Evelyn Keyes is best remembered for playing Suellen O'Hara in the 1939 cinematic landmark Gone with the Wind. Beyond her film credits, her high-profile personal life frequently captured public interest during Hollywood's studio era. Among her most significant relationships was her multi-year romance with theatrical and film producer Mike Todd during the 1950s. While they never married, their bond bridged two distinct worlds of entertainment power and defined a turbulent chapter in both of their lives.
Long before tabloid culture saturated modern media, Keyes navigated romances with directors, actors, and producers. Her partnership with Todd began in 1953 while she was transitioning away from her contract with Columbia Pictures. Todd was a flamboyant, high-stakes producer known for his ambitious theatrical ventures and later, the cinematic epic Around the World in 80 Days. Their relationship blended professional ambition with personal volatility, ending years later when Todd left Keyes for Elizabeth Taylor.
The Origins of the Romance
In the early 1950s, Evelyn Keyes was actively seeking projects that offered more creative control than the standard studio formulas allowed. Having worked under directors like Cecil B. DeMille and Charles Vidor, she possessed a sharp understanding of the film industry's inner workings. Mike Todd entered her orbit when his theatrical production career was pivoting toward motion pictures.
Friends and colleagues noted an immediate contrast in their personalities. Keyes was candid, quick-witted, and self-aware, while Todd operated as an energetic promoter who thrived on financial risks and grand spectacles. Despite initial hesitation on her part, Todd's persistence won her over. By 1953, the two were living together, establishing a prominent presence in New York and Hollywood social circles.
Life Alongside a Theatrical Impresario
Living with Mike Todd meant constant exposure to high-pressure show business ventures. Todd was legendary for his ability to raise funds for Broadway shows, often spending fortunes before securing financial backing. Keyes documented this chaotic environment in her 1977 memoir, Scarlett O'Hara's Younger Sister, describing Todd as a man of boundless charisma and mercurial temperament.
During their relationship, Keyes participated in industry events, supported Todd's endeavors, and maintained her own acting career with appearances in films like 99 River Street. However, the pressure of Todd's lifestyle took a toll. Todd was rarely stationary, moving between projects, investors, and promotional tours. Their household functioned less as a traditional domestic space and more as an extension of Todd's relentless promotional machine.
The Production of Around the World in 80 Days
The pinnacle of Todd's career arrived with the 1956 film Around the World in 80 Days. Keyes secured a cameo appearance in the star-studded production. Filming required extensive travel and coordination, bringing together dozens of Hollywood icons for minor roles.
Behind the scenes, however, the production strained the relationship. Todd's complete immersion in the project left little room for personal life. As the film gained momentum and critical acclaim, Todd's ambitions expanded outward, drawing him into elite international circles that ultimately shifted his personal trajectory.
The End of the Partnership and Elizabeth Taylor
The relationship dissolved during the promotional tour for Around the World in 80 Days. Todd encountered Elizabeth Taylor, and his infatuation was immediate and absolute. Within a short period, Todd left Keyes for Taylor, whom he married shortly thereafter in a heavily publicized ceremony.
For Keyes, the separation was a sharp pivot. She didn't remain out of the spotlight for long; in 1957, she married jazz clarinetist Artie Shaw, becoming his eighth wife in a marriage that lasted for decades before ending in divorce. Meanwhile, Todd's life with Taylor ended tragically in 1958 when his private plane crashed, cutting short one of Hollywood's most turbulent marriages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Evelyn Keyes and Mike Todd ever marry?
No. Despite living together for several years between 1953 and 1956, they never married. Todd ended the relationship to pursue Elizabeth Taylor.
What is Evelyn Keyes most famous for?
She is best known for portraying Suellen O'Hara, the sister of Scarlett O'Hara, in the 1939 classic Gone with the Wind.
How did Evelyn Keyes describe Mike Todd in her memoirs?
In her 1977 autobiography, Keyes portrayed Todd as a brilliant, high-rolling gambler of show business who possessed immense charm alongside an erratic, restless nature.
What happened to Mike Todd after he left Evelyn Keyes?
Todd married Elizabeth Taylor in February 1957, produced the Academy Award-winning Around the World in 80 Days, and tragically died in a plane crash in March 1958.
