![The former star, 2016 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/1690c8cf44f035f06d4ac875250cc361719abe26977bf2a2b68ba4a21d56e99c.jpg)
This Star of a Legendary Movie Left Hollywood to Be a Housewife - After Split, Her Ex Married Her Carbon Copy
- One Hollywood star left her career behind to embrace life as a housewife to a celebrated singer.
- After 25 years of marriage and raising a family, the couple split, shocking their admirers.
- Not long after their divorce, her ex-husband married someone who could easily pass for her twin.
This former star won the hearts of many with her remarkable talents as a singer, actress, and dancer. Rising to fame with iconic roles and mesmerizing performances, she quickly built a devoted fan base. But at the height of her career, she vanished from the spotlight, leaving fans to wonder what happened.
For 25 years, she and her husband raised a family, before divorcing. Her ex-husband later found a new partner who looks like her. The resemblance has kept fans talking and speculating about the uncanny similarities. The life of this talented star, with its surprising twists, is truly fascinating.
![The former dancer and actress in action, starring in a dance movie, circa 1983 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/311b8f0e9d5d33ea08aedefb4208e8ba03bfd2e4a2e54da919c7d365a0fb5fbb.jpg)
The former dancer and actress in action, starring in a dance movie, circa 1983 | Source: Getty Images
From Olympic Dreams to Hollywood Stardom
The Tennessee native, born on November 21, 1956, discovered her passion for dancing at a young age. In a past interview, she reminisced about starting to dance at three, but it wasn't until she was sixteen that she began training professionally.
Her dedication was clear. She trained tirelessly for the Olympics, committing to an intense routine of eight hours a day. Her dancing prowess led her to Hollywood, where she would go on to star in iconic roles.
![The former dancer and actress in action, starring in a dance movie, circa 1983 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/b662b07d9c9ed05a1c64f2f83cdec4da5b88454a25c04e8fdc86385fbac08bad.jpg)
The former dancer and actress in action, starring in a dance movie, circa 1983 | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on her career, the "Dirty Dancing" star recalled the rigorous preparation they underwent before filming. She mentioned training ten hours a day with her co-star Patrick Swayze. She described it as one of the hardest rehearsals she had ever experienced.
![Dancing with Patrick Swayze, dated June 27, 2014 | Source: YouTube/@RottenTomatoesCLASSICTRAILERS](https://cdn.amomama.com/7fdaed35fec9885137990078ee09aa16f4b212cebc048d9ee8e711e42c6c0687.png)
Dancing with Patrick Swayze, dated June 27, 2014 | Source: YouTube/@RottenTomatoesCLASSICTRAILERS
During this time, she decided to step back from dancing professionally due to the physical toll it took on her body. In addition to her dance career, she made a name for herself as a talented actress.
The former star and other cast members in a scene in "Dirty Dancing" | Source: YouTube/@BoxofficeMoviesScenes
Raised in a religious family, she aimed to maintain a clean-cut image in her acting roles and in the media, often turning down scripts that required nudity. While "Dirty Dancing" remains one of her most celebrated projects, she also shone in films such as "Runaway," "Staying Alive," and "Flashdance."
![The dancer and actress in "Staying Alive" in 1983 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/62598a6d83a7616363c40d0ed61dd44cf2a988237280b0afa8b8212009ea030b.jpg)
The dancer and actress in "Staying Alive" in 1983 | Source: Getty Images
A Love Story Beyond the Spotlight
After her rise to fame in Hollywood, Cynthia Rhodes met and married celebrated singer Richard Marx, known for hits like "Now and Forever" and "Satisfied," he has also sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. The two first crossed paths in 1983.
Despite their seven-year age difference, their love blossomed over time. Initially, they didn't hit it off, but two years later, their connection deepened, and they began dating. After a few years together, they tied the knot in 1989.
![Cynthia Rhodes and Richard Marx attend the Sixth Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards on May 15, 1989 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/85fad50c6c28829d76e4d471204d7440952b6025ab75845034bab1d51144e196.jpg)
Cynthia Rhodes and Richard Marx attend the Sixth Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards on May 15, 1989 | Source: Getty Images
Their love story captivated many. In an interview, Marx revealed that Rhodes was the inspiration behind his hit song "Right Here Waiting." He wrote the song for her when they were still dating, during a time when she had traveled to South Africa to shoot a film.
Marx's efforts to obtain a visa to join her were unsuccessful, so he decided to write and mail her the song instead. "It was the fastest song I wrote, in barely 20 minutes. And this was the time when there was no Skype and social networking, so I had to ship the track to her," he shared.
![Richard Marx and Rhodes in November 1996 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/fe4f7d162b04c58f2a080a44e28979fba309025f23bbbacde7e38399787eed22.jpeg)
Richard Marx and Rhodes in November 1996 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Rhodes and Marx's Marriage and Family Life
The pair welcomed three boys, all of whom followed in their parents' artistic footsteps. Their firstborn, Brandon Marx, arrived in September 1990, followed by their middle child, Lucas Marx, in September 1992, and their youngest, Jesse Marx, in 1994.
A few years into their marriage, the two decided to leave the bright lights of Los Angeles behind and settle down in Chicago. This move marked a new chapter in their lives, one focused on family and personal fulfillment.
As Rhodes embraced her role as a stay-at-home mom, she dedicated herself to raising their three sons. The couple's decision to prioritize family over career endeared them even more to their fans, who followed their journey with keen interest.
![Richard Marx and Cynthia Rhodes in December 1992 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/d8f2a9139c30849c3e52da31485dd702d3e2fae97abda92a9bbdf16abba46024.jpeg)
Richard Marx and Cynthia Rhodes in December 1992 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite the demands of parenthood, Rhodes and Marx managed to maintain a semblance of normalcy away from the public eye. Their life together in Chicago seemed idyllic, a perfect blend of love, family, and private contentment. However, after more than two decades of marriage, things took an unexpected turn.
![Richard Marx and Cynthia Rhodes in May 2002 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/a1e6ed94aebf4caf0f27bccbe6e33dc1567e61d586dc7430b51dd16347b5e87f.jpeg)
Richard Marx and Cynthia Rhodes in May 2002 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
The End of an Era: Inside Cynthia and Richard's Surprising Split
The seemingly perfect union between Rhodes and Marx came to an end after 25 years when they announced their divorce in 2014. The news shocked many who had followed their journey and admired their commitment to each other and their family.
![Cynthia Rhodes and Richard Marx in August 1987 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/4239dc4ba464ade8b363e908fb85dd729a4a9858a89651f871bbd5db53a66ce3.jpg)
Cynthia Rhodes and Richard Marx in August 1987 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
While the reasons for their separation remained largely private, Marx later spoke about the split, and how it had affected him. "It has been a painful time," he acknowledged.
He expressed respect and affection for Rhodes despite their separation. "What I will say is that I had the great fortune and blessing to not only be married to Cynthia for all those years but to just share her company," he said. He went on to express gratitude for their time together and their family, thanking Rhodes and calling her "an amazing person."
A year after their divorce, Marx found love again and remarried Daisy Fuentes in 2015. However, fans couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance between Fuentes and Rhodes. Marx occasionally pays tribute to Fuentes on Instagram, celebrating special moments such as anniversaries.
This has led fans to compare Fuentes to Rhodes, with many noting their similar looks. One fan commented on a post, "She reminds me of Cynthia when she is sitting on the bed."
Another fan couldn't help but compliment Marx for having Fuentes by his side, writing, "You have such a beautiful wife, inside and out." The grammy-award winner, who often gushes about Fuentes, once revealed, "I'm in love in the most freeing way I've ever experienced. It's a beautiful thing."
Life After Fame: Cynthia Rhodes' Journey to Privacy and Peace
Since her divorce, Rhodes has largely remained out of the public eye and less is known about her love life. However, in 2023, she made a rare appearance on author Randal Kenneth Jones' page.
They shared a photo together while promoting his book, "Ruby," in which Jones revealed that the main character was inspired by Rhodes. Her rare appearances and occasional photos on social media have only fueled curiosity about her life post-Hollywood.
Choosing a life of quiet seclusion, Rhodes has embraced her privacy, a stark contrast to her days in the limelight. Her journey from a celebrated star to a devoted mother and then to a private individual reflects her resilience and commitment to her values.
As we delve into the rare glimpses of her current life, it becomes clear that Rhodes has found a new kind of contentment away from the cameras and the spotlight. While fans continue to wonder about her life today, Rhodes remains a symbol of grace and quiet resilience in the ever-changing world of celebrity culture.