Barbara Hutton's Seven Husbands: A Life Of Love, Loss, And Lavish Living
In the annals of 20th-century high society, few figures capture the imagination quite like Barbara Hutton. Known as the "Poor Little Rich Girl," her life was a glittering paradox of immense wealth and profound personal unhappiness. Born into the Woolworth fortune, she inherited a staggering sum, making her one of the wealthiest women in the world. Yet, despite her seemingly endless resources, her life was marked by a relentless search for love and belonging, often through the institution of marriage. This quest led her down the aisle seven times, each union a testament to her yearning for connection, and each ultimately ending in heartbreak. The story of Barbara Hutton's husbands is not merely a chronicle of her romantic entanglements, but a poignant exploration of how wealth can complicate, rather than simplify, the pursuit of happiness.
Her multiple marriages became a subject of intense public fascination, with tabloids breathlessly reporting on every lavish wedding, every public spat, and every inevitable divorce. From European princes to Hollywood stars, Hutton's choice of partners reflected a diverse array of personalities, each bringing their own complexities to her already tumultuous existence. This article delves deep into the lives and relationships of Barbara Hutton's husbands, examining the dynamics of these unions and shedding light on the woman behind the sensational headlines.
Table of Contents
- The Tragic Heiress: A Glimpse into Barbara Hutton's Life
- Personal Data & Biodata
- The Quest for Love: Unpacking Barbara Hutton's Seven Marriages
- Husband 1: Prince Alexis Mdivani (1933-1935)
- Husband 2: Count Kurt Haugwitz-Reventlow (1935-1938)
- The Birth of Lance Reventlow: Her Only Child
- Husband 3: Cary Grant (1942-1945)
- The "Cash and Cary" Affair: A Unique Union
- Husband 4: Prince Igor Troubetzkoy (1947-1951)
- Husband 5: Porfirio Rubirosa (1953-1954)
- Husband 6: Baron Gottfried von Cramm (1955-1959)
- Husband 7: Prince Raymond Doan (1964-1966)
- Beyond the Marriages: Barbara Hutton's Enduring Legacy
- The Meaning Behind the Name: Barbara's Enduring Symbolism
The Tragic Heiress: A Glimpse into Barbara Hutton's Life
Born on November 14, 1912, in New York City, Barbara Woolworth Hutton seemed destined for a life of unparalleled privilege. Her grandfather, Frank Winfield Woolworth, founded the F.W. Woolworth Company, a retail empire that revolutionized shopping with its five-and-dime stores. However, her early life was far from idyllic. Her mother, Edna Woolworth, died by suicide when Barbara was just six years old, a traumatic event that cast a long shadow over her childhood. Her father, Franklyn Laws Hutton, a co-founder of E. F. Hutton & Co., was often distant. Raised by governesses and distant relatives, Barbara grew up isolated, despite her immense wealth.
Upon her 21st birthday, Barbara inherited an estimated $50 million (equivalent to over $1 billion today), making her one of the richest women in the world. This inheritance, rather than bringing happiness, seemed to amplify her insecurities and vulnerabilities. She sought validation and love, often in the wrong places, leading to a series of high-profile, often disastrous, marriages. Her life became a cycle of lavish spending, extravagant parties, and a relentless, yet ultimately futile, search for genuine affection. Her story is a cautionary tale about the burdens of extreme wealth and the elusive nature of true happiness.
Personal Data & Biodata
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Barbara Woolworth Hutton |
| Born | November 14, 1912 |
| Died | May 11, 1979 (aged 66) |
| Place of Birth | New York City, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Heiress to Woolworth fortune, socialite, philanthropist, "Poor Little Rich Girl" |
| Parents | Franklyn Laws Hutton (father), Edna Woolworth (mother) |
| Spouses | 7 (detailed below) |
| Children | Lance Reventlow (with Count Kurt Haugwitz-Reventlow) |
| Estimated Net Worth (at peak) | Approx. $50 million in 1933 (over $1 billion in today's money) |
| Cause of Death | Heart attack (after years of ill health, anorexia, and addiction) |
The Quest for Love: Unpacking Barbara Hutton's Seven Marriages
Barbara Hutton's romantic life was a whirlwind of passion, drama, and ultimately, disappointment. Each of her seven marriages offered a glimpse into her hopes, her vulnerabilities, and the complex dynamics that arose when immense wealth met personal desire. She often showered her partners with lavish gifts, hoping to buy the affection she so desperately craved, a strategy that rarely yielded lasting happiness. The story of Barbara Hutton's husbands is a central theme in understanding her life.
Husband 1: Prince Alexis Mdivani (1933-1935)
Barbara Hutton's first foray into matrimony was with Prince Alexis Mdivani, a Georgian prince from a family known for their charm and their penchant for marrying wealthy heiresses. They married on June 20, 1933, in Paris, a mere two weeks after Barbara received her full inheritance. The wedding was a grand affair, fitting for the "richest girl in the world." Mdivani was handsome and charismatic, and Barbara was instantly smitten.
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However, the fairy tale quickly unraveled. Alexis was less interested in Barbara's affections and more in her fortune. He indulged in lavish spending, acquiring expensive cars, properties, and even a private yacht, all funded by Hutton. Their marriage was plagued by his infidelities and his demands for more money. Barbara, naive and desperate for love, initially tried to appease him. But the emotional and financial drain became too much. They divorced in 1935, after just two years, with Hutton reportedly paying him a significant settlement. This first marriage set a pattern for many of her subsequent unions, highlighting her vulnerability to opportunistic partners.
Husband 2: Count Kurt Haugwitz-Reventlow (1935-1938)
No sooner had her divorce from Mdivani been finalized than Barbara Hutton married her second husband, Count Kurt Haugwitz-Reventlow, a Danish aristocrat, on May 16, 1935. Reventlow was a very different character from Mdivani – domineering, controlling, and notoriously cruel. He was convinced that Hutton's immense wealth was attracting fortune hunters and sought to protect her, albeit through highly abusive means. He reportedly isolated her from friends and family, controlled her finances, and subjected her to severe emotional and physical abuse.
Under Reventlow's influence, Barbara developed severe anorexia nervosa, a condition that plagued her for the rest of her life. He also encouraged her to renounce her American citizenship, which she did in 1937, becoming a Danish citizen. Despite the horrific nature of their relationship, this marriage was significant for one reason: the birth of her only child.
The Birth of Lance Reventlow: Her Only Child
On February 24, 1936, Barbara Hutton gave birth to her son, Lance Reventlow. He was her sole child and, for a time, a source of immense joy and hope. However, the tumultuous environment of her marriage to Kurt meant that Lance's early life was also unstable. Barbara doted on her son, but her own struggles with mental health and addiction, exacerbated by Reventlow's abuse, often made it difficult for her to provide consistent care. After a bitter custody battle following their divorce in 1938, Lance was primarily raised by nannies and often spent time away from his mother, a situation that deeply affected both of them. Lance tragically died in a plane crash in 1972, a loss that devastated Barbara and further plunged her into despair.
Husband 3: Cary Grant (1942-1945)
Perhaps the most famous of Barbara Hutton's husbands was Hollywood icon Cary Grant. They married on July 8, 1942, during World War II. This union was unique among her marriages because Grant, already a major film star, was financially independent and seemingly genuinely cared for Barbara, not her money. He was known for his charm, wit, and grounded nature, which was a stark contrast to her previous, more aristocratic and exploitative partners.
The "Cash and Cary" Affair: A Unique Union
Their marriage was famously dubbed "Cash and Cary" by the press, a nickname that, while catchy, largely misrepresented their dynamic. Grant refused to accept any financial support from Hutton, even reportedly living off his own modest income and giving her an allowance from his earnings. He tried to help her overcome her insecurities, her eating disorders, and her dependence on alcohol and drugs. He encouraged her to live a more normal life, to find purpose beyond her wealth.
Despite Grant's genuine efforts, the fundamental differences in their personalities and lifestyles proved too great. Hutton's deep-seated emotional issues, her need for constant validation, and her extravagant habits clashed with Grant's desire for a simpler, more stable life. The pressures of her wealth and her persistent health problems ultimately strained the relationship beyond repair. They divorced amicably in 1945, with Grant famously saying he received nothing from the divorce except "some beautiful memories." This marriage, though brief, is often seen as the one where Barbara was perhaps most genuinely loved for herself.
Husband 4: Prince Igor Troubetzkoy (1947-1951)
After the relatively stable period with Cary Grant, Barbara Hutton once again gravitated towards European aristocracy. Her fourth husband was Prince Igor Troubetzkoy, a Russian-born French tennis player and distant relative of the Russian imperial family. They married on May 29, 1947. Troubetzkoy was an elegant and athletic man, but he too struggled with the pressures of Hutton's wealth and her increasingly fragile mental state.
Their marriage was marked by Hutton's continued struggles with depression, anorexia, and drug addiction. In 1948, she attempted suicide in Paris, an incident that shocked the world and highlighted the depths of her despair. Troubetzkoy, overwhelmed by her issues, eventually sought solace elsewhere. The marriage ended in divorce in 1951.
Husband 5: Porfirio Rubirosa (1953-1954)
Barbara Hutton's fifth husband was the infamous Dominican diplomat and playboy, Porfirio Rubirosa. Known for his charm, his prowess with women, and his love for fast cars and lavish living, Rubirosa was a notorious fortune hunter who had previously married other wealthy women, including Doris Duke. They married on December 30, 1953, in a whirlwind romance that lasted a mere 53 days.
This was perhaps Hutton's most impulsive and disastrous marriage. Rubirosa was openly unfaithful, even during their brief union, and his primary interest was clearly her money. Despite showering him with gifts, including a B-25 bomber, a custom-built race car, and millions of dollars, Barbara quickly realized the futility of the relationship. The marriage was annulled in February 1954, making it her shortest union. This episode further cemented her public image as a woman easily exploited for her wealth.
Husband 6: Baron Gottfried von Cramm (1955-1959)
In 1955, Barbara Hutton married her sixth husband, Baron Gottfried von Cramm, a renowned German tennis champion. Von Cramm was a sophisticated and gentle man, known for his sportsmanship and integrity. He was also openly bisexual, a fact that was known to Hutton, though perhaps not fully understood in its implications for their marriage.
This marriage was, in many ways, a quiet and respectful one, especially compared to her previous tumultuous relationships. Von Cramm provided a calming presence in her life, and they shared a mutual appreciation for art and culture. However, Barbara's health continued to deteriorate, and her dependency on drugs and alcohol intensified. The lack of physical intimacy and the persistent shadow of her addictions ultimately led to their divorce in 1959. Despite the end of their marriage, they remained friends until his death in 1976.
Husband 7: Prince Raymond Doan (1964-1966)
Barbara Hutton's seventh and final marriage was to Prince Raymond Doan, a Laotian prince, in 1964. By this point, Barbara was severely ill, both physically and mentally, and her fortune had significantly dwindled due to her extravagant spending and the settlements from her numerous divorces. Doan was considerably younger than Hutton and, like many before him, was primarily interested in her remaining wealth.
This marriage was largely seen as a final, desperate attempt by Hutton to find companionship and stability. However, her health was failing, and her life was increasingly confined to her lavish homes, where she often lived in isolation, surrounded by her remaining treasures. The marriage lasted only two years, ending in divorce in 1966. It marked the end of her quest for marital bliss, leaving her with little money and even less hope.
Beyond the Marriages: Barbara Hutton's Enduring Legacy
Barbara Hutton's life was a tragic testament to the idea that money cannot buy happiness. Despite her immense wealth, she struggled with profound loneliness, insecurity, and a lifelong battle with addiction and mental illness. Her lavish spending, which included collecting priceless jewelry, art, and properties around the world, eventually depleted her vast fortune. By the time of her death in 1979, she was reportedly left with only a few thousand dollars.
Yet, her legacy is not solely one of tragedy. She was also known for her philanthropy, particularly during World War II, when she donated significantly to war relief efforts. She had a keen eye for beauty and amassed an incredible collection of jewels, many of which have since become legendary. Her story continues to fascinate, serving as a cautionary tale about the perils of inherited wealth and the human desire for love and acceptance. The narratives of Barbara Hutton's husbands offer a window into her lifelong struggle.
The Meaning Behind the Name: Barbara's Enduring Symbolism
It's interesting to consider the etymology of the name "Barbara" in the context of Barbara Hutton's life. The name Barbara has its roots in the Greek language, derived from the word "barbaros," which means "foreign." This word originally referred to anyone who did not speak Greek, essentially meaning "stranger" or "foreigner." In modern times, Barbara and its variants have become popular names for baby girls across several countries, often associated with strength, grace, and individuality in many cultures. Its timeless charm continues to make it a meaningful choice for parents around the world.
For Barbara Hutton, the meaning of her name – "foreign woman" or "stranger" – perhaps held a poignant resonance. Despite her American birth and immense social standing, she often felt like an outsider, a stranger in her own life, constantly searching for a place to belong. She moved between countries, married men from diverse backgrounds, and often seemed to be looking up or down, much like the anecdote of Barbara looking at notecards, suggesting a hidden struggle or a search for guidance that wasn't always apparent to those around her, like Oprah. The legendary Saint Barbara, a young woman killed by her father, also carries a symbolism of resilience against hardship, a trait Barbara Hutton, in her own way, exhibited throughout her tumultuous existence. This connection to being a "stranger" or "foreigner" can be seen in her constant relocation, her pursuit of foreign titles, and her ultimate isolation despite her public persona.
Conclusion
Barbara Hutton's life, defined by her vast fortune and her seven marriages, remains one of the most compelling and tragic stories of the 20th century. Each of Barbara Hutton's husbands represented a different hope, a different dream, and ultimately, a different disappointment in her relentless search for love and happiness. From the opportunistic Prince Mdivani to the caring but ultimately incompatible Cary Grant, and the notorious playboy Porfirio Rubirosa, her choices reflected a woman desperate for genuine connection, often blinded by her own vulnerability and the manipulative intentions of others.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that wealth, while offering unparalleled luxury, cannot guarantee emotional fulfillment or protect against personal demons. Barbara Hutton's life was a testament to the human yearning for love, a quest that, for her, ended in isolation and financial ruin. We hope this deep dive into her marriages has provided valuable insight into the complex life of the "Poor Little Rich Girl." What are your thoughts on Barbara Hutton's life and her pursuit of love? Share your comments below, and explore more articles on iconic figures and historical narratives on our site.
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