Harry Nilsson married Una O'Keeffe on August 12, 1976; they remained

Harry Nilsson & Una O'Keefe: A Love Story & More

Harry Nilsson married Una O'Keeffe on August 12, 1976; they remained

By  Dr. Jaime Jenkins DDS

Could a chance encounter in an ice cream parlor change the course of a life, especially for a man navigating the turbulent waters of fame and personal demons? For Harry Nilsson, the celebrated songwriter, the answer was a resounding yes, and that answer came in the form of Una O'Keeffe, a woman who would become his third wife and the anchor he desperately needed.

The summer of 1973 marked a turning point. Harry, adrift after the breakdown of his first marriage, found himself in New York City. The Park Lane Hotel served as a temporary residence, while the streets of Manhattan offered a backdrop for fleeting moments and unforeseen connections. It was during this time, amidst the city's vibrant pulse, that fate intervened. One day, drawn in by a whim, Harry found himself outside an ice cream parlor. In the doorway, his gaze fell upon a "pretty young temporary worker" named Una O'Keeffe. The year, as he later recalled, was 1973, a year that would forever alter the trajectory of his life.

Their initial meeting, a casual encounter, blossomed into something more profound. The details are romantic: they met in an ice cream parlor, their courtship led to a marriage at an airport, and their honeymoon unfolded at the Watergate Hotel. This was a far cry from the usual Hollywood romance. The couple's story is a testament to finding love in unexpected places and building a life of enduring connection.

Una O'Keeffe, an Irish immigrant, brought a sense of stability and joy into Harry's life. She was born on September 15, 1954, in Tipperary, Ireland, and the mother of six of his children. Before her life with Harry, Una worked as a waitress, including a stint at Rumpelmayer's, located in the Hotel St. Moritz in New York City. Two years after his divorce from his previous wife, Diane Clatworthy, Harry met Una, and his life changed. His life found a new meaning and he settled in the quiet Agoura Hills neighborhood, some 30 miles from the frenetic pace of Hollywood.

Full Name Una O'Keeffe Nilsson
Born September 15, 1954, Tipperary, Ireland
Known For Being the third wife of musician Harry Nilsson and mother of six of his children.
Marital Status Widowed (married to Harry Nilsson from August 12, 1976, until his death on January 15, 1994)
Children Six children with Harry Nilsson
Residence Agoura Hills, California (during her marriage to Harry Nilsson)
Notable Relationship Harry Nilsson
Related to Zak Nilsson (Son)
Reference Find a Grave - Una Nilsson

The narrative surrounding this relationship is one of redemption and quiet domesticity. For 18 years, the couple raised their six children together. Their marriage, which began on August 12, 1976, lasted until Harry's untimely death on January 15, 1994. This union gave Harry the peace and stability he had long sought. As he settled into the quiet Agoura Hills neighborhood, far removed from the Hollywood playground, his life gained a new dimension of fulfillment.

Harry Nilsson, celebrated for his songwriting prowess and eclectic style, was a man of many talents. His career included hits like "Courtship of Eddie's Father," "Midnight Cowboy," and his association with Three Dog Night. His marriage to Una, provided him with the enduring love and familial connection that anchored his often-turbulent life. His legacy as a songwriter is secure, and his personal story, particularly his relationship with Una, offers a poignant glimpse into the human side of a creative genius.

The story is interwoven with other notable figures and places. The Park Lane Hotel, where Harry was staying in the summer of 1973, provides a physical location for his New York sojourn. Smiler's Deli on Madison Avenue, and 54th Street, where he purchased honeydew melons for Una and her friend, offer glimpses into the mundane, yet endearing details of their early connection. The former Hotel Moritz, now the Ritz-Carlton, on 58th Street, and Central Park South, adds another layer of context to the couple's time in New York.

Also, in the background of these events, there is another important figure: the world-renowned artist, Georgia O'Keeffe. While not directly related to Harry and Una's romance, O'Keeffe's impact on the art world is undeniable. She was a pioneer, one of the few female artists associated with the avant-garde currents of the first half of the 20th century in the United States. Her influence, from her bold abstract works to her pioneering use of photographic approaches in her paintings, is significant. Georgia O'Keeffe's story also includes the interesting connection with the artist Yayoi Kusama, whom she supported early in her career, providing her with a vital lifeline that helped her launch her artistic journey.

O'Keeffe's work, characterized by a unique artistic style, cemented her status as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Her motto was to represent "the breadth and wonder of the world as it is alive." Her perspective, her innovations, and her contributions continue to resonate. Her life and career show how art history can classify the unclassifiable, and her status as a pioneer remains secure.

The narrative of Una O'Keeffe and Harry Nilsson is intertwined with these other elements, with the locations of their meetings in New York adding texture to their love story. The contrast between Nilsson's world and his ultimate life with his wife reveals the complex nature of celebrity and personal life.

This period of Nilsson's life, and his marriage to Una, is particularly poignant when considering the challenges that he and his family have faced. His son, Zak, has recently been diagnosed with cancer, underscoring the enduring human struggles that transcend fame and fortune. The couple's relationship serves as a reminder of the importance of connection, support, and love in the face of life's inevitable trials. It is a testament to the power of love to transform and redeem, providing a sense of stability amidst the chaos.

The story of Una O'Keeffe and Harry Nilsson offers a glimpse into the private life of a public figure. It is a story of finding love in an unexpected place, and the importance of human connection in the midst of a whirlwind career. The narrative of Harry's redemption, the family they built together, and the strength that they both found in each other. The legacy of their relationship lives on, a reminder of the power of love and the enduring impact of human connection.

The story of Harry and Una is also a story about a home. Their home in Agoura Hills was a place of refuge, a place of family, a place where Harry could escape the demands of his career and find peace and belonging. They created a safe space for their children, a place where they were loved and nurtured. This aspect of the relationship shows that the relationship went beyond a casual connection. Their 17-year marriage provided stability and support during Harry's long and celebrated career.

The importance of family is highlighted by this story, with the couple raising six children. The value of the family is one of the most important legacies of the love between them. It's a reminder of the impact of the bonds we create and how they affect our lives, even after loss. The memories of that life with Una, the Irish immigrant, and their shared journey, remain, emphasizing the role of love in the human experience.

The story also touches upon the impact of the choices we make and their consequences. Nilsson, in his younger days, was no stranger to the darker sides of fame, facing personal demons. His marriage with Una was a turning point, a chance for him to find a balance and a new purpose in his life. It's a reminder that even in the face of our past mistakes, we can find a new path and be redeemed through love and human connection. The narrative of their romance is a reminder of the transformative potential of love and how human relationships can shape an individual's life.

The couple's story stands as a testimony to the importance of true love and the enduring power of human connection, despite fame, fortune, and hardship. Una and Harry were married for 17 years before Harry passed away at the age of 52, leaving behind a legacy of music and family. It also showcases the power of a quiet life away from the limelight, a testament to the human need for support and belonging.

Finally, the story of Una O'Keeffe and Harry Nilsson highlights the impact of place and timing. The summer of 1973 in New York City created a backdrop for an unexpected love story. The places they visited, from the Park Lane Hotel to the ice cream parlor, became part of their history. The story, the choices they made, and their eventual home in Agoura Hills, highlights how setting and circumstances contribute to our lives' direction. Their story is a reminder that life is full of coincidences and a testament to the value of cherishing those connections.

Harry Nilsson married Una O'Keeffe on August 12, 1976; they remained
Harry Nilsson married Una O'Keeffe on August 12, 1976; they remained

Details

O'Keeffe se convirtió en una artista reconocida en la década de 1920
O'Keeffe se convirtió en una artista reconocida en la década de 1920

Details

Una Okeeffe's Email & Phone BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.
Una Okeeffe's Email & Phone BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.

Details

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