William Elliott Became Dionne Warwick's Spouse Twice Because the Singer Considered the First Marriage a Mistake

William Elliot was Dionne Warwick's spouse for less than a week the first time they married. The former couple gave marriage another try a few months later, but despite lasting over ten years and welcoming two children, they went their separate ways again.

The first time Dionne Warwick and her former spouse married, the musician recalled feeling like she had lost her freedom and filed for divorce. However, "fate" brought the couple back together again a few months later, and they gave marriage a second shot.

But between her budding career and his infidelity, Dionne Warwick and William Elliott called it quits for the second and last time a few years before the latter's passing.

William Elliott Always Knew He Wanted to Be an Actor

Elliot was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and served four years in the US Navy as an electrician. Following his service, the aspiring actor turned down a spot at MIT to chase his dream of becoming an actor. Elliot said:

"Acting is the epitome of creating. When I'm creating, I'm total. I want to create with my total being. When I do something, I want to do it the best. I can't be confined. I like to create things — situations, life, happiness."

His road to becoming an actor was a rocky one. However, after taking his ambitions seriously, enrolling in acting classes, and attending auditions, Elliot made a name for himself as an actor and landed roles in "Bridget Loves Bernie" and "Night of the Lepus" in 1972 and "Coffy" in 1973.

Dionne Warwick and Her Former Spouse's First Marriage Only Lasted Three Days

Three days after saying, "I do," Warwick recalled waking up one morning and feeling like she had made a mistake. She felt that her ability to come and go as she pleased would slip away as a married woman. This prompted her to get a "Mexican divorce."

"Yes, he was surprised, but it was too late," Warwick said of her ex-spouse's reaction when the divorce decree came in the mail ten days later. However, a few months later, "fate" brought her and Elliot back together, and a few days later, they were husband and wife again after tying the knot in Milan, Italy.

The Cause of Dionne Warwick and Her Late Spouse's Second and Final Divorce

During their second attempt at marriage, Warwick and Elliot welcomed two sons — including one who has worked with Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, and Beyoncé — and were married for twelve years. However, as her career took off, things became strained. She said:

"I was the major earning power in the family, and that is very difficult for the male ego. It just got too much to bear for my husband..."

This, partnered with the actor's infidelity, led to the couple ending their relationship for good. Elliot died a few years later, on September 29, 1983. He was 49 at the time of his passing. Out of respect for his family and her sons, she shipped her late ex-husband's body back to his hometown, where he had a military burial.

In 2022, Warwick spoke about her love life when she revealed that while she was open to "companionship," it was not her top priority. "When I feel the need to have company, I know where to go and who to call," she said.