Mary Lou Connors, Mike Connors Wife; Is she still alive?

Mary Lou Connors is the late wife of late American actor Mike Connors. Her hubby is best known for starring in the CBS television series Mannix. Mike’s role as a private detective in that series also led him to earn a Golden Globe Award. During that time around, he was also nominated for the Golden Globe Award six times.

Besides, did you know, Mary and her husband Mike were in a marital relationship for almost seven decades? Then, how did their love story begin? Do they share any kids?

Here in this article, you will unravel everything about Mary Lou Connors including her age, career, net worth, love life, kids, and many more.

How Old Is Mary Lou Connors? Know About Her Age, & Early Life

Mary Lou Connors was born Mary Lou Willey on December 22, 1926, in Utica, Indiana, USA. She would be 96 years old as of 2023, but she passed away in 2017. Besides, there isn’t any information available such as Mary’s early life, siblings, and parents.

On the other hand, her husband was born Krekor Ohanian, Jr. (Armenian: Գրիգոր Օհանեան), on August 15, 1925, in Fresno, California. He was the son of Krekor and Alice (née Surabian) Ohanian. Connors has six siblings: Paul I, Paul II, Arpesri A., Dorothy M., Krekor, and Eugene.

Mary Lou Connors’ Profession Before Her Death

Mary used to work in the film industry. She has starred in five episodes of the TV series, It Takes Two. Similarly, in 1972, Connors’ wife appeared in the TV special named The 29th Annual Golden Globe Awards. However, Mary Lou hasn’t worked in any other TV shows.

Aside from Mary’s career, her long-time husband has worked on dozens of TV projects. Mike made his acting debut in the thriller Sudden Fear. He gradually appeared in the TV films like Island in the Sky, Frontier, The Day the World Ended, Swamp Women, The Oklahoma Woman, and many more.

Connors’ husband Mike rose to prominence after playing the private investigator Joe Mannix in the detective series named Mannix. In 1979, the Golden Globe Award winner played the role in the thriller films Avalanche Express, and in 1980, he starred in the West German-American crime horror thriller film Nightkill.

Mary Lou Connors And Her Husband Were College Sweethearts

Mary met her future husband, Mike when they were studying at UCLA. At that time, the actor studied law on an athletic scholarship and Lou was an education student. Sometime later, they eventually started dating.

However, after staying in a relationship for a while, Mike wanted to get married to her. But, Mary kept stalling the marital relationship. Remembering the moment, Mike said,

 “I told her along the way that I was very much in love with her, and wanted to get married. But she kept stalling, saying she didn’t think she was ready.”

This time around, Lou had dropped her college courses and was living at her home in Laguna Beach. To remain close enough, Mike would install sprinkler systems, and sell brushes and vacuum cleaners door to door. Then, one day Mike told her to make up her mind that either getting married or calling off the relationship.

After delivering the message, Mike left Laguna and began taking his classes. A couple of weeks later, Connors got the good news of Mary’s ‘yes’. Finally, on September 10, 1949, Mary and her husband walked down the aisle in front of their close family member and friends.

The pair was together until one’s death. In fact, they were married for over 60 years, however, both of them passed away in 2017.

The Story About How The Actor Remained Faithful To His Long-Time Wife

As mentioned above, at UCLA Mary’s husband was a Law student. Obviously, he could have become a lawyer but switched his career path to theatre arts. Many eyebrows were raised because of his decision, and even his mother and close friends disowned him.

Although Mike was facing a hard time, Lou supported him. It isn’t just about how Mary supported her husband, but also about how the Harlow star remains faithful to his wife. Connors, during his initial phase in the film industry, would often visit his colleagues at MGM. One day, like usual he was at MGM, and there was a shooting going on for a film that starred Ricardo Montalban and Lana Turner.

Surprisingly, Lana sent a girl to ask for his name. In fact, the actress got her eyes on him. Without any hesitation, Mike gave his name. Again, Lana sent the girl if he would love to have a drink with her in her changing room. Lou’s husband clearly denied the proposal saying he had an appointment.

Similarly, he reportedly, said to her that he had not been in a marital relationship long and was still in love with Mary. Then, he got into his car and went straight back home. He was shocked when he reached home as his wife already got the news about the incident.

The Too Scared to Scream actor knew what he wanted when his family life started. Considering how important his family was, the words Mike said about his wife were, “I’m the luckiest guy on the planet. I really married well. ”

Mary Lou Connors Welcomed Two Kids With Her Husband Mike: Sadly, One Of Them Passed Away

In 1958, Mary and her husband became parents for the first time to their son Matthew Gunner Ohanian. Similarly, in 1960, the late couple welcomed their second child, a daughter, Dana Lee Connors. Unfortunately, when Matthew turned 15, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Sadly, in 2007, he predeceased his parents and died of heart failure. After the untimely death of their son, Mike became an active spokesperson in charitable organizations for mental-disorder patients.

He was also an advocate for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Not only that but, Mike has-had made a public-service announcement for the Armenian Eye Care Project. For his great work, in 1998, the UC Irvine College of Medicine’s Brain Imaging Center Committee even gave him the Silver Ribbon Award.

Mary Lou Connors’ Net Worth Before her Death

Mike’s late wife Mary wasn’t much open in the media. Similarly, her net worth has become something to wonder about. On the other hand, her husband was estimated to have a net worth of $6 million before his death. He earned all of his fortunes as an actor.