FILM LEGEND I was 17 when I took Linda’s 46-year-old husband from her. I can’t forgive myself
Star’s angst over wrecking marriage
To a starstruck American teenager making her first movie in the idyllic Greek islands, falling for her handsome director seemed like the perfect love story.
But while the romance that turned her life on its head still holds a wealth of happy memories, movie legend Bo Derek looks back with regret on how ready she was to steal another woman’s husband.
“That still breaks my heart,” admits the 63-year-old. “Being part of breaking up a marriage is a horrible thing and I still can’t believe I was a part of it.”
At the time, director John Derek was married to actress Linda Evans – who went on to star in hit soap Dynasty.
But what made the scandal worthy of a soap opera itself was that, at 46, threetimes wed John was three decades older.
Once filming was complete on the aptly named movie, Fantasies, the besotted pair set up a new life in Europe.
Because Bo was under 18 – the age of consent in her home state of California – there were fears Derek could face legal action in the US over the relationship.
Five years later, in 1976, she became his wife No 4. They stayed together until John’s death in 1998, aged 71.
Bo says: “When I look back on being 17 with a 46-year-old man, I thought I knew everything. It felt right at the time. I was so in love with him.
“At 17, I felt I knew everything and was ready to take on the world.
“To fall in love with this exciting man and live in Europe was a dream.”
Bo’s screen breakthrough did not come until 1979, starring opposite Dudley Moore in the romantic comedy 10 – which became one of her most iconic roles, making her an instant pin-up.
Today she lives happily on her California ranch with actor John Corbett – four years her junior – who she has been with for 18 years.
But what has humbled her as she looks back on her first romance is the graciousness of her love rival, Linda.
Bo says: “She’s such a beautiful human and I’ll never forgive myself.
“I’ll never make that mistake again – I’m forever sorry to her.”
Linda, 77, recently agreed to take part in her documentary, Bo Derek: In My Own Words.
And she is surprisingly sanguine about the woman who stole her husband.
Bo reveals: “Linda’s the last person I’d have expected to say yes. I was completely blown away.
“It brought back a lot of the sad times when I was beginning my relationship with John.
“It was a very painful time for everyone involved. I look back at that time in my life as a terrible mistake.
“I think she’s been so extremely kind to me and I don’t know why.
“I have to assume that she wanted to get this
BO DEREK ON SURVIVING HOLLYWOOD’S PREDATORY MALE CULTURE
DIGNITY Bo is happy to admit her mistakes
ROM-COM With Dudley Moore in 10 in 1979
LAUGHTER Bo with her new partner John in 2017 off her chest.” Bo was a naive teen when she landed that first role. Growing up in southern California she had enjoyed a sun-soaked life on its beaches.
Her father worked for sailing firm Hobie Cat and her mum was often away with her work as a celebrity
make-up artist and hairdresser. The actress has spoken of skipping school to surf and sunbathe – then quit altogether to star in Fantasies.
Talking from her ranch in Santa Ynez, north of Santa Barbara – where her life revolves around their three dogs and three horses – she recalls: “I was too young, but it absolutely changed my life completely.
“I always look back at that time as overwhelming for a young woman, someone who wasn’t prepared for it – but it was like being given a magic credit card in life.”
Her looks brought a lot of unwanted attention from Hollywood men trying to seduce her, but being married gave her a shield.
She explains: “I was in that relationship with my husband, and he had a reputation – a lot of people were afraid of him, that offered a bit of protection.
“I did go on interviews and some producers tried to kiss me, but my mother taught me at a young age to kick them in the nuts.”
She thinks herself lucky her older husband was not that sort of predator.
“Sometimes I think, ‘Boy, I was so in love… I’m lucky he was a good man.’
“Because what if he wasn’t a good man? What if he was a MeToo abuser? I’m very lucky. Or have I made good
Director with third wife of five years in 1972 choices? Who knows?” Bo’s most iconic image remains that of the slender, swimsuited woman running along the beach in 10, her blonde hair braided in cornrows.
Such a style would be problematic today, drawing accusations of cultural appropriation – as experienced by pop star Adele this week with her bantu knots to celebrate Notting Hill Carnival.
Bo admits she would not wear the look today. She says: “At the time African American women constantly came up and thanked me for wearing the hairstyle. They couldn’t go to work with braids because their boss wouldn’t let them, which is incredible.
“We’re going through a shift for sure. I understand the objection – I’d never wear them again now, but I hope they understand it was a different time.”
She says her life with John Derek was a good one – but that now it is more settled. She never had children as things before were “too chaotic”.
“Now my life is more my own,” she explains. “Sharing it with John, we enjoy doing the same things together.”
It was him who encouraged her to open up with such honesty for her documentary. She also remains busy, with a new movie, JL Family Ranch 2, awaiting release. She says: “John’s fun and makes me laugh all the time.
“Our professional lives are so hectic, then we have this refuge on the farm.
“Living up here, surrounded by animals, was a dream since I was a little girl. I’m lucky I get to live it.
“A friend said, ‘Now you’re having your teenage romance, because you didn’t have it as a teenager.’ And there’s some truth to that I think.
“Somehow through all my mistakes, the weird decisions and the crazy films, I came through with my dignity. And that makes me feel better.”