This ’70s Star Got a Second Chance with a ‘Sex and the City’ Heartthrob After Her Husband’s Death — Their Love Story
The Hollywood icon found herself in a whirlwind romance with a man thirty years her senior as she ascended to fame. After his passing, her heart opened once more in her mid-forties when she fell for a renowned actor. Their enduring love story continues to captivate.
This esteemed star in the 1970s, who just turned 68, is best known for her unforgettable performance in the 1979 romantic comedy “10.” Her swimsuits and iconic cornrows in the film instantly cemented her status as a global sex symbol.
The actress on the set of the movie “10,” 1979 | | Source: Getty Images
However, her path to stardom started much earlier. At just 17, she made her debut in the film “Fantasies,” shot in Greece. During filming, she fell in love with her director, John Derek, who was 30 years older. Their relationship led to the end of his marriage to actress Linda Evans.
The duo’s romance eventually led to marriage in 1976, and they remained devoted to one another for 22 years until the actor’s passing in 1998 from congestive heart failure.
The actress and John Derek pictured on January 1, 1983 | Source: Getty Images
The veteran actress later opened up about the profound impact of her husband’s passing, reflecting on the emotional toll it took.
“I’ve always been a fairly optimistic person, but it was a huge change, an enormous loss,” she shared. “The air just gets sucked out of the room when you lose your partner. So I wallowed in that for a while.”
The actress and John Derek pictured on February 1, 1987 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the grief, she admitted she didn’t expect to find love again. “Some women want to pair up again right away. I didn’t,” she explained. Instead, she drew inspiration from single friends who embraced fulfilling lives through family, friendships, and personal projects, finding joy in their independence.
However, five years after her spouse’s passing, the former child model found herself unexpectedly drawn to another actor, sparking a new chapter in her love life.
The actress during the Festival of the Animals on September 8, 2002, in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on their relationship, she described it as an attraction and a source of comfort, noting that he constantly made her laugh and was full of life and joy.
She admitted she became attracted to him early on and still felt the same, adding that they took things day by day and believed they were still in a good place.
The actress at the Eighth Annual American Veteran Awards on November 22, 2002, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
At 45, the film actress found love again with the man five years her junior, an actor known for his role as Aidan Shaw in the beloved drama series “Sex and the City.”
The actor at the Nautica Jeans and Elle magazine Valentines Day party on February 12, 2002, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Bo Derek’s second chance at love with John Corbett came with a bit of Hollywood matchmaking after being introduced by an agent, Norby Walters.
In early 2002, Corbett, already known for “Sex and the City” and with “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” on the horizon, needed a date for an Oscars party.
John Corbett and Bo Derek arriving at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March, 24 2002, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
In an interview, he recalled telling his friend that he wasn’t dating anyone, to which his friend responded, “I’ll get you a date, Corbett!” and arranged for him to meet Derek.
The Virginia native confessed feeling “very intimidated” during their first meeting, while Derek, who hadn’t been on a date in five years, was immediately drawn to him. She admitted liking him “instantly,” adding, “I kept saying to my friends, ‘I’ll wait until all the sparks and all that get going.’ And it finally happened.”
John Corbett and Bo Derek attend the VH1 Big In Awards on December 4, 2002, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
After more than a decade together, Derek and Corbett found joy in each other’s company and their quiet life at home. “We both travel so much, so, for us, our favorite vacation place is home,” Derek revealed in a 2018 interview, describing it as the center of their romance.
“We enjoy each other’s company; we make each other laugh,” Corbett added, noting that even after 15 years, they still held hands and hosted frequent barbecues with friends.
Bo Derek and John Corbett visit Hallmark’s “Home & Family” at Universal Studios Hollywood on March 20, 2018, in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images
He also mentioned that Derek still laughed at his jokes, despite having heard them countless times, and admitted he felt her absence whenever she wasn’t around.
Building on their strong connection, the couple remained content without formalizing their relationship. By 2020, Derek explained that marriage hadn’t been a priority for them.
She noted that while it was a meaningful commitment when starting a young family, it wasn’t something they had felt the need to pursue in their own lives.
In another interview that same year, the California native further explained that their decision not to wed wasn’t intentional but practical, given their stage in life. “At our age, we’re not planning on having kids,” she noted, adding that for them, marriage would simply be “a piece of paper.”
Despite not prioritizing marriage, Derek emphasized that the strength of her relationship with Corbett stemmed from their deep connection. She reflected on their lasting bond, saying, “I mean, you have to be in love. Really, deeply, in love.”
The “Bolero” star explained that, despite their many differences, they approached their relationship one day at a time, and 19 years later, they were still together and committed to continuing the journey one day at a time.
Their commitment to one another had always been evident, even without the formality of marriage. However, after 20 years together, Derek and Corbett decided to make it official around Christmas time in 2020.
Corbett revealed the news during an appearance on “The Talk” in August 2021, explaining their choice to keep it low-key. “We’re pretty private people,” he disclosed. While they hadn’t made a public announcement, he said their friends and family already knew. This marked the first time he spoke about their union publicly.
Years later, the couple’s enduring romance continues to inspire admiration. In April 2024, a user on X shared a photo of Derek and Corbett, celebrating their relationship. The post quickly gained attention, with users expressing their appreciation in the comments.
“Oh wow, they are PERFECT together!” one person wrote. Another added, “Never knew they even dated. Married. Wow. Good for them!” “I love these two together!” a third commenter shared, echoing the sentiment of many.
Bo Derek and John Corbett attend the world premiere of “Masters of the Air,” 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Derek continues to draw admiration for her timeless beauty. Fans were quick to praise her in another Instagram post.
“You are still a beauty!!!” one admirer exclaimed. Another wrote, “You look awesome.” “You are the most beautiful woman in the world,” a third fan added, highlighting the widespread appreciation for her striking looks.
Bo Derek and John Corbett’s lasting love story is a testament to the power of connection and companionship, thriving through decades of shared laughter and mutual admiration. Together, they continue to inspire fans with their genuine bond and unwavering commitment to one another.
