Joan Blondell's Husband and Parents: 12 Family Facts

1. #003

   Blondell's marriage to the theatrical impresario Mike Todd was an emotional and financial disaster. Todd was a big spender who lost hundreds of thousands of dollars gambling — high-stakes bridge was one of his weaknesses — and went through a controversial bankruptcy during their marriage. While the irresponsible Todd continued to live a luxurious life on a vast estate in Westchester County, New York, he spent Blondell's savings.

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2. #005

   According to the July 24, 1944 issue of Time magazine, Blondell divorced Dick Powell on grounds of cruelty, claiming that "when she objected to the constant coming and going of guests, Powell muttered: 'If you don't like it, you can get the hell out.'".

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3. #007

   Her son Norman Scott was born in breech position with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. The birth was complicated by a fractured coccyx and lasted twenty hours.

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4. #013

   She was the mother of Norman S. Powell from her marriage to George Barnes; he was adopted by Dick Powell in February 1938. She was the mother of Ellen Powell from her marriage to Dick Powell.

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5. #014

   Her father's grandparents were Polish Jewish immigrants who came to Indiana. Her mother was of Irish descent.

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6. #017

   Her son Norman Scott was named after Claudette Colbert's first husband, the actor-director Norman Foster.

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7. #018

   She was the older sister of the actress Gloria Blondell.

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8. #019

   June Allyson was the stepmother of Blondell's daughter Ellen Powell after Allyson married Blondell's ex-husband Dick Powell.

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9. #025

   She was the aunt of the makeup artist Kathryn Blondell.

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10. #026

    Joan Blondell had three grandchildren: Joan Ellen Powell, Scott Powell and Stephanie Powell.

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11. #029

    Joan Blondell's granddaughter Stephanie Powell is married to Sean Murphy, the owner of a surf travel company.

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12. #030

    Joan Blondell's grandson Scott Powell has a stepson named David and two grandchildren named Zander and Dakota.

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