She Was a TV Icon in the ’80s Who Later Endured the Loss of Her Beloved Partner and Fought for Her Life — Her Recent Pics

Her rise to fame came unexpectedly, thanks to a twist of fate that she felt truly fortunate for. While her career skyrocketed, she faced significant challenges. One of the most daunting was a life-threatening diagnosis that tested her resilience.

This actress became a household name during the ’80s through her starring role in a hit television show, earning two Emmy nominations. The success of her career also brought her a beloved partner from the acting world, who she tragically lost.

Her journey to stardom in the late 1970s was a blend of talent and fate. While working on a Broadway production of “Cyrano de Bergerac,” a newspaper strike in New York altered plans, disrupting scheduled out-of-town shows.

This unexpected turn allowed her to join the pilot of “Hart to Hart,” a show that would become a pivotal chapter in her acting career. “I will be forever grateful to whichever union caused the strike and allowed me to work on the pilot,” she once acknowledged in an interview.

From 1979 to 1984, she, alongside Robert Wagner, engaged audiences as the sophisticated detective couple, Jennifer and Jonathan Hart, unraveling mysteries amidst luxury and intrigue.

Their strong connection, built over prior collaborations, lent authenticity to their performances, leading to many shared, joyful moments that sometimes paused production.

Her time on “Hart to Hart” secured her place in Hollywood history, but her personal life was just as intriguing. At the age of 19, she first crossed paths with Oscar-winning actor William Holden at a dinner party. Their romance began almost a decade later, in 1972, after their paths frequently crossed.

Their connection was deeply intertwined with shared interests. “Both of us were curious about people, places, history, art, and wildlife,” she shared in her memoir “One From the Hart.” Early in their relationship, Holden introduced her to Kenya, a journey that profoundly changed her.

As she recounted, “Every place we visited eventually played some part in my future.” That first trip to Africa shifted her views and priorities forever, fostering a lifelong passion for conservation and adventure.

Her time with Holden in Kenya opened a transformative chapter filled with romantic and conservation pursuits. Kenya became their sanctuary, filled with cherished memories.

“What we cherished most was our shared love for Africa and being outdoors and sleeping under the starry skies,” she fondly remembered, reflecting on their adventures in tracking and relocating animals.

Their relationship faced rocky times, particularly when Holden’s health issues arose from drinking. Her prompt action during a health scare proved life-saving. Friends advised her to leave; however, her devotion kept her by his side.

“I chose to stay the course,” she reflected, driven by an unyielding commitment. Although their journey together had difficulties, significant milestones characterized it. Holden remained sober for six years of their nine-year relationship, a personal achievement of his adult life.

To her, those years symbolized the strength of their bond and the perseverance that defined their time together. But 1981 brought a shattering loss when, during “Hart to Hart” filming in Hawaii, she received the tragic news of Holden’s passing after a fall during a drinking episode, an incident she could not prevent.

While deeply mourning Holden’s loss, she reflected on his remarkable life both on screen and off, highlighted by iconic roles like “Stalag 17” and a dedication to family, wildlife conservation, and even supporting the CIA.

“Fame did not interest him,” Holden’s daughter, Virginia Holden Gaines, once stated, emphasizing his humble nature. In honor of his legacy, steps were taken to form the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, advancing wildlife conservation and sustainable practices in Kenya.

This foundation serves 11,000 students annually, rebuilding schools and promoting biodiversity education. Once-struggling villages now thrive, showcasing the powerful impact of this treasured work.

In honoring Holden’s memory through these efforts, she opened space for new beginnings. At 21, she married actor Gary Lockwood in 1966, however, their relationship encountered difficulties.

Lockwood’s control over finances led to risky and ill-starred investments in coastal properties and Malibu land, all of which faced development restrictions, leaving them with substantial debts.

Reflecting on the aftermath of their 1972 divorce, she said, “I was 28 and had nowhere to live. Fortunately, I was young enough to recover. Not everyone does.”

After rebuilding her life, she found love again with French businessman Patrick de la Chesnais. Their marriage, marked by their long-distance arrangement, spanned six years before ending in 1999.

Although she has no children, her love for her godchildren is profound. She also cherishes her bond with Holden’s family, celebrating the roles his niece and granddaughter play on the board of the wildlife foundation.

The five-time Golden Globe nominee’s later years are marked by reflection and a desire to share her life’s journey. Her autobiography, “One from the Hart,” delves into her transformative life experiences.

The book details the profound impact of her mother’s passing and her subsequent lung cancer diagnosis. “The book came from two life-changing events,” she stated, referring to those pivotal moments.

A former smoker, she credits regular doctor visits for detecting her condition early, a factor she believes was crucial to her survival. “Early detection is everything,” she affirmed.

Although unsure if smoking played a role in her diagnosis, she noted her stepsister experienced a similar diagnosis despite never smoking. Writing the book gave her therapeutic avenues to revisit her past and understand pivotal shaping events.

At 82, Stefanie Powers continues to enthrall fans, her timeless beauty celebrated on social media. In a recent Instagram post from October 2024, adoring comments poured in.

“It’s wonderful to see Ms. Powers looking so stunning!” shared one admirer. Another commented, “You look marvelous and beautiful.” A longtime fan added, “Still gorgeous. I’m still watching my recorded “Hart to Hart” shows! Always a favorite.” One even queried, “How do you not age? Beautiful as ever!”

Stefanie Powers’s story continues to inspire across generations, a testament to her elegance and enduring legacy, adored by fans worldwide.

While the years have brought both achievements and trials, her indomitable spirit, grace, and commitment to her passions remain steadfast.

Now at 82, she is celebrated for her ageless appeal and continues to live her life with vigor, making her an iconic figure whose journey influences many.