This talented and determined film star has had an extraordinary journey through life. Despite numerous hardships — including a debilitating stroke — she has continued to inspire generations with her enduring charm and grace, making her directorial debut at 70.
The actress, 86, is widely known for starring in the drama series “Hawaiian Eye.” Even after her decades-long career in show business, she continues to captivate audiences with her timeless beauty.
Born Concetta Rosalie Ann Ingoglia, the celebrity grew up in a lively Italian household. With a heritage she believes includes Iroquois roots, she adopted her father’s stage name and pursued singing before landing extra roles in films.
Her breakthrough came when Jerry Lewis cast her in “Rock-a-Bye Baby” (1958), propelling her to stardom with roles in “77 Sunset Strip” and “Hawaiian Eye.”
Despite her success, the actress found Hollywood challenging. “This is a tough industry. I’ve never run with the pack so to speak. I’ve always been my own person. Everybody knows that,” she once revealed.
The Hollywood star resisted the pressures of showbiz, “The business process here is very tricky… You have to go to the right parties, play the game. Which I refused to do.”
Unfortunately, her professional triumphs were often shadowed by personal heartbreak. In 1963, she married actor James Stacy, but the relationship ended in 1966 after years of abuse.
Seeking love again, she wed singer Eddie Fisher in 1967, becoming the third of his five wives. However, their union was short-lived due to Fisher’s struggles with substance abuse and infidelity, leading to their divorce in 1969.
Though her second marriage lasted just two years, it brought her two daughters, Joely and Tricia Leigh Fisher. Both followed in their mother’s footsteps to become actresses. After these tumultuous relationships, she chose not to marry again.
Focused on raising her daughters, the unconventional lifestyle she shared with her daughters brought them closer.
“We were like carni-folk,” Joely once recalled in her memoir, “Growing Up Fisher: Musings, Memories and Misadventures.” When they traveled with their mom, she would ask if they felt like coming on stage, and they eventually became part of her act.
Their mother was a steadfast source of love and guidance throughout the siblings’ childhood. “She has reiterated to me over the years what an incredible human being I am and how proud she is of me and what a great mother I am,” Joely further divulged. “She is an affectionate, generous, incandescent spirit of a woman.”
That deep bond remains unbroken today. As Joely fondly recalled, “It was always the three of us against the world. She lights up when we all show up. And, you know, we surround her with love.”
Yet even the closest families face moments of heartache. Sadly, the family experienced a devastating loss in 1996 when her mother’s older brother, Charles Thomas Ingolia, died of a heart attack in Las Vegas at 63.
A gifted drummer, he spent seven years as a studio musician for Warner Bros., lending his talent to recordings and television productions. During his career, he also acted, appearing in several TV movies, including “Hawaiian Eye,” where he shared the screen with his younger sister.
Two years after her brother’s death, the star faced another challenge. In 1998, actress-singer Connie Stevens was in a legal battle where a Los Angeles Superior Court jury ruled that she owed her former manager, Norton Styne, $4.3 million.
The case centered around Forever Spring I, her cosmetics line sold on the Home Shopping Network. The jury determined that Styne was instrumental in helping develop the line and was entitled to 10 percent of the profits based on a verbal agreement.
Connie maintained that she created the concept with a friend and that Styne’s role was limited to arranging meetings with HSN executives. Though she admitted to sending him checks, she described them as “part business and part gifts.”
Styne’s lawyer, Barry Langberg, noted, “When there’s an oral agreement, it’s a little harder to prove… But I knew that Mr. Styne was telling the truth. And I think the jury saw that.”
Meanwhile, Connie’s attorney, Steve Schiffres, anticipated an appeal, maintaining there was no arrangement or contract. He characterized his client as disappointed and stunned by the decision.
The Hollywood star was seeking new opportunities when she turned to the cosmetics business after Styne failed to secure acting roles or personal appearances for her.
Despite these obstacles, her determination remained unshaken. She turned to filmmaking, conceiving, co-writing, producing, and directing “Saving Grace B. Jones,” which debuted in select cities in 2012.
While speaking about her achievement, Connie said, “I started this film at 70, so I’m very proud of my accomplishment. I have asked, but I don’t think there is another female [movie director] that has ever done that. I’m the first one.”
Yet even with her remarkable accomplishments, life presented another devastating setback. In 2016, she suffered a massive stroke and later recalled the ordeal, “I was in the hospital about 16 days, and I couldn’t walk, couldn’t move my whole left side.”
Connie’s recovery has since been steady, and while she now resides in assisted living, her spirit remains unbreakable. “[…] She’s strong and a fighter,” her daughter Joely shared.
Connie’s strength and resilience continue to shine through. In May 2023, Joely shared heartfelt family photos of herself, her mother, and her sister. The trio happily posed together, with the veteran actress beaming between her daughters. Her child captioned the post, “Scenes from a day that included mothers.”
Over the years, fans have continued to express their admiration for Connie on social media. One fan wrote, “I love her! She’s great.” Another added, “Wow, Connie Stevens is still such a babe!” Someone else shared, “Always wanted to be Connie Stevens!” while another noted, “Connie Stevens still has that beautiful smile!”
Connie Stevens’ enduring charm and talent continue to captivate fans across generations, as their heartfelt words reflect her lasting impact. Through triumphs and challenges, she remains an icon of grace, resilience, and timeless beauty.
