Her life seemed like a glamorous Hollywood dream — working alongside some of the biggest stars in films that would become classics. However, she found her greatest happiness in a love story that lasted nearly half a century. When her husband’s health declined in his later years, she stood by him, devoting herself to his care.
She rose to fame in the 1950s, earning a place in Hollywood’s golden age with roles in films like “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “Funny Face.” Her career spanned six decades, making her a recognizable figure on stage, television, and film.
The actress and fellow actors exchange confidences in a scene from the film “Gaby,” circa 1956 | Source: Getty Images
Known for her charm and high energy, she could do it all — sing, dance, act — and remained a steady presence in the industry for years. Her 46-year-old marriage wasn’t always easy, especially in the later years, but her devotion to her husband through life’s most challenging moments proved that love can endure anything.
The Hollywood icon on a CBS television military sitcom on October 19, 1959 | Source: Getty Images
Her first television appearance was on the popular “Burns and Allen” show when she was just 16 years old. It wasn’t a grand discovery, as she described it, but it was enough to get her a union card and start her journey in show business.
Her early work on television opened the door to bigger opportunities, and it wasn’t long before she found herself auditioning for the 1954 film “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” Producers were looking for dancers for the musical, and her ballet skills caught their attention.
The actress and musician performs alongside fellow cast members in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” circa 1954 | Source: Getty Images
When asked if she could perform something more “folksy,” she delighted them with a Lithuanian polka — drawing from her family’s Eastern European roots. Her unique charm and talent secured her the role of Ruth Jepson.
The musical became a massive success, and the experience left a lasting impression on her. She recalled one mishap when she slipped on the wooden platform and knocked herself out during rehearsals. “I did a big slide back and fell forward onto my face, hit my head on the planks, went out like a light,” she recalled.
The actress and dancer pictured in 1964 | Source: Getty Images
The actress, also a choreographer, lightened the mood, joking that she had dropped a coin and was trying to find it. Although she left with a goose egg on her forehead, she quickly laughed it off and continued rehearsals.
The film became a hit and cemented her place in Hollywood. Other notable roles soon followed, including an appearance in “Funny Face” (1957) alongside Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. She also had a role in “Witness for the Prosecution” (1957).
The Hollywood icon during the premiere of “Raggedy Anne and Andy” in March 26, 1997 | Source: Getty Images
Her versatility kept her busy for decades, working in film, television, and on stage. She admitted she never reached superstardom but maintained a steady and rewarding career. “I’m a triple threat,” she once said, proud of her ability to adapt to different roles.
The star poses for a portrait on July 12, 1998 | Source: Getty images
In addition to acting, she spent five successful years on the Home Shopping Network, where her lively personality resonated with viewers. Reflecting on her long career, she stated, “I’ve always managed to make a living at it.”
A portrait of the actress, circa 1961 | Source: Getty Images
But while her professional life was filled with exciting opportunities, her true fulfillment came from her marriage. She had a love story that would define her life in later years.
A portrait of the actress, dated April 4, 1964 | Source: Getty Images
Amid a successful Hollywood career, she met and married Webb Lowe, a dashing real estate executive from Texas. As she fondly described him, “He was handsome in every way. And his inside was even better than his good-looking outside. He was the finest, finest man that God could’ve sent.”
The couple built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. They traveled the world together, savoring new experiences while enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Their bond was unbreakable, and their marriage lasted an impressive 46 years.
The actress pictured with her husband on February 13, 1977 | Source: Getty Images
In February 2020, the actress marked their 44th wedding anniversary with a heartfelt message on social media. “Today and every day is special with this wonderful man. As we toast each other, we wish you all a lovely day whether coupled or single… love each other and love yourselves,” she wrote.
For decades, their marriage thrived. They weathered life’s ups and downs with unwavering support for one another. But as time passed, her love for Lowe was tested.
The actress attends the 22nd Annual Thalians Ball on February 13, 1977 | Source: Getty Images
The couple’s joyful life together took a turn when Lowe suffered a stroke. The health challenges that followed were immense, requiring constant care and attention. Without hesitation, she devoted herself to his well-being, stepping into the role of caregiver.
She spoke openly about the emotional toll it took, admitting she would sometimes run out of patience. However, Lowe’s calm nature and constant gratitude helped diffuse her frustration. His steady kindness became a source of strength during the most difficult moments.
The talented actress with her husband Webster Lowe on May 18, 1987 | Source: Getty Images
Over time, Lowe’s condition worsened as he developed dementia, gradually slipping further away from the man she had known for decades. Watching the decline of someone she loved so deeply was heartbreaking.
Still, she found ways to stay strong and advised others facing similar struggles. “You really have to pray hard and call on all those great reserves of love to help you through. [People with dementia] don’t know what they’re doing to you. And things can tear you apart if you let them,” she once said.
Despite the overwhelming responsibility, she never wavered. For her, caregiving was an extension of the deep love they had shared for decades. It was not easy, but it was a role she was determined to carry out to the very end.
In July 2020, Lowe passed away just shy of his 89th birthday. Although the loss was painful, she chose to focus on gratitude for the time they had shared rather than linger in grief.
“When he died, all I could do is look back with a smile,” she said. “I had 46 glorious years without a fight. He was a gentle, loving soul with a wonderful heart.” Still, watching him slip away in his final years had been one of the hardest experiences of her life.
She recalled, “Every few months, I’d see him slipping away more.” Despite the sadness, she honors his memory most lovingly by celebrating the life they had built together. On what would have been their 48th wedding anniversary, she shared a touching message on social media.
The actress and Webb Lowe during Second Annual Voice Awards on August 23, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
The post dated February 2024 read, “Happy Heavenly Anniversary. Although no longer with me… my beloved Webster is always in my heart.”
Followers who admired her enduring devotion showed their love and support. One fan wrote, “Beautiful love story ❤️.” Another described it as a “wonderful romantic story,” while another remarked, “Great that you can miss him that way.”
Even in the face of loss, she was optimistic, finding solace in revisiting the memories of their life together. “I thank God every day,” she said. “I’m sorry that he’s gone, but thank you for the pleasure of having him all those years.”
Ruta Lee attends The Thalians Holiday Party on October 9, 1972 | Source: Getty Images
After losing Lowe, Ruta Lee focused on a cause close to her heart. Lee turned much of her focus toward her work with The Thalians, a Hollywood nonprofit dedicated to mental health causes.
Her involvement with The Thalians began years earlier when the organization focused on raising funds for psychiatric care for children. Over time, the group shifted its mission to address the mental health needs of returning veterans — a cause she fully embraced.
Ruta Lee and Kathy Garner on December 2, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
“My work on behalf of The Thalians […] is what I’m proudest of,” she revealed. “Right now, our focus is geared on the mental health of our returning veterans.”
Helping others brought her a renewed sense of purpose, just as her work in entertainment had done for decades. At 89, Lee remains active and engaged, showing no signs of slowing down. She has remained a beloved figure to her fans for decades.
Ruta Lee is seen on August 1, 2024 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
“A forever fan since the early 60s!!!” one admirer wrote. Others continue to praise her timeless beauty and spirit, calling her a “gorgeous lady” and saying, “You are so beautiful to me.”
Even with all her accomplishments, she is far from finished. “I don’t think I’ve had my big break yet,” she joked a few years ago. “I still think I have somewhere else to go.”
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