Ruth Wells Brennan was the wife of Walter Brennan, one of the most successful and versatile actors in Hollywood history. She was his partner for 54 years, until his death in 1974. She outlived him by 23 years, and died in 1997 at the age of 99. But what was the cause of her death, and how did she cope with the loss of her husband?
Contents
A Long and Happy Marriage
Ruth Wells Brennan was born on December 8, 1897, in Lynn, Massachusetts. She met Walter Brennan, a fellow Massachusetts native, in 1919, when he was working as a bank clerk after serving in World War I. They married on October 17, 1920, and moved to Los Angeles, where Walter pursued a career in acting
They had three children: Ruth Laderman, Arthur Wells ‘Mike’ Brennan, and Andy Brennan. Ruth supported Walter’s ambitions, and helped him manage his finances and investments. She also accompanied him on his travels, and enjoyed his hobbies of sailing, fishing, and horse riding
Walter Brennan became one of the most acclaimed and prolific actors in Hollywood, appearing in over 230 films and television shows. He won three Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor, and was nominated for a fourth. He starred in popular westerns, comedies, dramas, and musicals, working with directors such as Howard Hawks, John Ford, and Alfred Hitchcock. He also had a successful career as a singer, recording several albums and singles
Ruth and Walter were devoted to each other, and rarely had any conflicts. They shared a strong faith, and were active members of the Catholic Church. They also supported various charitable causes, and were involved in politics. They were both Republicans, and Walter campaigned for Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan
The Loss of Walter Brennan
In 1972, Walter Brennan was diagnosed with emphysema, a lung disease that causes shortness of breath and fatigue. He continued to work, despite his declining health, and completed his last film, Smoke in the Wind, in 1974. He died on September 21, 1974, at the age of 80, at his home in Oxnard, California. He was buried at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery, in Los Angeles
Ruth was devastated by Walter’s death, and missed him terribly. She said, “He was my life. He was everything to me.” She also said, “He was a wonderful husband, a wonderful father, a wonderful friend. He was always so kind and generous. He never complained about anything. He always had a smile on his face.”
She tried to cope with her grief by staying close to her family and friends, and by keeping herself busy with her hobbies and interests. She also maintained a positive outlook, and said, “I have a lot to be thankful for. I have a lot of happy memories. I have a lot of faith. I know I’ll see him again someday.”
The Death of Ruth Wells Brennan
Ruth Wells Brennan lived a long and healthy life, and remained active and independent until her late nineties. She died on January 12, 1997, at the age of 99, at a nursing home in Ventura County, California. The cause of her death was not disclosed, but it was reported that she had been suffering from emphysema, the same disease that killed her husband
She was survived by her three children, seven grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. She was also remembered by her fans, who admired her for her grace, dignity, and loyalty. She was a loving and supportive wife, who stood by Walter Brennan through his highs and lows, and who shared his passion and talent for entertainment. She was also a remarkable woman, who lived a full and rich life, and who left a lasting legacy of kindness and generosity
Conclusion
Ruth Wells Brennan was the wife of Walter Brennan, one of the most successful and versatile actors in Hollywood history. She died in 1997, at the age of 99, from emphysema, the same disease that killed her husband in 1974. She was a devoted partner, a caring mother, and a gracious lady, who lived a long and happy life, and who left behind a legacy of love and faith.
