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Anjelica Huston | Robert Graham and Anjelica Huston | Source: Paramount Pictures | Getty Images
Anjelica Huston | Robert Graham and Anjelica Huston | Source: Paramount Pictures | Getty Images

Anjelica Huston Held the Hand of Her Dying Husband — They Lived in a House He Built for Her

Ayesha Muhammad
Jul 05, 2023
09:30 P.M.
  • Angelica Huston, most popularly known as Morticia Addams from "The Addams Family," lived through a stormy on-and-off relationship with "A Few Good Men" actor Jack Nicholson.
  • After ending her tumultuous relationship with Nicholson, she felt fortunate to find love again with Robert Graham, a renowned sculptor.
  • The couple wed in 1992 and stayed together in the home Graham built for her until his demise.
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Anjelica Huston is an American actress and director widely recognized for her splendid performances, in which she often embodies unique and eccentric characters. Throughout her illustrious career, she has been honored with prestigious awards, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award.

Moreover, she has received nominations for three British Academy Film Awards and six Primetime Emmy Awards. With her talent and versatility, Huston has established herself as a highly acclaimed figure in film and television.

Anjelica Huston, actress, and daughter of actor/director John Huston, pictured on March 10, 1985, on Beverly Hills Street, Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Anjelica Huston, actress, and daughter of actor/director John Huston, pictured on March 10, 1985, on Beverly Hills Street, Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Besides captivating audiences with her brilliant acting skills, Huston's personal life has garnered widespread public and media attention. The one-time Oscar winner was romantically involved with the three-time Oscar-winning actor, Jack Nicholson, for a little under two decades.

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Despite her mixed emotions, Huston was charmed yet infuriated by the gesture.

Huston and Nicholson had a relationship that lasted 17 years, from 1973 to 1990. They met in April 1973 at Nicholson's birthday party in Los Angeles. After hours of dancing, Huston spent the night with Nicholson. They moved in together shortly after, while Nicholson was filming "Chinatown."

During their time together, Huston struggled with being known primarily as "Jack Nicholson's girlfriend" or "John Huston's daughter" and wanted to establish her own identity. She moved out of "The Departed" star's home in 1980 following a severe car accident and bought her own house. Soon after, Huston enrolled in acting classes and pursued her career independently.

Jack Nicholson is pictured with Anjelica Huston surrounded by female police in New York, circa 1970. | Source: Getty Image

Jack Nicholson is pictured with Anjelica Huston surrounded by female police in New York, circa 1970. | Source: Getty Image

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The couple's relationship faced many challenges. Nicholson's fame and notoriety brought forth reported restrictions and expectations. Huston was frustrated by the arbitrary rules imposed, such as being told not to draw on the telephone pads in their home.

Moreover, the "The Witches" actress recalled instances where other women wore her clothes. On one occasion, she found a girl wearing her jacket in the street—an incident that opened her eyes to her then-beau's discreet nature and flirtatious attitude.

While apart, Huston kept a room in Nicholson's home, and they would speak on the phone constantly. In 1985, Huston won her first Oscar for her role in "Prizzi's Honor," a film directed by her father and also starring Nicholson.

Actor Jack Nicholson and Anjelica Huston attend the 38th Annual Director's Guild of America Awards on March 8, 1986, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Actor Jack Nicholson and Anjelica Huston attend the 38th Annual Director's Guild of America Awards on March 8, 1986, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

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Although the topic of marriage was discussed, the pair never tied the knot. Nicholson's business manager and lawyer proposed marriage to save money on taxes, but Huston was said to have found it unromantic.

Huston and Nicholson also tried to have children, but it didn't work out. Despite their efforts, she couldn't imagine herself as a mother. Their relationship faced further strain when Nicholson's alleged infidelity came to light. In 1989, he told Huston that his mistress, Rebecca Broussard, was pregnant with his baby.

The betrayal was intensified when Huston learned about Nicholson's affair through a Playboy article in which a woman described him spanking her with a ping-pong paddle. Huston confronted Nicholson and was said to have physically attacked him.

Actor Jack Nicholson and Anjelica Huston attend a tribute gala honoring Jack Nicholson on March 3, 1983, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Actor Jack Nicholson and Anjelica Huston attend a tribute gala honoring Jack Nicholson on March 3, 1983, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

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Even after ending their relationship, the duo had a connection between them. Nicholson sent Huston a pearl-and-diamond bracelet as a Christmas gift, which had previously belonged to Ava Gardner. Despite her mixed emotions, Huston was charmed yet infuriated by the gesture.

After her emotionally exhausting relationship with the "As Good As It Gets" alum, Huston felt lucky to find love again and succeeded in establishing a separate identity after being overshadowed by the men in her life.

Anjelica Huston's Life with Her Husband & His Demise

In 1992, enduring love knocked on Huston's door when she tied the knot with Robert "Bob" Graham, a renowned sculptor. The duo built their love nest in Los Angeles, staying faithful to their wedding vows. Despite Graham's reported lack of enthusiasm for vacations and his affinity for working from their sleek and refined L.A. home, their bond remained strong.

In 2008, Huston saw her spouse's health decline, leading to a nine-week stay in the hospital and subsequent rehabilitation. It wasn't long before Graham's condition worsened, and Huston stood by his side, holding his hand as he peacefully passed away in December of that year. Despite their childless marriage, the pair enjoyed a fulfilling and prosperous journey together.

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Robert Graham & Anjelica Huston during an event honoring the 54th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards nominees at Spago in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Robert Graham & Anjelica Huston during an event honoring the 54th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards nominees at Spago in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

A Brief Look at Anjelica Huston's Life Today

For a long time, Huston resided in the home built by her loving husband, Graham, in Venice, California. Graham designed the place exclusively for his spirited wife after the couple returned from their honeymoon.

The house, reminiscent of a townhouse, featured a striking cobra-shaped cowlick at the parapet and a high terra-cotta-colored masonry wall with an impressive stone over the entrance gate.

The yard was enclosed by a solid fence, offering complete privacy and seamlessly blending the outdoor garden with the interior spaces. The wide courtyard served as the heart of the home, providing pleasant experiences such as the shade of a coral tree, a serene lap pool, and framed views of the sky.

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Anjelica Huston and Robert Graham are seen during the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style event honoring Tom Ford in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Anjelica Huston and Robert Graham are seen during the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style event honoring Tom Ford in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Inside the house, the boundary between indoors and outdoors was blurred, with several rooms adjoining the courtyard. The kitchen windows boasted wide ledges, inviting food to the patio and guests into the kitchen. French doors opened to a vaulted living room adorned with vibrant frescoes by artist David Novros.

A staircase led to the master bedroom and a roof that connected to Huston's studio. While most rooms faced the courtyard, the house offered glimpses of the surrounding Venice neighborhood and panoramic views of Los Angeles from higher floors.

The house's design emphasized interconnectedness, with balconies connecting the interior spaces to the exterior. Every room enjoyed a unique relationship with others, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere throughout the home.

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Robert Graham, Anjelica Huston & Danny Huston are seen during the "Ivansxtc" Los Angeles premiere at Raleigh Studios in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Robert Graham, Anjelica Huston & Danny Huston are seen during the "Ivansxtc" Los Angeles premiere at Raleigh Studios in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Throughout their time together, Huston supported her husband's artistic endeavors, including his notable project of creating "The Great Bronze Doors" at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles.

Graham, known for his mischievously erotic miniature tableaux and realistic bronze sculptures, became a cherished collaborator with Huston, even sharing the screen with her in the film, "The Life Aquatic," with Steve Zissou.

Additionally, Huston held a deep affection for Dublin, where she embarked on an anonymous love affair and developed an enduring connection to the city. She also revealed her sentimental attachment to the captivating view of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

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While her heart may have been rooted in Ireland, a ranch in Three Rivers in the northern Los Angeles region became her home after her husband's death. The rustic sanctuary was populated with horses, goats, pigs, and chickens, reflecting Huston's love for animals.

Anjelica Huston attends the Special Screening Of Lionsgate's "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" at TCL Chinese Theatre on May 15, 2019, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Anjelica Huston attends the Special Screening Of Lionsgate's "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" at TCL Chinese Theatre on May 15, 2019, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

In an interview in August 2016, Huston revealed how she found solace and inspiration in her California ranch, and her favorite spot there was the kitchen. In the morning, as she prepared her coffee, she took a moment to survey the beauty of her garden.

The kitchen served as a focal point for eating, cooking, and enjoying the bountiful produce from the ranch's excellent vegetable patch. With a charming 1950s O'Keefe Merritt stove as the centerpiece, it embodied warmth, functionality, and the heart of Huston's home.

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Alongside her successful acting career, Huston continues to find joy and contentment in her artistic endeavors and the serenity of her idyllic ranch. And while she is happily child-free, she humorously referred to her brother, Danny Huston, as her "biggest child" on one occasion, embracing the playful dynamics of their sibling relationship.

As for Huston's upcoming roles, sources suggest she could be a popular choice for season two of Jenna Ortega's "Wednesday" series. With an opening for a new Headmaster at Nevermore, Huston's talent and charisma make her a strong candidate for the role.

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