She’s been a household name for decades, gracing our screens with her talent and charm. But it was her unforgettable commercials alongside The Rockford Files star James Garner that truly endeared Mariette Hartley to millions of TV viewers. Their chemistry was so palpable that many assumed they were a real-life couple. “I just adored him,” says Mariette, now 84. But beneath the smile and success lies a story of resilience and heart.
Mariette’s Trials and Triumphs
Behind the scenes, Mariette has faced her fair share of struggles, starting with a challenging childhood marked by emotional distance and a lack of affection. Growing up in a home where physical touch was frowned upon, she learned early on that life could be tough. “If we can live through difficulties, the best things can come of it,” she reflects. “That’s why I keep hugging my children and grandchildren—even when they don’t want to be hugged.” Determined to turn her pain into purpose, Mariette helped found the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention after her father’s tragic suicide. “We now have chapters in every state,” she shares. “While we can’t save everyone, we hope to make a difference for as many as we can.”
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Childhood Challenges and Lessons Learned
“There was so much drinking in my family, and a lot of it was hidden under the surface,” Mariette recalls. “As a kid, I remember stepping over bodies after my parents threw parties. I’d find my mother in the forsythia bushes, and my grandfather, John B. Watson, was one of the most famous psychologists. His claim to fame was behaviorism, but honestly, he was kind of scary.” Despite these hardships, Mariette found ways to heal and grow, proving that even the toughest beginnings can lead to incredible outcomes.
When Did Love and Comfort Finally Enter the Picture?
For Mariette, the feeling of safety and comfort came much later in life. “It wasn’t until I met the man I’ve been with for nearly 20 years that I felt truly safe,” she admits. “And now, I get that same love and support from my kids. It’s been a journey, but one I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
Early Acting Roots and Inspirations
Mariette’s love for acting started early. “When I was around 8 or 9 years old, I met a man who ran a fantastic marionette school,” she reminisces. “I studied with him and even made marionettes. My first play was The Wizard of Oz, and I was the one manipulating the Dorothy puppet. By the time I was 10, I’d heard about a theater company for kids and begged my mom to let me join.”
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Meeting the Legendary Rod Serling
“In high school, I was the head of my drama department, and I decided to call Rod Serling,” Mariette shares. “His name was in the phone book, and when he answered, he ended up coming to speak to my drama group. Years later, I ran into him on the MGM lot, and before I knew it, I was starring on The Twilight Zone. Talk about a dream come true!”
Sci-Fi Stardom and Beyond
Fans of sci-fi will always remember Mariette for her iconic roles on Star Trek and The Incredible Hulk. “Playing Spock’s love interest, Zarabeth, was unforgettable,” she says. “Walking onto the Star Trek set as a kid from Connecticut was surreal. Bill Shatner wore heels to appear taller, and Leonard Nimoy wasn’t the greatest kisser, but hey, I got to kiss Spock! And I won an Emmy for my role on The Incredible Hulk, where I fell in love with Bill Bixby’s character. At the time, I was nursing my child, and Bill graciously agreed to stop filming whenever the baby needed feeding. It was a team effort, and I’m so grateful for that experience.”
Working with Alfred Hitchcock on Marnie
Not all experiences were smooth sailing. “Alfred Hitchcock was a tough guy,” Mariette recalls. “He could be pretty nasty, but Tippi Hedren encouraged me to stick with it. It wasn’t easy, but I’m proud of what we accomplished together.”
The Polaroid Commercials: A Sweet Memory
“In our audition, I was a bit bratty, and I ad-libbed a playful banter with Jim about the camera being two steps instead of one,” Mariette laughs. “That’s what got me the part. And then, I got to work with him on The Rockford Files, which was an absolute blast.”
James Garner: More Than Just a Co-Star
“Jim’s body was pretty beat up, and I could always tell when he was in pain, but it never dulled his incredible sense of humor,” Mariette says. “People thought we were an item, so I had to put a stop to those rumors. When my daughter, Justine, was born, I had someone at Universal make a handmade T-shirt for her that said, ‘I am not James Garner’s baby.’ Jim’s reaction was priceless.”
A Family Affair: Our Almost Completely True Love Story
In 2021, Mariette and her husband, Jerry, produced their own romantic comedy, Our Almost Completely True Love Story. “Almost everyone in my family is in it,” she explains. “It’s a very personal story about life after middle age, told with humor. We poured our own money into it, and it addresses suicide in a way that’s accessible. It’s available on Roku, Amazon Prime, and Tubi, and I’m thrilled when people watch it.”
Secrets to a Long-Last
