When television audiences remember Victor French, they usually picture him as the gruff yet tenderhearted Isaiah Edwards on Little House on the Prairie or as Mark Gordon alongside Michael Landon in Highway to Heaven. Yet, while French spent decades on television screens, his personal life and marriages remained remarkably private. Fans frequently search for details concerning his marriages, family life, and the women behind the scenes who shared his world away from the Hollywood spotlight.
Victor French was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Judith Schenz, whom he wed in January 1959. The couple built a family together, welcoming three children: a son named Victor Jr. and twin daughters, Tracy and Kelly. This marriage spanned more than a decade before ending in divorce in July 1975. Following his divorce, French married actress Julie Cobb—the daughter of veteran actor Lee J. Cobb—in March 1976. That marriage was brief, ending in divorce about two years later in 1978. French did not remarry afterward, focusing the remainder of his life on his television career, directing, and raising his children until his passing from lung cancer in 1989 at the age of 54.
Examining his domestic history reveals a deliberate separation between his public persona as a beloved character actor and his private responsibilities as a father and husband.
Judith Schenz: The First Marriage and Family Years
Judith Schenz entered Victor French's life before he achieved widespread television fame. In the late 1950s, French was still working hard to establish himself in the entertainment industry, often taking on stunt work and minor guest roles in western series. They married in January 1959, establishing a household in Southern California as French transitioned from stunt performer to a recognized character actor on programs like Gunsmoke.
During their sixteen years together, the couple welcomed three children:
- Victor Jr.: Born in 1960, he grew up to become an artist and worked passionately to preserve his father's memory and connect with fans of classic television.
- Tracy and Kelly: Twin daughters born in 1962, with Tracy later pursuing creative paths in entertainment and production.
Although the marriage ultimately ended in divorce in 1975, this era formed the foundation of French's adult life. Raising three children while navigating the unpredictable schedules of a working television actor brought distinct challenges. French maintained a protective boundary around his family, ensuring his children grew up shielded from the intrusive aspects of celebrity culture.
Julie Cobb: Marriage to a Fellow Actor
In March 1976, Victor French married actress Julie Cobb. Unlike his first marriage, this union linked two individuals embedded within the entertainment industry. Julie Cobb came from a prominent acting family as the daughter of Lee J. Cobb, a celebrated stage and screen actor known for landmark projects like On the Waterfront and 12 Angry Men.
During their brief marriage, French and Cobb even collaborated professionally. In May 1977, they appeared opposite each other in a stage production of Arthur Miller's After the Fall. Despite shared artistic interests, the marriage faced pressures that led to separation, and the couple divorced in 1978 after roughly 26 months of marriage. Following this split, French chose to remain unmarried for the rest of his life, dedicating his time off-set to his children and his close friendship with Michael Landon.
Balancing Privacy and Public Life
Throughout his career, French avoided the tabloid spotlight. While co-stars like Michael Landon frequently featured in celebrity magazines, French preferred a quiet existence. When not filming on dusty western backlots or soundstages, he spent his time fishing, hunting, and enjoying the outdoors.
His wives and children rarely appeared in promotional spreads or glossy magazine features. This discretion allowed his family to live relatively normal lives despite French's rising fame on network television. Friends and colleagues often described him as a grounded, introspective man who valued authentic connections over Hollywood glamour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times was Victor French married?
Victor French was married twice. His first marriage was to Judith Schenz from 1959 to 1975, and his second marriage was to actress Julie Cobb from 1976 to 1978.
Who were Victor French's children?
He had three children with his first wife, Judith Schenz: son Victor Jr. and twin daughters Tracy and Kelly.
Did Victor French's wives act in television or film?
Judith Schenz lived a private life outside the entertainment industry. His second wife, Julie Cobb, was a professional actress who appeared in numerous television series and stage productions.
What caused Victor French's death?
Victor French passed away from lung cancer on June 15, 1989, just three months after receiving his diagnosis, at the age of 54.
