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.
James, John, and Kris Keach pictured with the actress at the premiere of “Rugrats in Paris – The Movie,” 2000
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.
The TV star remains close not only with her ex-husbands but also with her stepchildren, Jenni Flynn and Kaelen Keach, from their previous relationships.
The mother of six shared that her biggest lesson from past relationships is perspective, saying she has learned “to let go. To try to find a way to communicate and keep what was good in the relationship.”
Building on her lesson of letting go in another interview, the Hollywood star emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony for her children’s sake. “I’ve remained friends with my third and fourth husbands, and with their significant others, too. We’ve been able to resume the good parts of the relationship,” said the star.
She further expressed that, while she didn’t love how the marriages ended, they shared amazing experiences and still have an enormous amount of love between them.
The proud parent described her blended family as deeply connected, sharing that all the children, including stepchildren Jenni Flynn and Kalen Keach, are treated equally.
“We don’t use the word stepkids. We do not distinguish,” she said. The movie star highlighted the strong bonds among parents and children, co-parenting harmony, and a sense of unity that extends to their extended families, with everyone getting along.
Alongside her role as a devoted mother, Jane is also a proud grandmother. She admitted, “I swore I wasn’t going to be one of those people who can’t stop talking about her grandchildren. But it’s amazing. […] It almost seems more magical than when you had your own children!”
Jane, who cherishes her time with her grandkids, revealed that she watches “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” with them, and they “just think it’s great.”
She noted the show’s enduring relevance, tackling issues like racism, bigotry, and immigration, and expressed surprise it hasn’t been revived, calling it “a no-brainer really.”
Jane, who values her family and legacy, has also found happiness in her personal life. Currently in a relationship with musician John Zambetti, she revealed she has no plans to marry again.
“There’s no reason. I have a great relationship and financially we’re both independent, she shared, adding, “More than anything it’s a question of having a partner you love and enjoying the best you can [during] the time we have left.” Jane and John, first met at a Shwayze concert, where they discovered their sons were already acquainted.
Their romance became public in October 2023 when she made their relationship Instagram official. Posting a cheerful poolside photo of the two, the then-72-year-old expressed her joy, writing, “I’ve never been happier.”
That same month, a source close to Jane revealed, “Jane has never been happier and lately she just glows.” John, a guitarist of the rock band The Malibooz, shares her love of fun and adventure, with the source adding that it, “has been so lovely to watch the two of them grow closer.”
John Zambetti and Jane Seymour attend the grand opening of Sphere on September 29, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Fast forward to May 2024, Jane reflected on her current joy, saying, “All I know is that right now, I am very happy. I’m happier than I remember being for as long as I can remember.” Jane further expressed that she is content and at peace, with her family and loved ones all happy.
Jane’s positive outlook shines as she embraces aging with gratitude and confidence. At 73, she reflected on the loss of friends her age, considering each year an incredible blessing. Choosing to age naturally, she avoids cosmetic procedures like Botox and peels.
John Zambetti and Jane Seymour attend the 66th Annual Southern California Journalism Awards on June 23, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
In 2018, Jane posed for Playboy at 67, becoming the magazine’s oldest featured woman. Having posed at 22 and 36, she found the experience at 67 particularly empowering, saying, “I feel more comfortable in my own skin than I did then.”
Jane Seymour’s journey reflects her strength, gratitude, and commitment to embracing life at every stage. From her enduring career to her cherished family and newfound happiness, she continues to inspire with her grace and authenticity.
