Exactly 34 years ago, a construction worker and a world-famous actress exchanged vows in a star-studded wedding that shocked the entertainment world. On October 6, 1991, this legendary actress married blue-collar worker Larry Fortensky at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. This was her eighth and final marriage. Their unlikely romance fascinated the tabloids, and although the marriage did not last, it ended with lasting affection rather than scandal. Sparks Fly Behind Clinic Walls.
Their story began behind the locked doors of the Betty Ford Clinic in 1988. The global icon was there for her second stay, at age 56. Larry was 36, a sun-tanned construction worker with a troubled history. He had been arrested several times for driving under the influence and had crashed a truck shortly before entering the clinic. His insurance paid for his treatment. Elizabeth would later call him “Larry the Lion.” In a 2011 interview with The Daily Mail, Larry said, “I knew who she was, of course, but I can’t say that I ever watched her movies.”
As the weeks passed, their bond grew stronger. Larry became very protective of Elizabeth and disliked the harsh rehab methods used at the clinic. Both stayed enrolled for six weeks, and during that time, their emotional connection deepened unexpectedly. Larry admitted that she was beautiful and said he was not “bad-looking” either. He also said, “The person I met was the real woman, without all the movie star nonsense. We bonded quickly.” Elizabeth was drawn to his simplicity and was fascinated by a man who was unaffected by fame.
Larry was a twice-divorced high school dropout from Stanton, California. He was raised in a working-class family and lived such an ordinary life that he had never even flown on an airplane.
A Hidden Love and a Limo in the Mud
Larry said their romance started after they left the clinic, but not everyone believed that — including his sister, Donna. Regardless, their spark grew during a time when Larry was still recovering from his accident and did not have a car. Elizabeth often sent a limousine to pick him up, but Larry’s home was so remote that the limo frequently got stuck in the mud. During this secret relationship, Larry’s family had no idea he was dating a famous actress. Donna remembered overhearing Larry call someone “honey.” When she asked if he was dating the superstar, Larry told her to mind her own business.
