Bo Derek Stole a Man 30 Years Her Senior From an Actress She Worshipped — They Were Married for 22 Years

Currently, Bo Derek enjoys a happy marriage, but she once disrupted the life of an actress she greatly admired by taking her husband. Despite eventually marrying the man and spending 22 years together, Bo regrets her actions.

Bo Derek, an American actress and model, has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for decades. Her rise to fame began in 1979 with her role in the romantic comedy ’10.’

Following this breakthrough, she secured parts in various films, including ‘Bolero,’ ‘Tarzan, the Ape Man,’ and ‘Ghosts Can’t Do It,’ among others.

Although Bo gained widespread recognition in 1979, her acting career began much earlier. At just 16 years old, she was cast in the film ‘Fantasies,’ which was directed by John Derek, who later became her first husband. In an interview with Interview Magazine, Bo shared how meeting John came about during the audition process.

Bo recounted receiving a call from her agent about the upcoming interview, and she excitedly informed her mother, who was curious, that the director was John Derek.

Her mother was thrilled and openly admired John’s good looks. A few days later, Bo confirmed her mother’s assessment upon meeting him for the first time. She reflected, ‘And when I walked in and met him in the office, I thought, ‘Oh, Mom was right. He is so handsome.”

John expressed his wish to cast her in ‘Fantasies,’ but Bo could only agree if she was allowed to leave school and travel to Greece for filming.

Without a second thought, Bo accepted John’s proposal. With her mother’s support, who accompanied her as a chaperone, Bo set off for the picturesque island of Mykonos.

Unexpectedly, Mykonos turned out to be more than just a filming location for Bo and John; it became the backdrop for a controversial romance.

A Romance Blossoms Abroad

At the time of their initial encounter, John was still married to veteran actress Linda Evans, and he was thirty years older than Bo. Despite the significant age difference and John’s marital status, Bo found herself drawn to him.

In her Interview Magazine discussion, Bo revealed that their love ignited in Mykonos, despite her mother’s presence, which made the situation feel odd.

Bo described their love as extraordinary, noting that John had a penchant for strong women, and she fit that description, albeit at a young age.

In Mykonos, Bo felt the mutuality of their affection, which deepened every day. Once filming concluded, they were both eager to embrace their relationship publicly.

After the fallout from her initial marriage, Bo never anticipated that she would discover love again.

However, John’s marriage to Evans ultimately suffered as a result of their connection. This allowed the couple to focus solely on each other.

Due to statutory laws prohibiting their relationship because Bo was still a minor, they remained in Europe. They were cautious, as any legal issues could have dire consequences for John.

To avoid potential legal troubles, Bo withdrew from high school, choosing to stay with John in Europe, where they enjoyed many adventures.

During their travels, Bo had the opportunity to meet Ursula Andress, John’s second wife and a close friend. Their European escapade ended when Bo reached the age of 18, after which they returned to California and eventually married in 1976.

Although Bo and John appeared to be in a good place, not everyone approved of their relationship. Bo’s parents were particularly displeased with her choices. Nevertheless, she remained committed to John until he passed away.

While many saw them as a destined couple, Bo has since reflected on their marriage, realizing that her choice to marry John was a mistake, despite their happiness.

Their union lasted for 22 years before John’s death in 1998 when he was 71.

John, who was instrumental in boosting Bo’s career, had a history of heart issues. He was discovered unresponsive at his home in Santa Ynez Valley on a Wednesday and underwent extensive heart surgery.

He passed away at 12:45 p.m. that Friday at Marian Medical Center, surrounded by family, as confirmed by hospital spokesperson Stephanie Grogan.

Living With Regret

Years following John’s passing, Bo still grapples with the remorse stemming from her role in ending Evans’ marriage. In a 2016 interview with Interview Magazine, she shared that taking someone’s spouse is one of the worst things one can do, and she expressed deep self-loathing over it.

The weight of her actions intensified her guilt, particularly given that Evans, whom Bo admired, had always treated her kindly. Consequently, Bo said she felt embarrassed every time she encountered Evans.

On a positive note, Evans shared that her divorce from John ultimately aided her personal growth. Initially, it was one of the most challenging experiences of her life, but over time it revealed unexpected benefits.

Evans stated that had she not divorced John, who discouraged her career, she wouldn’t have landed a role in ‘Dynasty’ and experienced the success that followed. Meanwhile, Bo continues to cope with her past while acknowledging the profound impact of her choices.

‘I may move forward and learn from my mistakes, but reflecting on that period evokes a deep sense of regret,’ Bo stated.

Finding Love Again

After her complicated first marriage, Bo never thought she would find love again. Yet, life has a way of surprising us. She is now happily married to actor John Corbett.

The pair began dating in 2002 without any plans for marriage. Initially, their connection was based on mutual attraction and comfort. However, as time went on, their bond deepened.

Bo found herself laughing often with Corbett, and her feelings intensified over the years. The couple dated for two decades before revealing their marriage in 2020, with Corbett stating, ‘Around Christmas time we got married. Bo and I got married.’

Bo is content in her life, despite not having children, a conscious choice she made. She felt that children deserve parents who are fully committed. Nonetheless, she continues to inspire many women around the world.