December 25, 2024 00:28 AM

Mary Ann Mobley: Husband and Legendary Actor Gary Collins Dies at the Age of 74

Television actor Gary Collins, the husband of Mary Ann Mobley passed away at the age of 74.

According to TMZ, Brian Switzer, the Harrison County Deputy Coroner said that Collins died from natural causes early Saturday morning at the Biloxi Regional Medical Center in Biloxi, MS.

Collins was a legendary actor who appeared in shows such as "JAG," "Fantasy Island," "Charlie's Angels," "The Love Boat," "Alice" and more.

However he was also known for long-term hosting gigs such as host of the talk show "Hour Magazine" from 1980 to 1988 and co-host of ABC's "The Home Show" from 1989 to 1994.

Collins also hosted the Miss America Pageant from 1985 to 1989, according to TMZ. His wife, Mary Ann Mobley was a former Miss America winner who helped him host the pageant in 1989. She was the first Mississippian to win the title in 1959.

Collins married Mobley in 1967. They have one child together, Mary.

Collins' wife, Mobley also went into acting after her Miss America success. Like Collins, she made appearances in "Fantasy Island" and "The Love Boat," as well as many other shows.

In 2009, Mobley was diagnosed and treated for Stage 3 breast cancer. She is currently in remission. Collins became depressed over her illness and the couple decided it was best to take a break.

The pair separated in 2011 after being married for almost 44 years.

Collins has two more children, Guy and Mimi, with his previous wife, Susan Peterson.

In recent years, Collins had trouble with the law. In 2008, he spent four days in jail for his second DUI conviction. In a following DUI incident in 2009, he spent 120 days on home detention after having a blood alcohol content of .29, which is three times the legal limit.

In 2010, he left the scene of an accident and was charged with a misdemeanor. In 2011, he allegedly failed to pay a restaurant bill and didn't show up to his court date.

While he had some trouble in his last years, Collins' early television career was a success as he was nominated for six Emmys and won Outstanding Talk Show Host in 1983. His name is among those on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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