Lois Clarke and James Garner fell in love with one other immediately. And even though they got along well right away, their love endured for almost 58 years.

Before beginning his more than five-decade acting career, Garner served in the Merchant Marines and the United States Army National Reserve. They first met in August 1956. They were married two weeks later.

The couple had supper together every night for 14 nights after they first met, which was enough time for them to realize theirs was a love that would last a lifetime—and it did.

They experienced ups and downs like any marriage, but they persevered for nearly 58 years until Garner’s passed away in 2014.

Garner and Clarke divorced twice after getting married in 1956, but they maintained there were no issues with their marriage at the time. ‘I’ve never had any big issues with Lois.

The pressures of ‘Rockford’ accounted for 90% of the issue; it wasn’t us; I needed time apart to collect my thoughts ‘In 1985, Garner spoke with PEOPLE.

While filming The Rockford Files, there were whispers that Garner was seeing other women, but the actor opted against it. ‘I’ve worked with a lot of gorgeous actresses, and I make it a point not to have any negative feelings against any of them.

I also deliberately avoid falling in love with them ‘He assured everyone of his love for Clarke by saying.

In a memoir titled The Garner Files, he declared his love for Clarke as well. ‘At an Adlai Stevenson for President barbecue on August 1, 1956, I had my first and final true love.

I first met Lois Clarke there. At first glance, there was love. the lightning bolt. She was equally lovely and nice. I wound up in the pool with the kids after a barbecue,’ He composed.

Despite the challenges, the two managed to make it work. ‘None of the critics had thought to consider how Lois and I balanced one another. We perceived strengths where they saw problems,’ He spoke out.

Unfortunately, Garner had a number of health problems throughout his life. ‘I’m in pain all the time. My hands, knees, and back all struggle from arthritis.

This last year, I struggled from pressure sores an ulcer patient, always an ulcer patient. When I feel down, Very,’ He confessed. But Clarke stuck at his side the entire time.

She has simply been with me all these years. The actor, who tragically passed suddenly at the age of 86, leaving her devoted wife behind, said, “I guess she’s stubborn too.

As for Clarke, she has consistently stood up for her husband. Jim is a very complicated person who is hiding a lot of pain.