1

Judy Garland

Image: Sandy Millar

Hollywood's Golden Age wouldn't have been the same without the iconic Judy Garland. Born in Minnesota as Frances Ethel Gumm in 1922, Garland began her acting career at the age of seven. Most of us, however, know her best for her role as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz (1939).

Acting and art weren't the only things in Judy Garland's life; love also played a significant role. Throughout her life, the actress married 5 times. Her first wedding took place in Las Vegas, where she married composer David Rose in 1941. They divorced 3 years later. In 1945, Judy Garland had her second wedding, this time to director Vincente Minnelli. They had a daughter who would later become a world-renowned star: Liza Minnelli (who, in turn, has been married 4 times). Her third marriage was the longest—her union with Sidney Luft lasted from 1952 to 1965. After divorcing Luft, Garland married two more times: first to Mark Herron (1965–1969) and then to Mickey Deans (1969).

2

Clark Gable

Image: Thomas AE

Known to many as "the King of Hollywood," we all remember the actor Clark Gable for his role as Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind (1939). His irresistible charisma and looks made him a heartthrob in his time. Among many love stories—some more tranquil than others—Gable married five times over his life.

In 1924, he married actress Josephine Dillon, who was 17 years older than him. The marriage lasted 6 years. In 1931, Gable became a husband for the second time, marrying actress Maria "Ria" Franklin, whom he divorced 8 years later. Shortly after his second divorce, the actor married Carole Lombard in 1939. Sadly, Lombard passed away 3 years after the wedding.

Several years passed before Gable found love again. In 1949, he married British actress Sylvia Ashley, but they broke up 3 years later. Finally, in 1955, he entered his fifth and final marriage to actress and model Kay Williams, whom he declared to be the love of his life.

3

Tony Curtis

Image: Laura Gariglio

He was born Bernard Schwartz on June 3, 1925, in The Bronx, but the world knew him as Tony Curtis.

After serving in the US Navy, Curtis changed his career to become one of the most memorable actors of Hollywood's Golden Age. You might remember him alongside Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon in Some Like It Hot (1959).

Curtis didn't shy away from saying, "I do"—he married 6 times! His wives included actresses Janet Leigh (1951-1962), Christine Kaufmann (1963-1968), Leslie Allen (1968-1982), Andrea Savio (1984-1992), Lisa Deutsch (1993-1994), and Jill Vandenberg (1998-2010). The actor had a total of 6 children from his different marriages, including the well-known actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

4

Rita Hayworth

Image: Cate Bligh

In 1918, New York City saw the birth of the iconic Rita Hayworth. Although she began her career as a teenager, most of the public remembers her for her performance in the noir classic film Gilda (1946).

Noted for her extraordinary beauty and captivating performances, Hayworth tied the knot 5 times during her lifetime. Her first husband was Edward C. Judson, whom she wed in 1937, though the marriage ended 5 years later. Rita Hayworth's second husband may ring a bell: it was Orson Welles, to whom she was married from 1943 to 1947. From 1949 to 1953, she was married to socialite and ambassador Aly Khan. Then, she walked down the aisle with singer Dick Haymes, whom she divorced in 1955. Her fifth and final marriage was to producer James Hill, lasting from 1958 to 1961.

5

Larry King

Image: Marcus Lewis

It's the turn of a TV and radio star. We're talking about the iconic Larry King, one of the most famous hosts in entertainment history.

King was born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger on November 19, 1933, in New York City. His career began in the 1950s, and it didn't take him long to gain national fame.

King said, "I Do" 8 times! His first marriage was to Freda Miller when he was only 19 years old. They were married from 1952 to 1953, though the marriage was allegedly annulled by their parents. Later, he was the husband of Annette Kaye (1961), Alene Akins (1961-1963), Mickey Sutphin (1963-1967), Alene Akins again (1967-1972), Sharon Lepore (1976–1983), Julie Alexander (1989–1992), and finally, Shawn Southwick (1997–2021).

6

Rue McClanahan

Image: Thomas AE

The Golden Girls (1985-1992) was one of the most beloved TV shows of the 20th century. In addition to the legendary Betty White, The Golden Girls featured other great actresses, including Rue McClanahan, who famously played Blanche Devereaux on the show.

Throughout her life, Rue McClanahan married 6 times. Her first marriage was in 1958 to Tom Bish, although the couple only lasted a year. In 1959, she married actor Norman Hartweg, to whom she remained married for 2 years. Then, the actress walked down the aisle 4 more times: with Peter DeMaio (1964–1971), Gus Fisher (1976–1979), Tom Keel (1984–1985), and Morrow Wilson (1997-2010).

7

Lana Turner

Image: Jeremy Wong Weddings

The 1938 film Love Finds Andy Hardy brought actress Lana Turner to stardom, who became one of the most famous figures of Hollywood's Golden Age. Her most recognized role, however, was in the film The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946); have you seen it?

Despite a busy professional life, Lana Turner found time to marry on 8 occasions. In chronological order, her husbands were: Artie Shaw (1940-1941), Stephen Crane ( twice, from 1942 to 1944), Henry J. Topping, Jr. (1948-1952), Lex Barker (1953-1957), Fred May (1960-1962), Robert Eaton (1965-1969), and Ronald Pellar (1969-1972). It seems that getting married was all the rage in the early 20th century!

8

Mickey Rooney

Image: Tom Pumford

Perhaps the famous actor Mickey Rooney may have unknowingly set a record when, at just 17 months old, he stepped on stage for the first time as part of his parents' vaudeville act.

But his fame took off when he played the iconic teenager Andy Hardy in A Family Affair (1937), the first in a series of films that would make him an absolute star. His career expanded over 90 years, with major roles in TV, film, and theater.

Hi s love life was almost as famous as his professional life: Rooney married 8 times! Impressive! His first wife was the renowned Ava Gardner , whom he married in 1942 and divorced a year later. Between 1944 and 1969, the actor would marry Betty Jane Baker, Martha Vickers, Elaine Devry, Carolyn Mitchell, Marge Lane, and Carolyn Hockett. Finally, in 1978, he married his last wife, Jan Chamberlin.

9

Henry Fonda

Image: Nathan Dumlao

We can't talk about Hollywood without mentioning Henry Fonda, one of the best-remembered actors of the 20th century. Fonda initially started out studying journalism, but once he joined a theater company and discovered acting, he never strayed from this great passion. His iconic film roles include Abraham Lincoln in Young Mr. Lincoln (1939), Tom Joad in The Grapes of Wrath (1940), and Wyatt Earp in My Darling Clementine (1946).

In addition to a busy professional life, Fonda also had room for love: he married 5 times during his lifetime. His first marriage was to actress Margaret Sullavan from 1931 to 1933. In 1936, hhe married Frances Ford Seymour, with whom he had two children: Jane Fonda and Peter Fonda, who both became stars. Susan Blanchard (1950-1956), Afdera Franchetti (1957-1961), and Shirlee Mae Adams (1965-1982) were his last 3 wives.

10

Nicolas Cage

Image: Gianni Scognamiglio

Let's finish this list with a more contemporary star. We're talking about Nicolas Cage, the famous actor and producer from California.

Between premieres and film sets, Cage had quite a busy love life. The actor proposed to 5 women throughout his life. The first of them was actress Patricia Arquette, to whom he was married from 1995 to 2001. A year later, in 2002, he married singer Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of the King of Rock and Roll, and this marriage lasted 2 years.

In 2004, he tied the knot with Alice Kim, to whom he was married for 12 years until their divorce in 2016. 3 years after his third divorce, he fell in love with makeup artist Erika Koike, to whom he was married for a couple of months. Finally, in 2021, he married for the fifth time, this time to Japanese actress Riko Shibata. They're together to this day.

1

Alabama - Driving Regulations

Image: Ed 259

We have all tried to ride a bike with no hands when we were kids. You probably got to the point of taking the challenge one step further and driving with no hands on an empty road. Now, driving blindfolded is a bit extreme, right?

Alabama has a law that forbids drivers from driving blindfolded and that is not all, drivers aren’t allowed to drive if they can’t see what’s to the sides or in front of them. Now, if the law exists, that must mean it was needed at some point, right?

2

Louisiana - Pizza Party

Image: Kelvin T

Sending gifts is a great way to say "I love you" or "I’m sorry." Whatever the situation, we’ve seen it a million times: a knock on the door, a pizza delivery guy handing a pizza box, and a cheesy, but loving message as a topping: "I love you."

Well, if those were your plans but you live in Louisiana, you might as well think twice before you do it. This state has a law that forbids inhabitants from sending unsolicited pizza, no matter how considerate this gesture might be. If you do, be ready to pay a $500 fine. How much is your love worth?

3

Virginia - Halloween Arrangement

Image: Szabó János

All across America, when October comes, millions of people get their costumes ready for the spookiest night of the year. And we are not talking only children here. How many Adults-only Halloween parties have you been to?

However, the Halloween fun is limited in Chesapeake City, Virginia. Dress up all you want and party all night long, but don’t you dare go trick-or-treating alone if you are over 14 . Not because you might get haunted by ghosts, but because the law forbids you. And for the under-14s you know, let them know they have to be home by 8 pm according to the curfew. Quite a bummer, huh?

4

South Caroline - Pinball Limitations

Image: Senad Palic

Ah, to be young and play games again, right? The possibilities were endless, board games, card games, pinball… Well, not anymore, not for everyone, at least!

In South Carolina, pinball is forbidden for people over 18 years of age. And it has nothing to do with maturity, it is not that they don’t allow the fun in adults. The reason behind this regulation has to do with the fact that the game is considered addictive and dangerous for some reason we can’t figure out! Can you imagine what it is? If this sounds bizarre, wait until you read the next one!

5

Vermont - Permission to Get Teeth Done

Image: engin akyurt

Now, this is where America gets a bit bizarre. For a very long time, women have needed men’s permission to get all sorts of things done around the house and about their health. But as we said, society has changed and America has adapted to those improvements.

Surprising as it may be, Vermont has a law that requires women to ask for their husband’s permission before they get false teeth. You heard that right!

It must have been a surprise for the government itself as it is a law that is not enforced anymore, but it still hasn’t been overturned!

6

Kentucky - Marriage restrictions

Image: Samantha Gades

Speaking of husbands and wives, Kentucky must have seen the weirdest things when it came to marriages. That is fair, relationships are a complex business.

You fall in love and you get married. You fall out of love and you get a divorce. But love, funny thing, huh? You might fall back in love and want to get married again to the same person. Well, that is about it in Kentucky.

The state’s legislators have limited marriage so that no man can marry the same woman more than three times . This is just bizarre, even if you were allowed to do so, why would you? Right?

7

Oregon - Cemeteries Are Off the Limits

Image: Sandy Millar

Hunting is a very much praised activity in the United States. However, for different reasons, such as animal protection or nature conservation, some aspects of the hobby have been banned across the country.

In the state of Oregon, for example, you cannot hunt within the limits of a cemetery. Now, this sounds just about right, doesn’t it? After all, it is sacred soil. Well, as morally obvious as this may sound, the case of a specific hunter carrying his business in a cemetery led legislators to forbid the activity. Wait for it, this is nothing compared to the last prohibition!

8

Ohio - Mind Your Gas

Image: Juan Fernandez

Driving can be quite soothing, although it requires a high level of attention. You must check your tires, turn the lights on, and place the mirrors in the right position. And of course, you have to get the tank full before anything else.

Even if it seems quite unlikely that anyone would run out of gas intentionally, Youngstown, Ohio has a law that forbids drivers from running out of gas. If this happens, it is considered a misdemeanor offense. Running out of gas in the middle of your driving is bad enough, add a ticket to it!

9

Indiana - Horses Are Just Horses

Image: Holly Mandarich

Even if these majestic animals were used for transportation for a very long time , we can all agree that they have served their purpose and now is time to let them be. Well, Indiana must have been a place where this wasn’t the case until a law forbidding horse racing was passed.

The law actually says that horse-based travels are not allowed to run over 100mph . Even if the reasons are not so clear, one can only assume this was a nuisance for the inhabitants of the state.

10

Arizona - Donkeys Belong Elsewhere

Image: Erwan Hesry

This article comes to an end with what is, probably, the weirdest law of them all and it involves bathtubs and donkeys . Just saying it sounds bizarre.

Back in the 1920s, a very much-pampered donkey sleeping in a bathtub caused a home to flood. Don’t worry! The animal made it, although it didn’t quite notice as it was asleep the whole time.

Now, as a consequence, Arizona still has a law that forbids donkeys from sleeping in a bathtub in an attempt to avoid such an occurrence repeating itself! You better go buy a proper bed for your donkey now!

1

Brisket

Image: Sergey Kotenev

We’ll begin with a Texan staple . Texas boasts a number of extraordinary culinary delicacies, and we could have easily focused on any of them for this entry. As a sign of respect, we’ll mention chili con carne, Texas’ official state dish, as well as the Texas Tommy, a delicious hotdog served with bacon and cheese. However, we must give credit where credit is due to what’s perhaps the most iconic dish in Texan cuisine— we believe that title goes to the almighty brisket.

It’s no secret that Texas barbecues are the stuff of legends, and in that sense, many believe that brisket is the undisputed crown jewel of any barbecue worth its salt. While it's true that this beef cut does take some time to cook in Texan slow-smoking barbecue, briskets are truly something special.

2

Six Flags Over Texas

Image: Zabdiel Gonzalez

Have you ever wondered why the iconic theme park is called "Six Flags?" The name comes from the popular slogan "Six Flags Over Texas," but that doesn’t clarify exactly what those flags represent. Well, the answer lies in Texas history, since it is a direct reference to the six nations that have governed Texas in the past.

Since its foundation, Texas has been governed by Spain, France, Mexico, the Confederate States, and the United States. Not only that, for a brief period Texas was its very own independent country, known as the Republic of Texas. This independent state lasted from 1836 to 1846 before it became our nation’s 28th State.

3

Size

Image: Mick Haupt

Texas might not be our largest state, but it is undeniably massive. As we mentioned earlier, for approximately 10 years the Republic of Texas was its own separate country—and it certainly had the size for it. If Texas was still a separate nation, it would be the 39th largest nation in the world. In fact, the Lone Star state could fit 10 different European nations within its borders and still have room to spare.

Speaking of which, how does Texas fare against other U.S. states? Let’s just put it into perspective: you could fit Rhode Island, our smallest state, 221 times inside Texas. Not only that, you could comfortably fit 10 different states at the same time. Impressive, isn't it?

4

Etymology

Image: Enrique Macias

We’ve referred to Texas by its "Lone Star" nickname so much in this article that you might be inclined to believe that its official slogan is "The Lone Star State." However, you might be surprised to learn that the official one is actually "The Friendly State," a moniker that comes from the etymology of the word "Texas" itself.

The name "Texas" originates from the Caddo word táy:shaʼ, which translates to "friend." It is believed that Spanish settlers called the Caddo people by this word, and eventually named the whole region Provincia de los Texas , meaning "province of the Texas people."

5

Dr. Pepper

Image: Yana Smetana

Need a tasty beverage to wash all that delicious brisket down? We've got you covered, take a trip to Waco, Texas, and visit the Dr. Pepper Museum , housed in the very first building specifically built to bottle this iconic soft drink. Not only will you get a refreshing soda in return, but you’ll also learn all about one of America’s favorite beverages.

As you might have guessed, Waco is the birthplace of Dr. Pepper, created in 1885 by pharmacist Charles Alderton. This soft drink is truly a Texan treasure, regularly enjoyed all across the state. Much like Coca-Cola and other sodas, its recipe is a well-guarded secret, allegedly kept in halves and guarded in two separate safe deposit boxes.

6

Rodeo

Image: Vinny O'Hare

Few things are as synonymous with Texas as rodeo . Cowboy culture is a huge part of what makes this state so special, so if you have a chance, attending at least one rodeo during your visit is a must.

For many Texans, rodeos are more than just a spectacle—they are a way of life that showcases both the daring nature and passionate identity that defines the Lone Star State. There are literally too many rodeos to recommend, but rest assured, the spirit of the Old West still lives in all of them.

7

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

Image: History in HD

What’s the first thing that comes to mind whenever someone mentions the 1993 blockbuster Apollo 13 ? You don’t have to answer—we all know it’s Tom Hanks’ iconic delivery of the classic line, "Houston, we have a problem." It’s only natural that this phrase is forever associated with space exploration; after all, the city of Houston has been home to one of NASA’s main facilities for over 60 years.

The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center is perhaps NASA’s most renowned facility. It’s where manned spaceflight research, training, and flight control are conducted. The center has grown so much in popularity that, in 1967, the city of Houston was given the official nickname "Space City."

8

Weird laws

Image: Tingey Injury Law Firm

Let’s take a small detour to talk about Texas’ wackier side . While the state’s constitution strives to guarantee the happiness and safety of millions of Texans, it also contains its fair share of wacky and weird laws that still exist in our days.

We don’t really have the time or space to deal with every weird Texas law, so here are some of our favorites. For starters, carrying wire cutters is forbidden in Austin, a rule that dates back to whenever cattle owners would settle a dispute by cutting their neighbors’ barbed wire. You should also refrain yourself from walking barefoot on the streets of certain Texan cities, and, thanks to a particularly outdated law, from buying cheese on a Sunday.

9

Texas Eiffel Tower

Image: Estevão Teixeira

Want to experience the majesty of the Eiffel Tower but don’t feel like leaving the country? Don’t worry, Texas has your back. All you need to do is visit the city of Paris (not the French capital, but rather its Texan counterpart) to marvel at a replica of this engineering wonder. While it is significantly smaller than the original, the Texas Eiffel Tower showcases this state’s spirit by sporting a red cowboy hat at its top.

Curiously, Texas's Eiffel Tower was built the same year as another American replica of the Parisian monument. In 1993, both Paris, Texas, and Paris, Tennessee unveiled their replicas. The cowboy hat was added to the Texas Tower in 1998 in a bit of friendly competition since the added height made this tower slightly taller than the one in Tennessee.

10

Presidents born in Texas

Image: History in HD

We’ll end this article by paying homage to some of Texas’ favorite sons. Did you know that Texas is the only state with three different presidential libraries ? What’s curious is that only two U.S. presidents were born in Texas, Lyndon B. Johnson and Dwight D. Eisenhower. However, two other presidents also famously fell in love with the Lone Star State and made it their home.

George H. Bush’s love for Texas is very well-documented. Years before becoming president, he moved to this state with his family after graduating from college. President Bush passed his adoration for Texas on to his children. Years later, his older son George W. became governor of Texas and, eventually, the 43rd president of the United States.