This TV star has experienced multiple marriages, though she initially intended to marry just once. Despite her hopes, each of her unions concluded in divorce — outcomes she did not desire. Remarkably, she has maintained amicable relationships with all of her former spouses.
The famous British actress has been married four times and is a mother of six, including two stepchildren. She faced financial ruin and homelessness after her third divorce but overcame these challenges with admirable strength.
With a career spanning decades, the veteran actress has shined on Broadway in “Amadeus,” on the big screen in “Live and Let Die,” and on TV as the star of “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.” Despite her success, her greatest pride is her family.
The actress on the set of “Live And Let Die,” 1973 | Source: Getty Images
Besides her immense professional success, the star’s personal life has been more complex. Though her marriages didn’t last, she still maintains close friendships with all her ex-husbands.
Reflecting on her journey in an interview, she shared, “Every. Single. One. I intended to be married forever [each time]. It was my partners who didn’t.”
The actress pictured on June 1, 1973 | Source: Getty Images
Her first union with theater director Michael Attenborough lasted from 1971 to 1973. Looking back in another interview, she candidly said, “My first marriage, in my opinion, did not count. We were young. He jokes that on our wedding day we knew we were stuck, but it was too late to give the presents back. We still adore each other.”
Michael Attenborough and the actress attend the Royal premiere of “Live and Let Die,” 1973 | Source: Getty Images
Not long after, she found herself walking down the aisle again, this time with author Geoff Planer in 1977. Though their marriage ended in divorce just a year later, the bond between them remained strong. Speaking fondly of her ex-husband, the actress confessed, “He is probably one of my closest friends on the planet.”
Geoffrey Planer and the actress photographed at their Hollywood Hills home in on January 1, 1977, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
After her second marriage ended, she wed businessman David Flynn in 1981. The couple had two children, Sean and Katherine Flynn, before divorcing in 1992.
However, their divorce marked a turning point in her life. The actress later revealed that during this period, her ex-husband left her without a home and around $9 million in debt, facing lawsuits from major banks. “I lost everything,” she disclosed.
David Flynn, the actress, Jennifer Flynn, Katherine Flynn, and Sean Flynn at the Los Angeles premiere of “Oliver & Company,” 1988 | Source: Getty Images
“I was homeless, penniless and I called my agent and said I would do anything. He called the networks, and they said, ‘how about a little movie of the week?’” revealed the Emmy Award winner.
Determined to rebuild, she agreed to a role in the Western drama series, “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” which required her to start filming within 12 hours, signing a five-year commitment without hesitation.
The actress on the set of “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” 1993 | Source: Getty Images
The series, which began in 1993, transformed the celebrity’s life. “They saved my life,” she said in an interview, explaining how the show provided financial stability, a home, and a chance for her children to do schoolwork on set.
That same year in 1993, the Hollywood star married film director James Keach. Together, they welcomed twins, Kristopher and John Keach, before separating in 2013, with their divorce finalized in 2015.
Reflecting on her marriages, Jane Seymour divulged, “I was married to men who had different issues, and I never ended the marriages — they did, by finding other people!”
She described her experience with divorce as “painful,” “depressing,” and “anger-making,” but said her mother’s wisdom helped her gain perspective, reminding her that “everyone in life faces challenges.”
Jane further explained, “The sooner you can accept it, the better for you and others,” adding that seeing others’ struggles often puts personal hardships into perspective.
Continuing her reflections, the star admitted she considered what she might have done differently but acknowledged the challenges of balancing work and motherhood. “Sometimes you may be in a relationship where they would rather that you were there 24/7 and never worked,” she shared.
In another interview, Jane noted that her children have always come first, even if it meant turning down roles to stay close to them. “The kids know I would choose family over any role,” she said, adding that her approach to parenting focuses on listening, communication, and staying involved. “They know I love what I do, and they also know we’re all about family,” she explained.