This Star of a Legendary Movie Left Hollywood to Be a Housewife – After Split, Her Ex Married Her Carbon Copy

One Hollywood actress gave up her job to become a devoted housewife to a well-known singer.
To the surprise of their admirers, the couple separated after raising a family for 25 years.
Her ex-husband married a woman who could have passed for her twin shortly after their divorce.

The former star, 2016 | Source: Getty Images

This former celebrity’s exceptional abilities as a singer, actress, and dancer won her many fans over. Her famous roles and captivating performances propelled her to popularity, and she soon amassed a loyal following. However, she disappeared from the spotlight during the height of her success, leaving many to speculate as to what transpired.

She and her husband raised a family for twenty-five years before getting divorced. Later on, her ex-husband discovered a new lover who resembles her. Fans have not stopped discussing and conjecturing over the striking parallels. This gifted star’s life is incredibly fascinating, with many unexpected turns.

The former dancer and actress in action, starring in a dance movie, circa 1983 | Source: Getty Images

From Olympic Dreams to Hollywood Stardom

The November 21, 1956, native of Tennessee fell in love with dancing at an early age. She recalled learning to dance at the age of three in an earlier interview, but she didn’t start professional training until she was sixteen.

Her commitment was evident. She dedicated herself to an aggressive eight-hour training regimen in preparation for the Olympics. Her talent for dancing brought her to Hollywood, where she starred in several memorable parts.

The former dancer and actress in action, starring in a dance movie, circa 1983 | Source: Getty Images

The “Dirty Dancing” star thought back on her career and remembered the intense training they did before shooting. She said that she and her co-star Patrick Swayze trained for ten hours every day. It was one of the most difficult practices she had ever gone through, according to her.

Dancing with Patrick Swayze, dated June 27, 2014 | Source: YouTube/@RottenTomatoesCLASSICTRAILERS

She made the decision to stop dancing professionally during this period because of the physical toll it was taking on her body. She gained notoriety as a gifted actress in addition to her dancing profession.

The former star and other cast members in a scene in “Dirty Dancing” | Source: YouTube/@BoxofficeMoviesScenes

She was raised in a devout family and tried to project a polished image in the media and in her acting roles, frequently declining scripts that called for nudity. Although “Dirty Dancing” is still one of her most well-known roles, she was excellent in movies like “Runaway,” “Staying Alive,” and “Flashdance.”

The dancer and actress in “Staying Alive” in 1983 | Source: Getty Images

A Love Story Beyond the Spotlight

Following her ascent to prominence in Hollywood, Cynthia Rhodes entered into matrimony with renowned vocalist Richard Marx. Known for successes like “Now and Forever” and “Satisfied,” Marx has amassed over 30 million album sales globally. When the two first met, it was in 1983.

Their love grew over time despite their seven-year age difference. They didn’t click right away, but after two years their bond grew and they started dating. They were dating for a few years before getting married in 1989.

Cynthia Rhodes and Richard Marx attend the Sixth Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards on May 15, 1989 | Source: Getty Images

Many were enthralled with their love story. Marx disclosed in an interview that Rhodes served as the basis for his popular song “Right Here Waiting.” When they were still dating, he penned the song for her while she was in South Africa filming a movie.

After failing to get a visa to travel with her, Marx chose to write the song and send it to her. “Within about 20 minutes, I wrote the fastest song I’ve ever written. I had to mail the music to her because at the time there was no social networking or Skype,” he said.

Richard Marx and Rhodes in November 1996 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Rhodes and Marx’s Marriage and Family Life

Three boys were born to the couple, all of whom pursued artistic careers like their parents. September 1990 saw the arrival of their first child, Brandon Marx; September 1992 saw the arrival of their middle child, Lucas Marx; and September 1994 saw the arrival of their youngest, Jesse Marx.

After a few years of marriage, the couple made the decision to relocate to Chicago from the bright lights of Los Angeles. Their new chapter in life—one centered on family and personal fulfillment—was initiated by this move.

Rhodes committed herself to raising their three sons while accepting her role as a stay-at-home mother. The couple’s choice to put family above profession won them even more admirers from their followers, who eagerly followed their journey.

Richard Marx and Cynthia Rhodes in December 1992 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Away from the public eye, Rhodes and Marx maintained a semblance of normalcy despite the pressures of fatherhood. Their Chicagoan existence together appeared to be the ideal combination of love, family, and personal fulfillment. But after over 20 years of marriage, things unexpectedly changed.

Richard Marx and Cynthia Rhodes in May 2002 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

The End of an Era: Inside Cynthia and Richard’s Surprising Split

After 25 years together, Rhodes and Marx’s seemingly ideal marriage came to an end when they filed for divorce in 2014. Many people who had followed their journey and appreciated their dedication to one another and their family were startled to hear the news.

Cynthia Rhodes and Richard Marx in August 1987 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Although the circumstances behind their breakup remained mainly confidential, Marx subsequently discussed the breakup and its impact on him. He said, “It has been a difficult time.”

Even though they were no longer together, he showed Rhodes respect and affection. “What I will say is that I had the great fortune and blessing to not only be married to Cynthia for all those years but to just share her company,” he continued. He continued by thanking Rhodes and referring to her as “an amazing person” in order to show his appreciation for their time together and their family.

In 2015, Marx remarried Daisy Fuentes after finding love once more, one year after their divorce. Fans, though, couldn’t help but notice Rhodes and Fuentes’ obvious similarity. Every now and then, Marx honors Fuentes on Instagram by commemorating milestones like anniversaries.

Fans began comparing Fuentes to Rhodes as a result, with many pointing out their physical similarities. In response to a post, an admirer said, “She reminds me of Cynthia when she is sitting on the bed.”

Marx’s companion Fuentes was praised by another admirer, who wrote, “You have such a beautiful wife, inside and out.” The Grammy Award winner said, “I’m in love in the most liberating way I’ve ever experienced,” a statement she frequently makes about Fuentes. It’s a lovely thing.

Life After Fame: Cynthia Rhodes’ Journey to Privacy and Peace

Rhodes has mostly avoided the spotlight after her divorce, and nothing is known about her romantic history. She did, however, make an uncommon cameo on author Randal Kenneth Jones’ page in 2023.

While promoting his novel “Ruby,” they shared a picture together, and Jones disclosed that Rhodes served as inspiration for the main character. The sporadic pictures and infrequent appearances on social media have only increased people’s curiosity about her life outside of Hollywood.

Rhodes has embraced her privacy by opting for a life of quiet seclusion, which stands in stark contrast to her days spent in the spotlight. Her transformation from a well-known celebrity to a loving mother and finally to a reclusive person demonstrates her tenacity and devotion to her principles.

It becomes evident as we delve into the infrequent glimpses of Rhodes’s present life that she has discovered a new form of fulfillment away from the spotlight and cameras. In the ever-evolving world of celebrity culture, Rhodes continues to be a symbol of grace and quiet resilience, even though admirers are still curious about her life today.