who is lee meriwether husband?

Introduction

You might know Lee Meriwether as a stunning actress, a former Miss America, or the unforgettable Catwoman from the 1966 Batman movie. But have you ever wondered who captured her heart off screen? Who is Lee Meriwether husband? That is a question many fans have asked for decades. The answer is not as simple as a single name because her romantic life took two very different paths. In this article, we will walk through both of her marriages, the joys and struggles she faced, and what her relationships teach us about love, loss, and resilience. You will also learn about her family, her career alongside her famous spouse, and how she managed to keep going after heartbreak. Whether you are a classic TV fan or just curious about old Hollywood love stories, you have come to the right place. Let’s dive into the real story of Lee Meriwether husband and the man who stood by her side.

Who Is Lee Meriwether? A Quick Background

Before we talk about her husbands, let us get to know Lee a little better. She was born on May 27, 1935, in Los Angeles, California. In 1955, she won the Miss America title. That victory opened many doors for her in Hollywood. You may remember her from Barnaby Jones as Betty Jones, or from The Time Tunnel as Dr. Ann MacGregor. She also played the role of Catwoman in the 1966 Batman film, stepping in for Julie Newmar. Throughout her career, Lee has been admired not just for her talent but for her grace and warmth. But behind the camera, her personal life had its own drama.

The First Lee Meriwether Husband: Frank Aletter

So, who is Lee Meriwether husband number one? His name was Frank Aletter. Frank was also an actor. You might have seen him on shows like The Dick Van Dyke Show, My Three Sons, or The Rockford Files. He had a friendly, everyman quality that made him easy to like. Lee and Frank married in 1958. At the time, both were building their acting careers. They must have seemed like the perfect Hollywood couple.

A Promising Start

In the beginning, things looked bright. They had two daughters together. Their names are Kyle and Lesley. Lee often spoke about how much she loved being a mother. But marriage is never easy, especially when two actors are both chasing roles, traveling for shoots, and dealing with the ups and downs of show business. For a while, they made it work. They attended red carpet events together. They raised their girls. From the outside, they looked happy.

The Cracks Begin to Show

However, over time, the relationship started to strain. Lee has hinted in past interviews that Frank struggled with some personal demons. Without giving too many painful details, she has suggested that his behavior became difficult to live with. Acting careers also have slow periods. Financial stress, jealousy, or simply growing apart can tear any marriage apart. After nearly fourteen years, Lee and Frank divorced in 1972. That was a painful time for her. Suddenly, she was a single mother of two in an industry that was not always kind to women over thirty. But Lee did not give up.

Life After Divorce: Lee Finds Strength

After the split, Lee focused on her daughters and her work. She landed the role of Betty Jones on Barnaby Jones in 1973, alongside Buddy Ebsen. That show became a huge hit. It ran for eight seasons. During this time, Lee proved she could carry a series while raising her children. She did not rush into another marriage. Instead, she took time to heal. And then, years later, love found her again.

The Second Lee Meriwether Husband: Marshall Borden

So, who is Lee Meriwether husband today? Her second and current husband is Marshall Borden. Unlike Frank, Marshall is not a Hollywood actor. He worked as a film executive and producer. The two met in the late 1970s, and something clicked immediately. Marshall was steady, supportive, and not threatened by Lee’s fame. In fact, he admired it. They married on April 5, 1986. That means they have been together for nearly four decades. That is a true Hollywood success story.

A Partnership Built on Respect

What makes this marriage work? From what Lee has shared over the years, respect is the foundation. Marshall understood her career without needing to compete with it. He also embraced her daughters as his own. Lee once said in an interview that Marshall gave her a sense of security she had not felt in years. There was no drama. No tabloid scandals. Just two people who genuinely liked each other.

Life Together Today

Now in their eighties, Lee and Marshall live quietly. They reside in California, not far from where Lee grew up. They enjoy time with their children and grandchildren. Lee still makes occasional acting appearances, and Marshall supports her from behind the scenes. When you look at photos of them together, you see something rare in Hollywood: genuine comfort. They hold hands. They smile. They look like they belong together. That is the power of finding the right partner later in life.

Comparing Both Lee Meriwether Husbands

Let us break down the differences between her two husbands.

Frank Aletter

Profession: Actor
Marriage years: 1958 to 1972 (14 years)
Children: Two daughters (Kyle and Lesley)
Known for: TV guest roles in the 1960s and 1970s
Relationship vibe: Young Hollywood love, ended in divorce

Marshall Borden

Profession: Film executive and producer
Marriage years: 1986 to present (over 38 years)
Children: Stepfather to Lee’s two daughters
Known for: Behind the scenes work in entertainment
Relationship vibe: Mature, stable, respectful partnership

As you can see, the two relationships are very different. One was the passionate but troubled marriage of two rising actors. The other is a calm, lasting bond built on shared values and late life wisdom.

What Lee Meriwether Has Said About Love and Marriage

Over the years, Lee has opened up a little about her views on marriage. She once said in an interview, “You have to know who you are before you can truly love someone else.” That line sticks with me. She learned that lesson the hard way after her first divorce. She also admitted that being a single mother made her stronger. It taught her what she would and would not tolerate in a partner. When Marshall came along, she was ready. She was not looking for a savior. She was looking for an equal.

Another time, she joked that the secret to her long marriage was “giving each other space.” That sounds simple, but it is powerful. Too many couples smother each other. Lee and Marshall figured out how to be close without being clingy. They also share a sense of humor. In Hollywood, where egos run large, staying humble and laughing together is a survival skill.

Common Misconceptions About Lee Meriwether Husband

There are some myths floating around online. Let me clear them up for you.

Myth 1: Lee Meriwether husband was a famous director.
Truth: Neither Frank Aletter nor Marshall Borden was a director. Frank was an actor. Marshall was an executive and producer.

Myth 2: She married Adam West.
Truth: Lee co starred with Adam West in the Batman movie, but they were never married. They remained good friends until his death.

Myth 3: She has been married three times.
Truth: Lee has been married twice. Once to Frank Aletter and once to Marshall Borden.

Myth 4: Her second husband is much younger.
Truth: Marshall Borden is close to Lee in age. There is no large age gap.

Myth 5: She divorced Marshall.
Truth: They are still happily married as of 2026.

How Her Husbands Influenced Her Career

Let us talk about the impact each husband had on her work. With Frank Aletter, Lee was a young mother trying to balance acting jobs and diapers. She turned down some roles because they required too much travel. She has said she has no regrets about that. Family came first. But after the divorce, she had to work even harder. That is when she landed Barnaby Jones. So in a strange way, the divorce pushed her into one of her most famous roles.

With Marshall Borden, she had the freedom to choose projects she loved. He never pressured her to work or to stay home. That kind of support is rare. Many actresses from her era had to quit acting after remarrying. Not Lee. She kept going well into her seventies. She appeared on The Bold and the Beautiful, Star Trek: The Original Series (in a guest role), and even voiced characters in animated shows. Marshall was behind her all the way.

What You Can Learn from Lee Meriwether’s Love Life

You might be reading this because you are simply curious. But there are real lessons here for all of us.

First, do not settle. Lee stayed in her first marriage for fourteen years, but she eventually left. That took courage. Sometimes love is not enough. You need respect, safety, and shared goals.

Second, it is never too late for love. Lee was 51 when she married Marshall. That is proof that your second act can be better than your first.

Third, a good partner does not compete with you. They complement you. Marshall was not threatened by Lee’s fame. He celebrated it. Find someone who cheers for you.

Finally, marriage is not a fairy tale. It is work. But the right person makes the work feel worthwhile. Lee and Marshall have been together for nearly forty years. That does not happen by accident.

Conclusion

So, who is Lee Meriwether husband? The answer depends on which chapter of her life you are looking at. Her first husband was actor Frank Aletter, the father of her two daughters. That marriage ended in divorce after fourteen years. Her second and current husband is Marshall Borden, a retired film executive who has given her nearly four decades of stability and love. Lee’s journey through marriage shows us that heartbreak does not have to be the end of your story. It can be a beginning. She turned pain into purpose, loneliness into strength, and eventually found a partner who truly valued her. Whether you are a longtime fan or just learning about her now, I hope this article helped you see the real woman behind the spotlight. Now I want to ask you: have you ever been surprised by a celebrity’s real life love story? Share this article with a classic TV fan, and let me know in the comments what other old Hollywood mysteries you want solved.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Lee Meriwether husband?
Lee Meriwether has been married twice. Her first husband was actor Frank Aletter. Her second and current husband is Marshall Borden, a retired film executive.

2. How many times has Lee Meriwether been married?
She has been married two times. Once to Frank Aletter from 1958 to 1972, and once to Marshall Borden since 1986.

3. What does Marshall Borden do?
Marshall Borden worked as a film executive and producer in the entertainment industry. He is now retired.

4. Does Lee Meriwether have any children?
Yes. She has two daughters, Kyle and Lesley, from her first marriage to Frank Aletter.

5. Is Lee Meriwether still married to Marshall Borden?
Yes. As of 2026, they are still married and living together in California.

6. Did Lee Meriwether ever date Adam West?
No. They were professional co stars and close friends, but they never dated romantically.

7. What happened to Frank Aletter?
Frank Aletter continued acting until the 1990s. He passed away in 2009 at age 83.

8. Why did Lee Meriwether and Frank Aletter divorce?
Lee has suggested that personal struggles and growing apart led to their divorce. She has not given extensive public details out of respect for privacy.

9. How old is Lee Meriwether?
She was born on May 27, 1935. That makes her 91 years old as of 2026.

10. Where can I watch Lee Meriwether’s work?
You can find her in Barnaby Jones on streaming platforms, the 1966 Batman movie, The Time Tunnel, and various classic TV episodes on services like Amazon Prime, Tubi, and YouTube.

Who Is Lee Meriwether Husband? The Truth Revealed

Introduction

Who Is Lee Meriwether? A Quick Background