Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner’s Intense Relationship, According to Pal

Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner had a passionate and tumultuous love affair that, according to a close friend, was destined to fizzle out.

Tony Oppedisano, a member of Sinatra's management team and mutual friend of Gardner, shared details about their relationship in his recently published memoir, “Sinatra and Me: In the Wee Small Hours.”

Sinatra first met Gardner in 1950 at a party while he was still married to his childhood sweetheart, Nancy Sinatra Sr. After news of his affair with Gardner became public, Nancy left him, and Sinatra and Gardner tied the knot shortly after finalizing their respective divorces.

However, their marriage was far from smooth sailing.

During this time, Sinatra's career took a downturn, and he relied on Gardner's generosity for financial support.

He would charge gifts to her account and even had a clause written into Gardner's contract requiring her studio to find work for him.

Gardner went so far as to plead with a producer to cast Sinatra in the film “From Here to Eternity” in 1953.

Their relationship was marked by intense love and frequent fights, sometimes even erupting into public brawls.

Despite the rocky nature of their union, it lasted from 1951 to 1957.

Gardner never remarried and passed away in 1990 at the age of 67.

Oppedisano, who met Gardner in the mid-'70s, described her as classy, impeccably dressed, and drop-dead gorgeous.

Even though their meeting was brief, she left a lasting impression on him.

Gardner, a farmer's daughter who found fame in Hollywood, moved to London after her divorce from Sinatra.

In an interview with London's Daily Express in 1982, Gardner expressed her desire for a lasting marriage instead of a successful career.

She revealed her shy and ordinary values, contrary to the s**y siren image she portrayed on-screen.

Despite the misconceptions, Gardner longed for a simple life with one faithful partner.

Gardner's career spanned 60 films, and she made one of her final appearances on the CBS series “Knots Landing” in 1985.

Sinatra went on to marry Mia Farrow and Barbara Sinatra, but Oppedisano claimed that in his last days, Sinatra was frustrated with his declining health and limited public appearances.

Oppedisano remembered Sinatra as a personable, caring, and compassionate individual who often showed his lighter side.

He shared a humorous anecdote about Sinatra trying to cheer him up when he received news about his father's hospitalization.

Sinatra's antics with cigarettes brought laughter to Oppedisano's somber mood, showcasing Sinatra's comedic nature.

Through his memoir, Oppedisano aims to provide readers with an intimate look at the real Frank Sinatra, a beloved figure with a multifaceted personality.

He hopes to reveal the man behind the iconic singer and dispel any misconceptions that may exist.

In conclusion, Sinatra and Gardner's intense relationship captivated audiences and left a lasting mark on both their lives.

Despite its ultimate demise, their love affair remains a significant chapter in the history of Hollywood's golden era.