane Powell’s five marriages were a frequent topic of discussion in the press, with four ending in divorce before she found her final, long-lasting partnership. The actress often spoke candidly about her search for a stable home life, a contrast to her sheltered upbringing and early fame at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).

1. Geary Steffen (Figure Skater)

Marriage: November 5, 1949 – August 19, 1953 (Divorced)

Powell was just 20 years old when she married Gearhardt “Geary” Anthony Steffen, a former figure skater who had toured with Sonja Henie. The marriage was reportedly a response to her sheltered life and a desire for independence. They had two children together: Geary Anthony Steffen III and Suzanne Steffen. The union was short-lived, ending in divorce after less than four years, a decision Powell later described as being too young and naive.

2. Patrick Nerney (Businessman)

Marriage: November 8, 1954 – January 30, 1963 (Divorced)

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Her second husband, Patrick Nerney, was a Hollywood talent agent and businessman. This marriage lasted for nine years and produced her third child, Lindsay Nerney. During this period, Powell’s film career began to slow down, leading her to transition more into television and stage work. The marriage ultimately ended in divorce, with Powell citing incompatibility.

3. James Fitzgerald (Public Relations)

Marriage: September 16, 1965 – March 1, 1975 (Divorced)

James Fitzgerald, a public relations man, became her third husband. This was her longest marriage up to that point, lasting nearly a decade. Fitzgerald also took on the role of managing her career, a move that Powell later felt was detrimental to her professional life. This decade saw her make her celebrated Broadway debut, replacing Debbie Reynolds in the musical *Irene* in 1973. Despite their long history, they divorced in 1975.

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4. David Stellar Parlour (Real Estate Developer)

Marriage: 1978 – 1981 (Divorced)

Powell’s fourth marriage to David Stellar Parlour, a real estate developer, was her shortest, lasting approximately three years. By this time, the actress was focusing heavily on her stage career, touring in productions like *South Pacific* with her former MGM co-star Howard Keel. The rapid end of this marriage led to a period of reflection for Powell regarding her relationship patterns.

5. Dickie Moore (Former Child Star / Publicist)

Marriage: May 10, 1988 – September 7, 2015 (Until his death)

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The fifth time proved to be the charm for Jane Powell. She married former child star Dickie Moore, known for his work in *Our Gang* and *The Little Rascals*, in 1988. Their relationship began in the early 1980s after they met while Moore was researching a book, and they had been companions for years before marrying. This was a union of two Hollywood veterans who understood the unique pressures of childhood fame.

Their marriage was her longest and happiest, lasting 27 years until Moore’s death in 2015. Powell often credited Moore with bringing her immense joy and stability, describing their connection as a profound and mature love that contrasted sharply with her earlier, more tumultuous relationships. They shared homes in Manhattan and Wilton, Connecticut, where Powell resided until her own passing in 2021.

The Enduring Legacy of Jane Powell’s Final Marriage

The marriage between Jane Powell and Dickie Moore stands out as a testament to finding true companionship later in life. Their story is a powerful LSI entity in the discussion of classic Hollywood relationships, offering a positive conclusion to a sometimes-rocky romantic history. Dickie Moore was not just a husband; he was a fellow traveler who had navigated the unique challenges of being a child star. This shared experience provided a deep, intrinsic understanding that Powell felt was missing in her previous marriages. Their relationship was characterized by mutual respect and a quiet, domestic life away from the intense spotlight of their youth. Powell’s enduring legacy is not just her dazzling performances in films like *Royal Wedding* alongside Fred Astaire, but also the candid way she discussed her personal life. She was a woman who, despite the pressures of Hollywood’s Golden Age and four heartbreaks, never stopped searching for a partner. Her final, most successful marriage with Dickie Moore is a beautiful and inspiring final chapter to a remarkable life.