“I’m a sucker for Grandpa’s song ‘Dream Lover.’ And I think I look a lot like him. His strong, Italian features were definitely passed down to me, and some say I was lucky enough to get my grandma’s eyes and lips.”
|It’s a timeless tale of the deep bond shared between grandchildren and grandparents, a connection that warms the heart. For the grandchildren of two iconic artists from the 1950s, this bond also manifests in an uncanny resemblance.
Bobby Darin, a musician, singer, and actor, launched his career as a songwriter and released his first single in 1958. With remarkable success on the music charts, he ventured into the world of cinema.
His big break came in 1960 when he starred opposite Sandra Dee in the film “Come September,” alongside Rock Hudson and Gina Lollobrigida. While filming in Italy, Darin pursued Dee with unwavering determination.
Darin’s son, Dodd Mitchell Darin, shared an intriguing anecdote about his father’s pursuit of Dee. He recounted how Darin, standing on the shore in a yellow suit, boldly asked Dee to marry him as she arrived in a boat. Dee’s response? “Not today.”
Despite Dee’s initial reservations, Darin persisted in his efforts, resorting to playful antics like chanting, “Sandra Dee has a flea,” whenever he saw her. His persistence paid off when Dee finally agreed to a carriage ride with him, leading to a heartfelt confession of love.
Their romance blossomed, leading to a spontaneous elopement on December 1, 1960. However, their relationship faced challenges, with suspicions of infidelity and eventual divorce in the late 1960s.
Tragically, Darin’s life was cut short at the age of 37 due to complications from surgery. His passing deeply affected Dee, despite their separation. Dodd recalls his mother’s enduring grief, revealing that a part of her died with Darin.
Despite their tumultuous relationship, Darin’s legacy lives on through his son Dodd, who oversees his father’s music catalog and upholds his parents’ names. Dodd’s daughters, Olivia and Alexa, represent the next generation of Darins.
The Darin sisters, while not inheriting their grandfather’s musical talents, aspire to follow in their grandmother’s footsteps. They express admiration for their grandparents’ legacy and cherish memories shared by their father.
Olivia and Alexa embody the spirit of their famous grandparents, with Alexa noting her resemblance to her grandfather and Olivia reflecting on her grandmother’s influence. Despite never meeting their grandfather, they honor his memory through their endeavors and aspirations.
As they navigate their own paths, the Darin sisters remain close, celebrating each other’s milestones and cherishing their family’s rich history. Through their bond and shared heritage, they carry forward the legacy of Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee with grace and pride.