Decoding Gary Devore's Marriages: A Look At The Women In His Life

Gary Devore was a name that resonated in Hollywood, known for his prowess as a writer and producer. Behind the scenes of his creative endeavors, however, lay a personal life marked by several significant relationships. His life, and indeed his mysterious disappearance and tragic death, captured public attention, but often overshadowed were the women who shared parts of his journey. This article delves into the marital history of Gary Devore, shedding light on his four wives and their unique connections to the enigmatic figure he was, particularly focusing on Wendy Oates-Devore, whose role became central to the perplexing end of his life.

Gary Devore: A Glimpse into His Hollywood Life

Born on September 17, 1941, in the cinematic heartland of Los Angeles, California, Gary Devore was destined for a career in the entertainment industry. He carved out a respectable niche for himself as a talented writer and producer, contributing to several notable projects that left their mark on the big and small screens. Among his well-known works are the action-packed film "Raw Deal" (1986), starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the buddy-cop comedy "Running Scared" (1986), featuring Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines. He also contributed to television productions like "CBS Summer Playhouse." His professional life showcased a man deeply immersed in the craft of storytelling, but away from the scripts and sets, Devore's personal narrative was equally complex, particularly concerning his romantic relationships.

The Four Wives of Gary Devore: A Journey Through His Marriages

Gary Devore was married a total of four times, each union bringing a different dynamic and chapter to his life. These relationships spanned decades, connecting him to various facets of the entertainment world through his spouses.

First Wife: Maria Cole (1969-1978)

Gary Devore's first marriage was to the distinguished jazz singer Maria Cole. Their relationship began in 1968, leading to their marriage on October 17, 1969. They remained married for eight years, eventually divorcing in 1978. Maria Cole was a formidable talent in her own right, born on August 1, 1922, in Boston, Massachusetts. Before her marriage to Devore, she was famously married to the legendary jazz crooner Nat King Cole, and later to Spurgeon Neal Ellington. As a jazz singer, she performed under the name Marie, working with titans of the genre such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Her life was a testament to a rich musical legacy, and she was featured in documentaries like "American Experience," "The Nat King Cole Show," and "Nat King Cole: Afraid of the Dark." Maria Cole passed away on July 10, 2012, in Boca Raton, Florida, leaving behind a significant mark on the world of music.

Second Wife: Sandie Newton (1981-1985)

Following his divorce from Maria Cole, Gary Devore entered his second marriage in 1981 with actress Sandie Newton. Their union lasted for four years, concluding in 1985. Sandie Newton was a familiar face on television during the 1980s. She is known for her acting roles, including an appearance in the popular sitcom "Mork & Mindy." Beyond acting, Sandie Newton also made a name for herself as a television host, notably taking the helm of "Hollywood Insider" on the USA network in 1985. Her career showcased her versatility within the entertainment industry, contributing to the vibrant media landscape of the era.

Third Wife: Claudia Christian (1988-1992)

In 1988, Gary Devore married for the third time, this time to actress and singer Claudia Christian. Their marriage spanned four years, ending in 1992. Claudia Christian is a well-known figure in her own right, celebrated for her extensive work in film and television. She has starred in numerous productions, showcasing her talents as both an actress and a singer. Her career has continued to thrive, making her a recognizable and respected personality in the entertainment world. While their marriage was relatively brief, it marked another significant chapter in Devore's complex romantic life.

Fourth Wife: Wendy Oates-Devore (1996-1997)

Gary Devore's final marriage was to Wendy Oates, who became Wendy Oates-Devore. This union, though brief, lasting from 1996 to 1997, proved to be the most poignant and publicly significant due to the mysterious circumstances surrounding Gary's disappearance and death. Wendy's role in the aftermath of his vanishing act placed her at the very center of a baffling Hollywood mystery. She was not just his wife; she became the primary advocate and searcher in the desperate quest for answers regarding his fate.

Wendy Oates-Devore: At the Heart of a Mystery

Wendy Oates-Devore's connection to Gary Devore extends far beyond the typical marital bond, becoming inextricably linked to the unresolved questions surrounding his final days. When Gary Devore vanished, Wendy was waiting for him at their beachfront home in Carpinteria. Their last known interactions involved several cellular phone calls from Gary to Wendy while he was on the road. He had told her he planned to drive all night to get home and do some writing before his next commitment.

As days turned into weeks without a trace of Gary, Wendy's concern escalated into a fervent search. She harbored strong suspicions that her husband might have been abducted, a theory that stood in stark contrast to circulating rumors about the possibility of him committing suicide. In her relentless quest for answers, Wendy organized extensive search efforts, leaving no stone unturned in her determination to uncover the truth. She was quoted asking, "Who else would it be at 1 o’clock in the morning?" when Devore called her, highlighting the unusual nature of his last communication. Her unwavering belief that he was taken, rather than choosing to end his own life, fueled her tireless endeavors to find him.

Her efforts, combined with the grim reality of a missing person, eventually led to the discovery of Gary Devore's body. The fact that Gary Devore was survived by his wife, Wendy Oates-Devore, underscores her enduring presence and role in his life, particularly during its most challenging and mysterious chapter. Her persistence in seeking the truth about his disappearance was a testament to her dedication and love, making her a central figure in the narrative of Gary Devore's life and death.

The Unresolved End: Gary Devore's Disappearance and Discovery

The mystery surrounding Gary Devore's disappearance gripped those who knew him and the public. After a prolonged period of uncertainty, his body was finally identified by Los Angeles County coroner’s investigators using dental records. His partially decomposed corpse was pulled from a location that, while not explicitly stated in the provided information, suggested a remote or challenging recovery. This discovery brought a tragic end to the search but did little to quell the speculative theories surrounding his death. The conflicting narratives of abduction, championed by his wife Wendy, and rumors of suicide continued to persist, leaving the true circumstances of his demise shrouded in ambiguity.

Despite the official identification, the "how" and "why" of Gary Devore's death remained largely unanswered, contributing to the enduring enigma of his final moments. His passing left a void not only in the Hollywood community but also in the lives of his family. Gary Devore was survived by his devoted wife, Wendy Oates-Devore, his father David Devore, his sister Judy Parrish, his niece Jennifer Kaplan, his nephew Brad Cohen, and his stepdaughter Brittany. The lingering questions surrounding his death continue to be a somber footnote to the life of a talented writer and producer.

Summary

Gary Devore, a notable writer and producer born in Los Angeles in 1941, led a life marked by significant professional achievements in Hollywood, contributing to films like "Raw Deal" and "Running Scared." His personal life was equally eventful, characterized by four marriages. His first wife was the renowned jazz singer Maria Cole (1969-1978), followed by actress and TV host Sandie Newton (1981-1985), then actress and singer Claudia Christian (1988-1992). His final and most publicly impactful marriage was to Wendy Oates-Devore (1996-1997). Wendy played a crucial role in the aftermath of Gary's mysterious disappearance, tirelessly searching for him and firmly believing he was abducted, despite circulating suicide rumors. Gary's body was eventually found and identified, but the circumstances of his death remain largely unresolved, leaving behind a legacy of both cinematic contribution and an enduring personal mystery for his surviving family, including Wendy.