'Maverick': Inside James Garner and Lois Clarke's Love Story

The love story of James Garner and Lois Clarke shows that true love lasts, no matter how long you've been with your forever person.

James Garner and Lois Clarke decided to get married after realizing they were meant for each other in just 14 days. Despite facing objections, even from Garner's family, they stood by their love, using words against them as a way to strengthen their relationship. Garner talked about this in his memoir.

At that time, Lois Clarke was an aspiring actress, and James Garner was on the brink of stardom in his acting career. Neither of them had a date, providing the perfect chance for Garner to ask out the girl he believed he had fallen in love with at first sight.

Over the next two weeks, they went on dates every night and, undeterred by the disapproval of the groom's family, got married at the Beverly Hills courthouse on August 17, 1956.

The actor, who grew up in Oklahoma, was Methodist, and his bride was Jewish. Despite their different backgrounds, neither of them was very religious.

At that time, Clarke already had a daughter from her first marriage, whom Garner adopted. Two years later, the couple welcomed another daughter named Gigi, further strengthening their bond.

Although their marriage lasted 57 years, the two endured rocky moments that led them to spend time apart. After hitting their 14-year mark together in 1970, the couple split for three months and separated again after nine years for 18 months. It was during that separation that Garner starred in 'The Rockford Files' that caused a stir after rumors revealed he was dating Lauren Bacall.

The actor denied their said romance and shared that he and his wife were not ultimately in a fallout. The pressure he felt from the show was but a challenge in their relationship, which he overcame.

Despite working with many beautiful ladies in films, Garner made sure to keep things professional and not fall in love with any of them.

Lois Clarke initially wanted to be an actress but realized it wasn't for her. She didn't want the public attention that came with James Garner's Hollywood life. Instead, she preferred being there to support him. Lois mentioned that Jim had a tough upbringing, dealing with abuse, loneliness, and deprivation.

James Garner had a tough childhood with his two brothers. Their biological mother passed away when they were young, and their father, who struggled with alcoholism, quickly remarried. Unfortunately, their stepmother was often abusive towards the actor and his brothers, making their upbringing challenging.