Jeanette MacDonald's death; Nelson Eddy breaks down when interviewed, January 14, 1965 (Exclusive) 

The chemistry between these two! Critics complained Nelson Eddy was wooden, I didn’t see that. The “wood” smouldered and caught fire when they appeared together

Never have I been so enraptured with the likes of Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald. To me they were, and always will be, the epitome of what is beautiful in this world, exemplifying what love should be like.

You can see the total sadness in his face.It hurts my heart to see him like this.

I'm glad to know my eyes did not deceive me...and that they DID find a way to be together!! It makes happy to know that.

love the jeannette macdonald & nelson eddy movies & still watch them love their music

Hollywood has never done a movie about Nelson Eddy and Jeanette Macdonald , this book Sweethearts would be a great title for the movie.

My mom and dad always listened to their records..I have a Eddies 1932 original packet of 78 ...My mom and dad invited to his home..My mom played the piano. He sang many songs.This was mid 50s .

The Saddest Story of our times, a sad ending to a great romance

Nelson Eddy sang at Jeanette & Gene's wedding in a Protestant church. See it all on "This is your Life." I saw Nelson Eddy's night club act in the 60s at the Shoreham Hotel, in Washington DC. He had a beauriful blond in the act and it was hilarious. He sang as well as ever and was very handsome--still had his gorgeous hair and knockout presence.

I read Sweethearts before I ever saw a movie by either Nelson or Jeanette. It made me take a look at them and I love them! If nothing else, this book made me a fan forever! But as a rabid genealogist and historian, Sweethearts passes the sniff test for me. It is well documented and has extensive source documentation, not just the anonymous sources. Nelson, Jeanette and Gene come off as decent if sometimes flawed people who made mistakes like anybody else. Nelson's wife? Not so much.

I have read Sharon Rich's Book 3 times! It is great & very well documented!

I was intrigued by the concept of the book, and found it a most engaging read. Hearing this interview which was mentioned in "Sweethearts" was truly heart-rending. Thank you for posting.

I'm glad you're on the side of those of us who believe, or want to believe, that they were involved in more than just movie making. Thanks for your reply.

What a beautiful theory. In the case of Jeanette and Nelson, I think you are spot on.

My voice teacher, Stanley Deacon, of the Conservatory of Music in KC had a beautiful studio. He had lovely autographed photos hanging on the wall.. My favorites were of Jeannette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy.!! I was so impressed.... and totally enchanted living in the past. He also told me that when he was a boy growing up in Chicago, George M. Cohan gave him his first job... selling newspapers..

She was a very determined and stoic person and used to make her "rounds," visiting the very ill and dying residents of the Home - and often bringing them gifts that she bought, or feeding them when they refused to eat. She introduced me to many old time film actors and directors and whereas I - a teenager - found it difficult to be around people literally days or hours away from death, but she was cheerful and comforting, holding their hands, listening to their stories, etc. (continued)

She then introduced me to some of Jeanette's friends who filled in more pieces of the story and I would verify the accuracy with Blossom. Despite her speech problems, we communicated quite well those folks introduced me to others - and that's how the research went. I never "interviewed" her -- we were friends for nearly a decade and over that time, I asked her many questions as I continued to research. (continued in next post)

If you want to know what Jeanette MacDonald's voice really sounded like - untampered, with no "sound technician to modulate her voice..." then listen to her 1948 Hollywood Bowl Recital. Live concert,45 years old... she sounds darned good! Yes, it's a light voice, but that doesn't make it bad. Singing "Tosca" in "Rose Marie?" That role is for a spinto or more dramatic soprano, not a lyric. Opera singers often sang arias in films that they would never perform as a full opera on a stage. So what?

I was madly in love with Nelson Eddy as a little kid, especially after my mom had told me my grandma (who died 20 years before I was born) absolutely loved their films. You got a feeling of real romance, but I have gotten so cynical about Hollywood since my 20's that I always assume that all male actors were gay and all pretty actresses were lesbians, or in Mae West's case, were men dressed as women. I remember the shock when we found Rock Hudson was dying of AIDS. No one believed it. Nowadays it's a surprise if actors aren't homosexual or an alphabet person....

Why do we get so obsessed with the private lives of movie actors? Whether or not they were lovers secret or otherwise is not really any of our business, It was theirs. They made 8 wonderful movies together which made a lot of people forget the problems of the depression for a few hours. The stories we see on the screen and the characters in those stories are what should concern us. They have both been gone for over 40 years......let them rest in peace.

🎶🎶🌹🌹OUR NELSON LOVED HIS HENBY SO VERY MUCH!! So much was hidden to Nelson, such poor health Jeanette was still in 🌹🌹🎶🤔. I feel he should have been there with his BELOVED JENNY🌹🌹🎶🎶 Should have been told the TRUTH 🌹🌹🎶🎶JoAnn Alabama

They were very close to the end! And she was very close to Nelson's mother.. Her beauty was unbelivable..I think she was number one beauty! A lot of them in Holliwood, but she was the best!

Sounds like an awesome read! I'm off now to Amazon.com to order that book online.

You can only look at the two of them in these stills to see that they loved each other. people can fake liking someone they work closely with--but it is impossible to fake that look of sincere feelings and love. I read a book about Jeanette MacDonald that stated that they really liked and respected each other, ( I had always previously read that they hated each other- I didnt believe that)-but seeing those stills and hearing that gut-wrenching interview by Eddy--thats love. Isnt it a pity.

When movies were movies - they were the most exciting pairing on the big screen - I discovered them on TV and I continue to play there movies and tapes - As long as there is film this couple well me loved and admired for their performances into enternity.

Anyone who says otherwise about Blossom didn't know the woman. If you have any questions about my exhaustive research, read the book yourself. You can also read some of the named celebrity interviews that were excerpted in my book "Sweethearts" at the maceddy website, click on the Sample Articles link to the left. Sharon Rich, author of "Sweethearts"

I just watched the real story behind Jeanette and Nelson. What a true love story that would match anything written in Hollywood. What a beautiful and sad love affair to hear of two wonderful people who's love was great and had to be kept secret.

I read the book " Sweethearts" . I was so impressed and cry! I know Nelson Eddy had to be catolik as soon as his father was irish But his mother was jew from Russia .. Nelson spoke russian( and sings in russion) The book is very interesting , but i am not sure It is exist still.

The evidence from those who would know is they loved each but, as life often does, circumstances led to them deciding not to marry and to marry others. Being great worldwide film stars they both felt a responsibility to both their studio and their public to keep a dignified public face, and that they did beautifully start to finish. Jeannette was known as "The Iron Butterly." Beautiful, gracious, talented, she also demanded a say in her career and usually got her way! They were greatly loved.

@Countrygirltori24 : Sharon Rich did speak very briefly to Irene Dunne on the telephone. When asked if Nelson and Jeanette were in love, Miss Dunne replied "Yes", but refused to give any details because she felt it wasn`t anyone`s business. Irene and Jeanette were close friends for many years- from the time they first met when they performing in musical theatre in New York until Jeanette`s death in 1965. Lorraine

@Countrygirl: Yes, the 'This is Your Life" clip is very convincing. Also, some of the songs which Nelson sings on radio. The lyrics and the heartfelt passion-I believe he was thinking about Jeanette. Those songs were a cathartic release of his feelings. Of course "Czaritza" from Maytime"-I just cannot be convinced that Nelson and Jeanette were acting. Lorraine

"Forced into a marriage to Gene Raymond" is simplistic. Putting aside the how/why they met, MacDonald found Gene "just like Nelson without the rough edges" (her words). Gene and Nelson resembled each other somehwat, and had similar lousy childhoods. Other issues: Nelson wanted her to be a wife/mother while Gene was happy to have her continue as Star. Whatever the dynamics, when she had 2nd thoughts and tried to back out of the marriage, it is completely accurate that Mayer stopped her.

Mayer had a lot to answer for, he damaged so many lives. These two should have always been together and would have been only for this little dictator.

The Lord Jesus said "Judge not so you will not be judged." May God bless the souls of both Nelson and Jeanette, and may they rest in peace.

GREAT STUFF!!!!!!!

Hi, Sharon Rich here. In answer to your question, you're correct that "an intimate relationship can take on all those aspects." In my research, I found all of the above applied. During the movie years, they were sometimes close - or not speaking. Some MGM'ers claimed they were icy or bickered on a particular film set, Others saw them as inseparable. Surprising to me, their closest years seemed to be right after WWII. The '50s were tenuous. I do name sources; most interviews were taped/videoed.

Their long time love relationship is very true. I knew about the whole thing since I was a child in the early fifties. My mother knew him since the late twenties. I'm so glad maceddy wrote this book. At last the truth is told.

well put!

they were still lucky. life seldom accomodate our wishes but for these two, as said in 'camelot', for one brief shining moment, they were able to exist and interact with each other in their way in their own space and time. their body languages when they were shown together in their movies just simply could not mean anything else. i wish i could have seen them in person then even if only for that.

Yes, you could be right. I didn't know it, but I did a search for Maureen O'Hara and found she did indeed sing and very well. Somewhere here on youtube you'll find her singing at a Funeral Service in some movie which I've never seen. My Mother did mention Irene Dunne.

I have listened many times to CD`s featuring Nelson and Jeanette singing live on the radio. Their voices were not enhanced in these broadcasts.They sound just as they did in their movies. Lorraine

"Interesting that all of her sources are either dead or remain nameless." Vague generalization...Obviously incorrect, since there are over 50 pages of source notes with name dropping of several famous people quoted in some length & alive when book was published. You are entitled to believe Jeanette was a virginal angel if you wish, that her marriage was made in heaven, etc. I prefer to see her as her own autobiography & 100s of pages of her handwritten letters present her - as a human being.

I can believe that. He seemed cold and unreachable-even with Jeanette--and for years after her death-tried to keep her memory alive--but there was just something creepy and disingenuious about it. He had the worst most unhealthy relationship with his mother--he made Hamlet seem like Whistler.I can totally believe Jeanette and Nelson had a deep love for each other-especially after seeing those stills and hearing that audio. I feel sad now.

sometimes soulmates aren't meant to be together....

He was originally a red head, but his hair started to whiten early (in his 30s), therefore, giving off the blond look.

It may have been a big cover-up, but it was an era of covers-up. See The Fixers about Eddie Mannix and Howard Strickling.

he wasn't gay it was gene raymond ! nelson clearly loved jeanette and it's obvious who jeanette really loved look a the films she has not looked at another co-star the way she has nelson

I`m confused-what do you mean by Baron Turks 2nd book 'Hollywood Diva"? Lorraine

can any one tell me what the reporter says to nelson in thi/s sad video to make react the way he did?

I always reckoned that they were in love with each other just by watching their films and their movements towards each other etc and reckoned nobody could "act" like that unless they were very good indeed. It was said that they hated each other but that could have been just to protect all interested parties. I certainly realise that many double never got on and looked great on screen but I still think that they loved each other.

I like everyone else, don't know for sure. But on the movie screen by MGM Studios. They were magic.⭐💌

@raythespian Watch Nelson`s eyes-the adoration and desire when he gazes at Jeanette. The tender way he kisses, holds, and caresses Jeanette`s hands. The long(nine seconds) passionate kiss at the end of "Czaritza" in MAYTIME and the kiss at the end of "Wanting You' in NEW MOON. A Gay Man?-I think not. Lorraine

I Wonder if Your Mother wasn't thinking of Irene Dunne. After all, The two Ladies do look very much alike. Both have beautiful Red-hair, They have that Operatic singing Voice, exude elegance and, class, and , I know for a fact that Ms. Dunne was a devout Catholic.

@rmriddle1 - I appreciate your post. You say that after you realized that Rock Hudson was acting, it spoiled the movie. Any actor in any movie or tv show is acting to the degree that his or her ability permits. We really have no idea what goes on behind the masque, nor is it any of our business. Regarding Nelson, there is absolutely no reason not to continue enjoying his movies.

This is completely false, Blossom did not have Alzheimers. When I met her she was recovering from a stroke that affected her speech and gave her weakness in one arm and leg. Her mind was just fine, thank you. A neighbor who was visiting her from Beverly Hills said to me that Jeanette was in love with Nelson all her life and that I should ask Blossom about it. So I did and she said yes, it was true. (continued in next post)

The studio forced Jeanette MacDonald to marry Gene Raymond. After Miss MacDonald arrived at a rehearsal with bruises on her face Nelson, a burly six footer, charged out of the studio looking for Gene and caught up with him in the driveway of his home. The result; Gene spent the next 6 months in hospital. The studio put out a media release that Raymond was involved in a serious car accident. Does that answer the question about Nelson being in love with Jeanette?

For those of you wanting to look at Nelson Eddy's original handwritten 1935 letter: "Dearest Jeanette...I love you and will always be devoted to you..." you can see and read it here: goo.gl/DpbYQH

@Countrygirltori24 : Sharon Rich mentions it in her book "Sweethearts ".(0 1 version). I don`t believe everything in the book, but from what I know about Irene Dunne, this story rings true. Sharon also writes about an incident involving Nelson Eddy and Gene Raymond which happened during Christmas Week of 1964. Robert Mitchum was a witness and confirmed the story to Sharon. Mitchum was a, blunt honest man and I believe him. Lorraine

@thephantom1946 - Truth Accepted! Nelson Eddy was straight! Case closed!

Sorry, but I first wrote this story while both stars' spouses were living; neither one sued. In fact, when Gene Raymond had a meeting with a Paramount screenwriter re: a possible film version he was more concerned about being outed in the film then denying a J-N affair. He did not like Nelson much - but who can blame him, under the circumstances?

@kingcharlesyoung29, care to elaborate on what your great-great grandmother Irene may have told you? :)

i agree i believe they were lovers and right on there were a great couple!

Jeanette `s voice is beautiful on her live radio broadcasts. Except for the microphone, I think( please correct me if I`m wrong) that her voice on the live radio broadcasts had very little sound modulation. Lorraine

@raythespian I guess your post must be proof then that wisdom doesn't come with age. Gene Raymond was gay, not Nelson Eddy.

I don't understand why they would have been 'secret lovers'. I didn't think either of them were married until after they no longer made movies together. If they had been lovers, they could have gotten married to each other. Is it possible they were merely great, good friends who knew they could not be more than that?

Blossom had her own checking account at the Security Pacific Bank across the street from the Motion Picture Home. She did her own banking and wrote checks, shopped in Savon and other stores; we went to Topanga Plaza together; we took car tour of Beverly Hills and Bel Air so she could show me various landmarks; we ate frequently at her favorite Malibu restaurant, The Sandcastle. Sorry, but it's a lie that she was incapable of talking to anyone and/or living a vital, useful life after her stroke.

I read the book from my library but it was the '94 version. Very interesting read, but had a lot of doubt. Then I bought the '01 version. It is much more convincing because Sharon explains how she got all this information. Still have a bit of doubt tho. Wish she interviewed Irene Dunne. If Ms. Dunne confirmed these reports then all my doubts would vanish.

I was unaware of Turk`s second book. I did not like his first book because of his degrading remarks concerning Nelson Eddy. I`m fine-hope you are well too. Lorraine

So do you have an oppinion about his relationship with Jeanette?

wow. how sad. I agree you can't fake the look of sincere feelings and love. Reminds me of Lennon/McCartney.

@jenelsbelle Thanks, I get sick and tired of people who think they were a couple of saints, as if this could never be possible. Look at Tracy and Hepburn, nobody blinks an eye about them. I knew about this all my life, lucky enough to see/know Nelson. He was definitely NOT gay. And yes, Jeanette didn't get along well at all with Chevalier. He thought he was God's gift to women, as well as being a male prima donna.

I like your vid clip and I've rated it as awesome. I've done another video clip on some old cigarette cards of 1930's movie stars, including: Jeanette MacDonald, Bing Crosby, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, Clark Gable, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo,Johnny Weismuller, Gary Cooper and Carole Lombard.

@Gemini730 Really? Wow how do you know this? I respect Irene Dunne more for keeping her friend's secret.

@Gemini730 Thanks. I have her 01 version so I'm gonna have to check it out. I believe the affair more than I don't believe it. All I need to see is the "This is Your Life" clip if I ever have doubts. Wish I could go back in time and stop both of their marriages so that their relationship could work out (especially his marriage).

@auntbecky Rubbish is keeping a closed mind about the truth.

I always thought Jeanette Macdonald and Irene Dunne could be Sisters.

Breakdown, I'd be hysterical.she was his muse

What does my being Irish have to do with that? It may surprise you but us Irish are not ignorant fools!My refusal to accept "the truth" comes from the fact that I love these people and find it personally hurtful when you say these things-it has nothing to do with any connection with Ireland she may have!

Is the story true? If so, I feel so bad for these two people who should have been together.

Maureen O'Hara was very Beautiful, but, I always seemed to be able to distinguish Her from the other two Ladies. I think it was because She was younger.

Perhaps she was, and I'm not certain about the Catholic part, because that was told me by my Mother who used to read Movie Magazines a lot when she was young. She may have gotten her mixed up with Maureen O'Hara, who was a Catholic, but not a singer as I recall.

@rmriddle1 - My source is long dead...i.e. my singing teacher ages ago in Philly, where Nelson studied and sang before going to Hollywood. She was the soprano and he was the baritone in a Quartet that performed around town. They remained friends until he died. You see, being gay has long been considered normal by the psychiatric community, and whether Nelson was or wasn't didn't even matter then, much less now!

my comments don,t seem to b e getting on ,i was gratefulk for the video but because i anMdeaf cant hear THE CONVERSATION PLEASE CAN SOME KIND PERSON TYPE OUT THE WORDS OF THIS SAD INTERVEIW FOR MEHOLLY WOOD GRATEST COVER UP.

ive read gene raymond s whitewash bia now ive read sharon s rich nobody has ever sung like they did because they were lovers you can see it feel it are some of you still blind johnnyboy

Somebody commented here that the American operatic tenor, Richard Tucker, was really singing while Nelson was lip-syncing the songs in the movie, "Naughty Marietta." I was drinking lemonade at the time when I read this, and I choked from laughing so hard that lemonade came out of my nose! A tenor singing for Nelson Eddy the baritone?? Richard Tucker??!! The gentleman wrote more nonsense about J. MacDonald butt I am beginning to start to laugh out loud again - Ridiculous!

Umm she was my great great grandmother so i know the hole story behind this

Don't worry people, Nelson was not gay, and so what if he had a love for Jeanette, it just makes their films that much more enjoyable for a large number of viewers! :-)

@DoreExodus212327 Well, so sorry his grief seems to offend you.

She said he wore dentures and had the worst breath from gingivitis!!

Continued.. I know that you probably think I'm sitting here on some old computer,with red hair and dressed in green while yelling "top of the mornin to ya" but it's not the case!Having a cultural identity does not make us nation of ridiculous stereotypes!

@raythespian You don't get the point. The fact known to the public was T and H were having an affair. It didn't cause shockwaves. Is that easier to understand? I think you have a problem i.e. gays in general, and by the way, Eddy was NOT gay. You have a poor source. Nothing you say will ever change the truth! I personally know this so tell your bad info to maceddy who has loads of documentation which you don't have, that proves otherwise. Go get the book at a library. Finis.

reminds me of Lennon/McCartney

U didnt save

@thephantom1946 - What's this about Tracy and Hepburn?! She was a lesbian (with Dietrich no less). Tracy was a cover-up. I though everybody knew that!

And they say You-Tube is for the kids....LOL..!

Hmm interesting....

Try 91

I can't help cursing - I'm Irish! An bhfuil tu ag magadh fuim?? :p I just really think you're wrong and I wish you would stop trying to ruin the memory of these people! Na bi ag insint breaga! Ni aontaim leat agus ni chreidim e!

Hi ! Not only the degrading remarks about Nelson as a person but Turk also degraded Nelson`s talent. According to Turk,Nelson was a mediocre singer.I have read the glowing reviews which Nelson recieved for his opera and concert appearances before he came to Hollywood. There is no doubt in my mind, that if he had not chosen to sign a movie contract, he would have had a successful career in Opera and concerts. Yes that was a terrible dig at Nelson. Lorraine

OH MY GOD! I can not believe that you would compare the beautiful, classy and extraordinarily talented Jeanette MacDonald to a generic, fake, trashy pop star like Britney Spears! Jeanette can sing circles round her any day! I really can't believe that anyone would say that! O and at the risk of sounding petty, Jeanette is much prettier and probably much more intelligent!