Connie Stevens, the 86-year-old actress best known for her role in Hawaiian Eye, has faced numerous challenges throughout her life, yet she has always persevered. Despite personal hardships that left her unable to walk at one point, she forged a thriving career in entertainment, including making her directorial debut at age 70.
Born Concetta Rosalie Ann Ingoglia, Stevens grew up in an Italian-American family with possible Iroquois heritage. She adopted her father’s stage name and initially pursued a career in singing before transitioning to acting, landing small roles in films. Her big break came in 1958 when Jerry Lewis cast her in Rock-a-Bye Baby. This led to her prominent roles in 77 Sunset Strip and Hawaiian Eye, cementing her stardom.
Despite her success, Stevens found Hollywood to be a difficult environment. She once said, “This is a tough industry. I’ve never run with the pack… I’ve always been my own person.” Stevens resisted Hollywood’s pressure to conform, refusing to play the game and attend the right parties, staying true to herself in an industry that often demanded compromises.
Stevens’ personal life was marked by heartbreak. She married actor James Stacy in 1963, but their relationship ended in divorce three years later due to abuse. She remarried in 1967 to singer Eddie Fisher, but their union also ended in divorce in 1969, due to Fisher’s substance abuse and infidelity. Despite these personal challenges, Stevens raised two daughters, Joely and Tricia Leigh Fisher, both of whom became actresses themselves. After her second divorce, Stevens chose not to remarry.
She embraced life as a single mother, and her relationship with her daughters was central to her life. Joely Fisher described their unconventional lifestyle, saying, “We were like carni-folk,” noting how they traveled with their mother and sometimes joined her on stage. The strong bond between mother and daughters remained unbroken throughout the years, with Joely remembering her mother’s constant love and support.
In 1996, Stevens experienced a devastating family loss when her brother, Charles Thomas Ingolia, passed away suddenly. Two years later, she faced another challenge when a jury ruled she owed $4.3 million to her former manager, Norton Styne, over a cosmetics business deal. Despite the setback, Stevens remained resilient and continued to find new opportunities, including working in the cosmetics industry after her acting career slowed down.
In 2012, Stevens made a significant achievement when she co-wrote, produced, and directed the film Saving Grace B. Jones, marking her debut as a director at age 70. This was a proud moment for her, as she became one of the few women to direct a film at such an age. “I started this film at 70, so I’m very proud of my accomplishment,” she said, acknowledging that she may have been the first woman to do so.
Despite facing further obstacles, including a massive stroke in 2016 that left her unable to move her left side, Stevens’ recovery has been steady. Now living in assisted care, her spirit remains strong, with her daughter Joely noting that she is “a fighter” who continues to inspire those around her.
Connie Stevens’ resilience, beauty, and talent have made her an enduring icon in Hollywood. Her fans still admire her for her grace and strength, and she continues to captivate audiences across generations. As Joely shared in 2023, family moments continue to shine through, with the three women—Connie, Joely, and Tricia—posing happily together. Connie Stevens remains a symbol of perseverance, strength, and timeless beauty.
