The Early Life of Peter Lawford
Peter Lawford was born on September 7, 1923, in London, England. He was the son of Lieutenant General Sir Sydney Lawford and May Somerville Bunny. Lawford’s parents were wealthy and well-connected, which allowed him to attend prestigious schools and rub shoulders with the elite of British society.
Despite his privileged upbringing, Lawford had a difficult childhood. His parents divorced when he was young, and he was sent to live with his grandmother in America. He struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction throughout his life and was often in and out of rehab.
Peter Lawford’s Affairs with Marilyn Monroe
One of the most scandalous aspects of Peter Lawford’s life was his affair with Marilyn Monroe. The two met on the set of the film “Clash by Night” in 1952 and began a tumultuous relationship that lasted for several years.
Lawford was married to Patricia Kennedy, the sister of future U.S. President John F. Kennedy, at the time of his affair with Monroe. The affair reportedly ended when Monroe discovered that Lawford had been unfaithful to her with another actress.
Peter Lawford’s Children and Family Life
Peter Lawford had four children with his first wife, Patricia Kennedy. The couple divorced in 1966, and Lawford went on to marry two more times. He had two children with his second wife, Mary Rowan, and one child with his third wife, Deborah Gould.
Despite his numerous marriages and affairs, Lawford was known to be a devoted father to his children. He often spent time with them and was known to be a doting grandfather as well.
Peter Lawford’s Cause of Death
Peter Lawford passed away on Christmas Eve in 1984 at the age of 61. The cause of his death was attributed to kidney and liver failure, which were likely caused by his years of alcohol and drug abuse.
Lawford’s death was a shock to his family and friends, many of whom had tried to help him overcome his addiction issues over the years.
Peter Lawford’s Deathbed Confession
In the final days of his life, Peter Lawford made a shocking confession to his friend and biographer, James Spada. Lawford reportedly told Spada that he had been bisexual for most of his life and had had affairs with both men and women.
This revelation was a surprise to many who knew Lawford, as he had always been seen as a ladies’ man and had never publicly acknowledged any same-sex relationships.
