Noble Herman Stephens, born on December 25, 1936, was an electrician by profession and is best known as the former husband of actress Stella Stevens. The couple got married on December 3, 1954, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and later moved to Memphis, where they had their only child, Herman Andrew Stephens, born on June 10, 1955.
During their time together, Stella pursued her interest in acting and modeling while studying at Memphis State University. However, their marriage didn’t last long, as they got divorced in 1957. Noble Herman Stephens passed away on March 14, 2018, at the age of 81.
Despite his connection to a famous actress, Noble maintained a relatively private life, focusing on his career as an electrician. This article aims to provide insights into his life, relationship with Stella Stevens, and the impact their brief marriage had on their respective lives.
Content Compass
Early Life and Career
Rise to Stardom
Estelle Caro Eggleston, better known as Stella Stevens, was born on October 1, 1938, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, the only child of Thomas Ellett Eggleston and Dovey Estelle Caro. At the age of 18, she married electrician Noble Herman Stephens on December 1, 1954, in Memphis, Tennessee. Together, they had a son, Herman Andrew, who later became an actor and producer known as Andrew Stevens.
Before turning to acting, Stella pursued a successful career in modeling. She attended Memphis State University, where she also studied acting. Her first major film role came in 1959 with the movie Say One for Me, followed by other notable roles such as in The Courtship of Eddie’s Father and Li’l Abner.
Hollywood Success
As an American actress, Stella quickly gained recognition and success for her talent and beauty. In 1960, she was named Playmate of the Month by Playboy magazine, and she also won the Golden Globe Award for “New Star of the Year.” Some of her other notable film and television appearances include:
- Films: Girls! Girls! Girls!, The Nutty Professor, The Silencers, Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows.
- Television: Bonanza, The Love Boat, Murder, She Wrote, Highway to Heaven.
Throughout her career, Stella Stevens remained a respected and well-known figure in Hollywood. Despite facing challenges and personal struggles, she continued to bring her talents to the silver screen and captivated audiences for decades.
Notable Filmography
Critical Acclaim
Stella Stevens, Noble Herman Stephens’ ex-wife, was known for her acting career and gained fame for some iconic roles. Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962) saw her perform alongside Elvis Presley, gaining her popularity and recognition. Another one of Stevens’ notable films includes The Nutty Professor (1963), where she starred alongside Jerry Lewis, earning her critical acclaim in the industry.
A significant part of her career arose from her performance in the disaster film The Poseidon Adventure (1972), receiving much appreciation from the audience and critics alike. In addition to these classics, Stevens appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Presents, showcasing her versatility in the field of acting.
Diverse Roles
Throughout her career, Stella Stevens maintained a diverse range of roles and characters. In The Silencers (1966), she played a sexy yet clumsy government agent opposite Dean Martin in the Matt Helm spy spoof. Following that, she worked with renowned director Sam Peckinpah in the western film The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970), again revealing her skills in embracing unique roles.
Her versatility didn’t only shine in cinema but also on television, as she appeared in classic shows like The Flintstones. Furthermore, Stevens had the distinction of being the first actress to appear as a Playboy centerfold, for which she received the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year.
Personal Life and Legacy
Family and Relationships
Noble Herman Stephens, known as an electrician, gained fame through his marriage to Stella Stevens, a renowned American actress. The couple tied the knot on December 3, 1954, in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Together, they moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where their only child, Herman Andrew Stevens, was born on June 10, 1955. Unfortunately, their marriage came to an end when they divorced in 1957.
After the divorce, Stella Stevens went on to establish a successful acting career in Hollywood and had other relationships, including one with Bob Kulick. Andrew Stevens, their son, followed in his mother’s footsteps and made a name for himself in the entertainment industry as a producer, actor, director, and writer.
Health and Later Years
Stella Stevens faced health challenges in her later years, as she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Despite her illness, she lived a life surrounded by loved ones, who provided support and care. Stella passed away on December 15, 2023, leaving a lasting legacy in the film industry.
Noble Herman Stephens continued his work as an electrician after his divorce from Stella and led a relatively private life. Although not much is known about the final years of his life, it’s evident that his marriage to Stella Stevens contributed immensely to his popularity. The couple’s son, Andrew, has continued to carry on the family’s legacy in the entertainment industry.
Throughout their lives, both Noble Herman Stephens and Stella Stevens experienced different milestones in their personal and professional journeys. Despite their divorce, they played significant roles in each other’s lives, mainly through their son, Andrew Stevens. As their legacy lives on through their son’s accomplishments, it’s important to appreciate the impact their relationship had on the lives of everyone involved, from family members to fans of their work.
Cultural Impact and Recognition
Awards and Nominations
Noble Herman Stephens was married to Stella Stevens, an actress who had a significant impact on entertainment in the 20th century. Throughout her career, Stella received various accolades, including a Golden Globe Award for New Star Actress of the Year in 1960. She was praised for her memorable performance in the film The Nutty Professor, starring alongside the legendary Jerry Lewis.
Stella’s body of work includes many films and television series, such as the Neil Simon’s adaptation of The Odd Couple with Dean Martin and Ernest Borgnine. She also appeared in movies like Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows, which contributed to her recognition in the industry.
Influence on Media
Due to her popularity and success, Stella had the opportunity to work alongside influential artists like Elvis Presley in the film Girls! Girls! Girls! Furthermore, her role as The American Heroine in a novel adaptation led her to explore other facets of the entertainment industry.
Beyond acting, Stella became involved in directing and producing, expanding her influence within the media. She even guest-starred in popular television shows like Fantasy Island and the well-known soap opera General Hospital.
In summary, while Noble Herman Stephens’ cultural impact and recognition are closely tied to his ex-wife Stella Stevens, it is evident that their shared life contributed to the shaping of popular culture in the mid-20th century. By working alongside notable artists and exploring various facets of the entertainment industry, Stella has left a lasting impression on media and audiences alike.