"Buster Keaton" Silent Film Star....lost his wife,children, home, wealth and was committed to a sanitarium

Buster Keaton's personal life was as dramatic and sometimes tumultuous as his onscreen antics. Born into a vaudeville family, his early years were spent on the road with his parents, Joe and Myra Keaton, who were also performers. His father’s harsh treatment and heavy drinking created a challenging environment, and young Keaton learned early on to mask his emotions—something that later became central to his "stone-faced" screen persona. Keaton’s first marriage was to actress Natalie Talmadge in 1921. Talmadge was part of the influential Talmadge family, a dynasty of film actresses that included her sisters Norma and Constance Talmadge. The couple had two sons, James and Robert, but the marriage was strained by personal and financial issues. Natalie eventually divorced Keaton in 1932, a painful split that cost him his home, his children, and much of his wealth. The 1930s were a difficult period for Keaton, marked by his struggles with alcoholism and a series of financial troubles after losing control over his films. His MGM contract, which limited his creative freedom, led to frustration, and his drinking worsened, leading to multiple failed marriages and a brief period in a sanitarium. Despite these setbacks, Keaton managed to overcome his alcoholism in the early 1940s. In 1940, Keaton married his third wife, Eleanor Norris, a dancer 23 years his junior, who would become a steadying force in his life. Eleanor encouraged Keaton to get involved in television and live performances, which helped revive his career. The two remained married until his death, and their relationship marked a time of stability and contentment for Keaton. Eleanor was instrumental in helping him recover from his past and find renewed happiness in his later years. Keaton spent his final years in Woodland Hills, California, where he lived a quieter life, enjoying activities like fishing and golf. He died on February 1, 1966, at the age of 70. His life, though marked by hardship, was also filled with resilience, and he left behind a legacy as one of cinema’s most beloved and enduring figures.

BJ 🙈🙉😂