The ‘Most Beautiful Woman of the 20th Century’ Was Once Bankrupt – Inside Her Story

Having reinvented herself later in life, the actress’s journey to stardom began at 15 when a meeting with Nina Blanchard, a leading figure in Hollywood modeling, shaped her aspirations.

She later modeled for brands like Breck, Max Factor, and Clairol, and graced the cover of a 1969 Sears catalog. The star was also featured in full-page Virginia Slims advertisements, and appeared in Bloomingdale’s television commercials.

Her modeling career continued to flourish with high-profile campaigns and magazine covers. At just 17, she left home to travel the globe as a model and later majored in mathematics at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Between modeling assignments, the Hawaii native trained with esteemed coach Warren Robertson, paving the way for key roles. Universal Studios recognized her talent in “Police Story” and “Gibbsville,” signing her to a seven-year deal.

This led to her acclaimed performance in “Evening in Byzantium” and her iconic role as Colonel Wilma Deering in “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.” She later delighted fans as Kate Summers Stratton in the sitcom “Silver Spoons.”

The TV star’s career achievements were matched by her candid reflections on the challenges she faced in the spotlight early in her career. She once noted, “I became aware at a young age that my look brought with it a certain power. I say power, because it can also be used as a threat against you. In other words, I experienced at a young age stalkers that really had an impact.”

Her insights into the challenges of fame include her experiences as a working mother. During her “Buck Rogers” years, she was already a mom to her first child, Kevan. She welcomed her son with her then-husband, Ken Schwartz, whom she married in 1968.

Balancing her demanding schedule at Universal Studios with the responsibilities of raising a preschool-aged child was far from easy. The doting mother described days that began with early makeup calls and ended late at night, leaving little time for rest or for her son.

Wanting to be present, she struggled with the idea of relying on a nanny, explaining that she didn’t want to miss out on nurturing and bonding with him. This phase of her life was one of the most difficult she had ever endured.

This challenging period was soon followed by significant personal upheaval. In 1990, actress Erin Gray and Schwartz divorced, a life event that left her at a crossroads.

She spoke openly about the experience during an interview, “I find divorce sometimes propels you in a direction you didn’t know you were ready to go into.” However, the end of her marriage brought unexpected financial hardships.

“When I got a divorce from my first husband, I found out that I was bankrupt, which was quite a shock,” she admitted. Facing this daunting reality, the “Six Pack” star questioned what she was qualified for, concluding that the answer was nothing.

Reflecting on her professional journey, Gray began exploring new opportunities. By this time, she was a mother of two, including Samantha, her daughter with her second husband, Richard Hissong, whom she married in 1991.

Determined to keep her daughter in private school as well as the house she loved, Gray explored every avenue, even turning to an employment agency for help. Unsure of her next move, she attended a seminar at the Chicago Museum of Broadcast Communication, where actresses Julie Newmar and BarBara Luna introduced her to the world of fan conventions.

Initially doubtful about her relevance, she attended her first event and was astonished to find a line of fans waiting to meet her. Through these conventions, she discovered the enduring influence of her “Buck Rogers” character.

Fans shared how she had inspired women to pursue careers in law enforcement and the military and encouraged men to appreciate strong, confident women. The experience allowed her to reconnect with her audience, creating meaningful interactions while sharing and hearing stories of inspiration.

The conventions not only reintroduced Gray to her fans but also inspired her entrepreneurial journey. Since the early 1990s, she has been a regular on the autograph circuit and later launched Heroes for Hire, a business booking actors for events.

Her venture began when “Buck Rogers” co-star Gil Gerard expressed interest in joining her at a sci-fi convention. After she coordinated his travel arrangements, Gerard insisted on compensating her. Shortly after, actor Marc Singer also reached out for help, and Gray realized she could turn her efforts into a business.

What started as a favor for friends turned into a professional endeavor, with the veteran star leveraging her expertise to connect promoters and talent, establishing a thriving enterprise. Heroes for Hire not only showcased Gray’s business acumen but also highlighted her ability to seize opportunities and forge new paths.

Looking back on her life, she expressed, “I feel very blessed. There’s no doubt I’ve had people come into my life without whom I don’t think I’d be the person I am today.” The celebrity also credits her parents’ influence and values the risks she took and the path she chose, despite its mistakes.

Most importantly, she feels fortunate to have her children and her husband of more than 30 years. Her family’s love and admiration remain central to her life. This was evident in a heartfelt May 2019 Instagram post from her daughter, who shared a picture of them together, calling her “mama gray with the heart of gold [sic].”

Four years later, Gray’s daughter announced the arrival of her son, making the actress a proud grandmother. Sharing a photo of her newborn, she captioned it, “Zev Elliott Rubin arrived howling at the moon on 7.19 at 4:11am [sic].”

Now 75, the movie star embraces her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother while maintaining her vitality and confidence. A daily hiking routine and tai chi keep her grounded, and she exudes a sensuality that transcends age. “Sex is a very important part of who I am,” she explained when asked in an interview if she still feels sexy.

Even online users continue to admire the veteran star’s timeless beauty and charm. “Oh I love Erin Gray. What a wonderful woman,” one user shared, while another remarked, “Erin was the most beautiful woman of the 20th century.” Celebrating her natural gray hair, a fan commented, “I love this!! Embrace the gray!”

Erin Gray’s legacy as an icon of grace, strength, and beauty remains as inspiring today as it was decades ago. Her ability to connect with fans across generations showcases the enduring impact of her remarkable journey.