7 Things You Never Knew About Classic Film Star Tyrone Power
Actor Tyrone Power would have turned 111 on May 5, 2025, and while it’s been decades since his too-soon passing on November 15, 1958, the dashing star of The Mark of Zorro, Blood and Sand and Nightmare Alley still holds a special place in Hollywood history. With his good looks and intense screen presence, his life was full of fascinating twists, a few romantic scandals and some unforgettable stories that might surprise even longtime fans. Here are seven things you may not know about the beloved leading man:
1 He was a real-life war hero
Everett Collection
At the height of his fame, Power could have easily stayed in Hollywood playing soldiers and swashbucklers, but instead, he chose to serve for real. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and became a pilot, flying R5C transport planes. He completed over 100 missions, including the dangerous task of airlifting wounded Marines out of places like Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Unlike some stars who stayed stateside for morale tours, Power was in the thick of it and even refused special treatment.
2 He tried to find his child who was put up for adoption
20th Century Fox Film Corp/Everett Collection
While filming Jesse James in Missouri in 1939, Power had a brief relationship with a local woman. She later gave birth to a son and put him up for adoption. Power didn’t find out until years later and spent a good portion of the 1940s trying to locate the child. He hired private investigators and reportedly spent a fortune on the search, but was never able to find his son.
3 He kept every single film script
Everett Collection
Power wasn’t one to toss aside his work once the cameras stopped rolling. In fact, he had all of his film scripts carefully bound in leather and stored in his personal library, giving himself a chance to reminisce about his former roles whenever he wanted.
4 His charm inspired steamy stories
20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection
He was often described as devastatingly handsome, with one of the most symmetrical faces in Hollywood. Romance novelist Barbara Cartland famously said she didn’t need to experience physical love because, in her words, according to IMDb, “We didn’t need sex. We had Tyrone Power.” Power was rumored to have romances with many of his co-stars and was married three times, including to actress Linda Christian and later to Debbie Ann Minardos.
5 He was nearly Leonard Vole, then wasn’t, then was again
Everett Collection
When Billy Wilder set out to adapt Witness for the Prosecution for the big screen, Power was his top choice to play Leonard Vole. However, Power was going through a rough time emotionally and professionally, and he initially turned the role down, choosing to focus on theater instead. Wilder shelved the project temporarily, but when Power changed his mind and agreed to take the part, production moved forward. He was paid $300,000 plus a share of the profits, and the film became one of his best performances.
6 He was so handsome, he ended up on a Beatles album
20th Century Fox Film Corp./courtesy Everett Collection
Even after his death, Power’s image continued to resonate with younger generations. In 1967, when the Beatles released their iconic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, the cover featured a collage of famous figures from history and pop culture including Power.
7 He had a scandalous affair with Judy Garland
Everett Collection
In 1943, Power and Judy Garland reportedly had a passionate love affair while he was married. Ultimately, she got pregnant and when Power wouldn’t leave his wife, MGM and her mother pressured her to have an abortion, which she did.
Remind 
Classic Hollywood Hunks
September 2019
Cary Grant, Sean Connery, Rock Hudson and Paul Newman, smoldered onscreen and, in addition to being smokin’ hot, they were effortlessly cool.
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