Rosemary Clooney: The Remarkable Story Of A Hollywood Icon

Let me tell you about a time when Beverly Hills was the epicenter of glitz and glamour, and no one shone brighter than Rosemary Clooney. Her son, Gabriel Ferrer, recalls those golden days vividly. “There were endless parties,” Gabriel says, reminiscing about the legendary nights filled with A-list guests like Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, and Billie Holiday. “I remember sneaking downstairs one night and sitting with Nat King Cole as he played the piano,” Gabriel shares with Closer. To them, it was just another night, another Tuesday, in the world of high society. At the height of her early fame, Rosemary seemed to have it all: a thriving career, a passionate marriage to actor José Ferrer, and five beautiful children.

A Star's Journey: The Rise and Challenges

But life isn’t always as glamorous as it seems. In 1968, Rosemary suffered a devastating breakdown, brought on by exhaustion and a dependency on prescription drugs. It could have been the end of her story, but thanks to the love and support of her children, she found the strength to rebuild her life. Gabriel explains, “She pulled herself back together and became a different kind of mother.” Born in Maysville, KY, in 1928, Rosemary was in her 20s when her career skyrocketed. Her hits like “Come On-A My House” and “Mambo Italiano” were playing on every radio, and she fell deeply in love with José, an actor 16 years her senior. They tied the knot in 1953, beginning a life filled with both joy and challenges.

Rosemary and José with children Gabriel and Maria Ferrer.

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Love and Challenges: The Complex Relationship with José Ferrer

“There was intense love, but living together was too hard,” Gabriel, now 60, reflects on his parents’ relationship, which saw two marriages and two divorces. “My mother always said my father was a great father and a so-so husband,” he confides. After their final split, Rosemary found herself deeply affected by the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in 1968, an event she witnessed firsthand at the Ambassador Hotel. Gabriel believes this tragedy played a significant role in her eventual breakdown. “She was carrying a heavy load for years, and it finally caught up with her,” he says with a mix of sadness and understanding.

Rebuilding: A New Chapter in Life

In the wake of her breakdown, Rosemary made a conscious decision to change. “She became less concerned about chasing fame and more focused on her children,” Gabriel explains. This transformation was evident in the way she began cooking for her family, experimenting with recipes until she perfected them. “She would find a recipe and make it over and over until she got it right. For instance, we had soufflés for three nights in a row,” Gabriel recalls with a chuckle. Her renewed focus extended beyond her immediate family; the neighborhood kids who came from broken homes found solace and warmth in her home.